Search is changing. Besides traditional results, people now get answers from AI assistants and answer engines. Three terms describe this: SEO, AEO and GEO.
The terms in plain language
- SEO (search engine optimisation): helping your pages rank in search results.
- AEO (answer engine optimisation): structuring content so it can be used as a direct answer.
- GEO (generative engine optimisation): making your content easy for generative AI systems to understand and cite.
What they have in common
All three reward helpful, accurate, well-organised content from a trustworthy source. There is no trick that guarantees visibility, and anyone who promises it is overselling.
How to write for both
- Answer first. Put a clear, one- or two-sentence answer under each question heading.
- Use real questions. Base headings on what customers actually ask.
- Be specific. Include details, examples and limits, not vague claims.
- Show expertise. Add author names, experience and sources where they help.
- Keep facts consistent. Your business details should match across your site and profiles.
- Use structure. Short paragraphs, lists and tables are easier to read and to quote.
- Add structured data. Schema markup such as Organization, LocalBusiness and FAQ helps machines understand your pages.
Do not forget the basics
Crawlable pages, fast loading, mobile-friendly design and good internal links still matter. Technical problems can stop any content from being found.
Measure carefully
Track organic traffic, enquiries and branded searches. AI visibility is harder to measure, so be cautious about tools and claims that promise precise numbers.
If you would like a content and technical review for search and AI answers, contact Digital Deck Agency.