SEO, AEO and GEO are three connected search disciplines: SEO ranks your page in the classic results, AEO wins the direct answer in snippets and voice, and GEO gets your brand cited inside AI-generated answers. In 2026, with AI Overviews appearing on roughly half of all searches, you need all three working together.
Quick definitions
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization) — earning a ranking position among the traditional search links.
- AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) — earning the direct answer in featured snippets, People Also Ask and voice results.
- GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) — earning a citation inside AI answers from Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity.
SEO vs AEO vs GEO at a glance
| Discipline | Goal | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|
| SEO | Rank a page | The ten blue links |
| AEO | Win the direct answer | Featured snippets, voice, People Also Ask |
| GEO | Get cited in AI answers | AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity |
Why the difference matters in 2026
Ranking on page one no longer guarantees visibility. As AI answers sit above the classic links on a growing share of searches, being ranked is not the same as being seen. AEO makes you the answer; GEO makes you the cited source. Brands that only optimise for traditional rankings are exposed, while those that are clear, structured and citable win across every surface.
How they work together
The good news is that the same fundamentals power all three: clear structure, fast answers, demonstrated expertise and trust. Start with strong SEO, layer AEO to win direct answers, then build GEO so AI engines cite your brand.
What to do first
- Make every important page answer its core question in the first two sentences.
- Add FAQ and structured data so engines can extract your answers.
- Build consistent brand signals so AI systems recognise you as a trusted entity.
- Cover each topic in depth with guides, comparisons and FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
Is GEO replacing SEO?
No. GEO builds on SEO. The clarity and authority that rank a page also make it citable in AI answers, so the two reinforce each other.
Which should a business prioritise?
Start with SEO foundations, then add AEO and GEO. For most businesses the highest return comes from doing all three together rather than choosing one.
Not sure how visible your brand is in AI search? Request a free AI visibility audit.
