SEO: search engine optimization
SEO is the practice of helping your website show up when people search Google for what you do. It covers the words on your pages, how your site is built, how fast it loads, and how many trustworthy sites point back to you.
AEO: answer engine optimization
AEO focuses on being the answer, not just a link. When someone asks a question, Google often shows a short answer at the top of the page, and voice assistants read one answer out loud. Pages that answer a question clearly, in the first few sentences, are the ones that get picked.
GEO: generative engine optimization
GEO is about showing up inside AI-written responses. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity pull from sources they can find and trust. Consistent business information, strong reviews, and mentions on other reputable sites all make it easier for them to recommend you.
What they have in common
You don't need three separate strategies. The same work supports all three:
- Pages that answer real customer questions in plain language
- Accurate, consistent business details everywhere you're listed
- Reviews and mentions that build trust
- A fast, mobile-friendly website
The bottom line
Build for people first, and structure your content so machines can understand it. That's how you get found in search results, answer boxes, and AI tools at the same time.