Comparison guide
SEO vs GEO vs AEO: what is the difference?
Three labels, one aim: being found and chosen. Here is how they differ and where they overlap.
Comparison
SEO, GEO and AEO side by side
| SEO | GEO | AEO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Search engine optimization | Generative engine optimization | Answer engine optimization |
| Goal | Rank pages in search results | Be cited and recommended in AI-generated answers | Be the direct answer to a question |
| Where it shows | Google and Bing results, Maps | ChatGPT, AI Overviews, AI Mode, Perplexity, Copilot | Featured snippets, voice assistants, AI answers |
| Key tactics | Technical health, intent-led content, links | Entity clarity, evidence-rich passages, brand mentions | Concise answers, question headings, clear structure |
| Measured by | Rankings, organic visits, conversions | Citations, brand mentions, AI referral visits | Answer placements, snippet share |
GEO and AEO are often used for the same work. We use GEO as the umbrella term.
Do I need all three?
You need one strategy, not three. Google's own guidance says that optimizing for generative AI search is optimizing for the search experience, and that no new machine-readable files or special markup are required.
In practice we start with solid SEO, then add the GEO work that SEO alone does not cover: consistent entity facts, evidence and sources on key pages, and credible mentions on other websites.
- Fix technical access and indexing first
- Give every service its own clear page
- Answer buyer questions directly, with evidence
- Earn mentions on trusted third-party sites
- Measure both search and AI visibility
Sources
- Google Search Central: Optimizing your website for generative AI features on Google Search
- Search Engine Journal: Google's new AI search guide calls AEO and GEO 'still SEO'
- Aggarwal et al., GEO: Generative Engine Optimization (KDD 2024)
Sources checked on . Third-party findings are reported as published and may be correlational.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is GEO replacing SEO?
No. AI systems draw heavily on the same indexed, trustworthy content that ranks in search. GEO extends SEO rather than replacing it.
Is AEO different from GEO?
The terms overlap almost completely. AEO came first, describing featured snippets and voice answers; GEO describes the same idea for generative AI.
Which should a small business start with?
Start with local SEO and a complete Google Business Profile, then add GEO work once the basics are in place.
Next step
Find out what AI says about your business
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