Marketing has picked up two new acronyms. Here is what they mean and whether you need to care.
SEO: search engine optimization
SEO is the work of ranking in the traditional results: the map pack and the list of website links. It covers your Google Business Profile, your website content, your site speed and your reputation.
AEO: answer engine optimization
AEO is about being the direct answer. When a search engine shows a short answer at the top of the page, or a voice assistant reads one aloud, it takes that answer from a page that states it clearly. AEO means writing content that answers real questions in a sentence or two before going into detail.
GEO: generative engine optimization
GEO is about being included when an AI tool writes a longer response, such as Google’s AI Overviews or a chat assistant’s recommendation. These tools combine information from many sources, so GEO is about being accurate, consistent and mentioned in the places they read.
What they have in common
All three reward the same foundations:
- Clear, factual content about what you do and where.
- Consistent business information everywhere.
- Real reviews and real mentions from other sites.
- A fast, well-structured website with schema markup.
What to do differently
- Add question-and-answer sections to your service pages.
- Put the answer first, then the explanation.
- Keep facts such as hours, prices and service areas up to date.
- Check how AI tools describe your business and correct the sources if they are wrong.
You do not need three separate strategies. You need one good one, done thoroughly.