Define the terms
Answer engine optimisation (AEO) and generative engine optimisation (GEO) are names for approaches to visibility in answer-oriented interfaces. They are not separate technical standards or a way to force a citation.
- SEO: crawlability, relevance and usability
- AEO: direct answers with context
- GEO: visibility in generated answers
- All: evidence and clear structure
Write for the decision
Answer the main question early, then explain conditions, trade-offs and next steps. Link related subjects where the reader genuinely needs more detail.
Avoid thin FAQ collections built only for rich results. Useful questions should reflect decisions customers actually make.
Be careful with attribution
AI answers may not provide a click, and reporting varies. Track qualified enquiries and referral evidence without claiming every mention caused a sale.
SEO and AEO in practice
| Focus | SEO | AEO |
|---|---|---|
| Core aim | Make useful pages accessible and relevant to search | Make responses to questions direct and well supported |
| Shared foundations | Clear structure, crawlability, evidence | Clear structure, crawlability, evidence |
| Outcome | Neither approach guarantees rankings | Neither approach guarantees AI citation |
Questions worth asking
Does AEO replace technical SEO?
No. Answer-led writing cannot compensate for a site that cannot be crawled or understood.
Advice here is general; the appropriate implementation depends on the people, systems and constraints involved.