SEO remains the foundation
Search Engine Optimization improves how pages can be discovered and understood in search. Crawlability, useful content and clear site structure continue to matter. AI features do not make those foundations obsolete.
AEO focuses on the answer
Answer Engine Optimization adds attention to how a business is represented in generated answers. The useful unit of analysis is often a buyer question, rather than a single keyword position. Look for mentions, citations and the accuracy of the information shown.
GEO describes a similar opportunity
Generative Engine Optimization is another term used for improving visibility in generated responses. Industry usage overlaps and is not standardized. Ask a provider to define its actual deliverables and measurement method instead of choosing a service based on the acronym.
Choose the work, not the label
A practical plan combines technical access, expert content, accurate business information and legitimate authority building. Judge it by the quality of the work and the relevance of the outcomes. No label gives an agency control over an AI platform's recommendations.
Sources & further reading
These guides distinguish practical recommendations from platform guarantees. Start with the platforms’ own documentation.
Google: AI features and your website ↗Google: creating helpful, reliable, people-first content ↗