Marketers keep hearing two terms: Answer Engine Optimization ( AEO ) and Generative Engine Optimization ( GEO ).
Some people call them the same.
Others describe GEO as something entirely new.
The truth is that they are closely related, but not identical.
Both approaches focus on helping your content appear when people ask questions.
The difference comes from how answers are delivered and which platforms you need to optimize for.
What Is AEO?
Answer Engine Optimization began when search engines started delivering direct answers inside results.
Featured snippets, People Also Ask boxes, and voice assistant replies created a new way for information to surface.
AEO is the strategy that makes sure your content gets selected for those spots.
AEO focuses on:
- Featured snippets and answer boxes
- Voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa
- Structured data and schema markup
- Clear, concise answers to common questions
The goal is simple: when someone asks a question, your content appears as the answer in the search results.
What Is GEO?
Generative Engine Optimization emerged with the rise of AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.
These platforms do more than display a snippet. They create synthesized responses using multiple sources.
GEO focuses on:
- Earning citations in AI-generated answers
- Publishing authoritative and well-structured content that models can trust
- Covering topics thoroughly to build topical authority
- Presenting content with clear headings, lists, and direct answers
The goal is not just to be quoted. You want to be part of the trusted information AI systems use to build responses.
The Overlap Between AEO and GEO
Both share the same foundation:
- Focus on intent, not only keywords
- Authority and trust through data, citations, and expertise
- Clear content structure that helps both people and machines
If you already apply AEO practices, you are well prepared to adapt to GEO.
The Difference Between AEO and GEO
- Platforms targeted
AEO is built for search engines like Google and Bing. GEO is designed for generative engines such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews. - How information is processed
AEO content is pulled directly into snippets. GEO content is blended into larger responses that combine multiple sources. - User experience
AEO answers show up in search results or through voice assistants. GEO answers appear inside AI-generated narratives and conversational tools. - End goal
AEO is about being the answer. GEO is about powering the creation of answers.
Why Both Matter for Your Business
Search is not an either or scenario. Users still heavily rely on Google and Bing, which makes AEO a must. At the same time, generative AI adoption is growing quickly.
GEO ensures your content shows up in that environment as well.
Businesses that embrace both will gain stronger visibility and authority across every channel where people seek information.
Next Step
Answer Engine Optimization positions your content as the answer in traditional search.
Generative Engine Optimization extends that principle to AI-driven engines.
Both share the same goal of making your business more discoverable.
👉 Explore our Answer Engine Optimization Services to see how we help brands build visibility in both AEO and GEO.
Stop guessing. Every day you wait, competitors gain ground.
We can accelerate your path to visibility and get you showing up in AI-driven search faster.
Tommy Landry
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