Understanding SEO, GEO, And AEO
SEO, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) work together to improve visibility across traditional search engines, AI-generated responses, and direct answer platforms. In 2026, brands optimize not just for rankings, but for being cited, summarized, and trusted by AI-driven search experiences.
Search Engine Journal contributor Roger Montti has published an article explaining SEO, GEO and AEO.
He says, “The debate about AEO/GEO centers on whether it’s a subset of SEO, a standalone discipline, or just standard SEO. Deciding on where to plant a flag is difficult because every argument makes a solid case. There’s no doubt that change is underway and it may be time find where all the competing ideas intersect and work from there.
The Case Against AEO/GEO
Many SEOs argue that AEO/GEO doesn’t differentiate itself enough to justify being anything other than a subset of SEO, sharing computers in the same office.
The part about LLMs.txt being a myth is rooted in the fact that no AI search engine currently uses the markdown. SEOs and publishers cannot be trusted with a separate markdown for AI because let’s be honest, we all know it will be manipulated for AI ranking, forcing AI search to check it against the regular HTML content, undermining any convenience inherent in markdown files.”
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