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GEO explained

Generative Engine Optimization vs AEO vs SEO

By Alec Drury-Singh · 6 min read · January 9, 2026
The short answer

GEO and AEO are the same drink with a different label: getting named in AI answers. SEO still gets you into the search results. You want all three, and they run on the same engine.

Three names, plainly

SEO gets you into Google's list. AEO and GEO both get you named in the AI answer. Marketers love inventing acronyms. Under the hood, GEO and AEO are twins.

What they all share

Fast site, clean structure, real content, strong reviews, trusted mentions. Skip the fundamentals and you are painting a car with no engine.

Where to spend first

Fix the foundation and stack up reviews, then publish content that answers real questions. That one move lifts SEO, AEO, and GEO at the same time. Three birds, one stone, no wasted rock.

Frequently asked questions

Is GEO different from AEO?
Barely. Both mean optimizing to get cited in AI answers. Different podcast, same song.
Do I still need SEO?
Yes. The AI answer runs on the same index as search. SEO is the foundation you build on.
What matters most for a local business?
Reviews and local relevance. They move all three at once.
Related: Fabgen AEO: get recommended by ChatGPT

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