AEO & AI search · 6 min read · Updated 15 Sep 2026
SEO vs AEO vs GEO: what is the difference and which do you need?
Three ways to be found online in 2026 — explained in plain language with examples.
Key takeaways
- SEO gets you ranked in search results; AEO gets you quoted in direct answers; GEO gets you cited by generative AI.
- All three share the same foundation: a fast, clear, trustworthy website.
- Most businesses should start with SEO and add AEO/GEO practices on top.
Quick definitions
SEO: ranking in Google results. AEO: being the direct answer. GEO: being cited in AI-generated responses.
How they overlap
All three reward helpful content, clear structure, schema and authority.
Where they differ
SEO focuses on keywords and links; AEO on concise answers; GEO on being a trusted, citable source.
Get named by AI assistants.AEO services
Which to start with
Start with SEO basics, then add FAQ content, schema and llms.txt for AEO and GEO.
A simple plan
Fix technical SEO, write answer-first service pages, add FAQs with schema, and monitor AI answers monthly.
Frequently asked questions
01Is GEO replacing SEO?
No — AI tools still rely heavily on content that ranks well.
02Do I need separate agencies?
No, one team can handle all three together.
03What is llms.txt?
A plain-text summary file that helps AI tools understand your site.
