SEO vs AEO vs GEO: what's the difference and which do you need?
Short answerSEO helps you rank in search results, AEO helps you become the direct answer to specific questions, and GEO helps generative AI understand and mention your brand. They share the same foundations, so most experts and businesses need all three, built together.
Side by side
| SEO | AEO | GEO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | Rank in search results | Be the direct answer | Be understood and mentioned by AI |
| Where it shows | Google and Bing results | Snippets, voice, AI summaries | ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude |
| Key tactics | Keywords, speed, links, structure | Question headings, direct answers, FAQ schema | Entity clarity, consistency, citations, llms.txt |
| Success looks like | Clicks from search | Your answer shown | Your name in AI answers |
How they overlap
All three reward the same basics: a fast, well-structured website, clear and specific content, accurate structured data and a credible reputation across the web. Think of SEO as the foundation, AEO as the way you write, and GEO as the way you present your whole brand.
How to prioritise
- Fix technical foundations first: speed, mobile, indexing, schema.
- Clarify your positioning so every source describes you the same way.
- Rewrite key pages answer-first and add FAQs.
- Build a library of useful, question-led content.
- Earn mentions and citations on other sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is SEO dead because of AI?
No. AI systems depend on well-structured, credible web content, which is exactly what good SEO produces. SEO has expanded rather than disappeared.
Which should I start with?
Start with the shared foundations: technical health, clear positioning and answer-first content. That serves SEO, AEO and GEO at the same time.
Want this done for you?
I build brands and websites that are optimised for search, answer engines and AI from day one. See the AI Visibility Sprint or book a call.