What is the difference between SEO, AEO and GEO?

SEO optimizes for classic organic results (the 10 blue links). AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) targets featured snippets, People Also Ask boxes and voice search. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) optimizes your content to be cited in generative AI answers: Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini. These three layers stack on top of each other.

Will GEO replace SEO?

No. GEO does not work without a solid SEO foundation. AI engines, including Google AI Overviews, rely on the Google index to retrieve their sources. A site that ranks well in traditional SEO is far more likely to be cited by AI. GEO is an additional optimization layer, not a replacement.

How long does it take to appear in AI answers?

Google AI Overviews pull content in real time, so technical optimizations deliver results fast (a few weeks). For ChatGPT and Perplexity, visibility depends on both real-time content (SearchGPT, Perplexity) and training data. Expect 1 to 3 months for meaningful results.

Is GEO relevant for B2B companies?

Especially so. Perplexity is heavily used by B2B professionals for research. Decision-makers increasingly turn to AI as their first research step. Being cited as an expert in AI answers strengthens your brand credibility and generates qualified leads with strong purchase intent.

GEO, AEO and AI Search Visibility

65% of Google searches end without a click in 2026 (SparkToro). The goal is no longer just ranking in the 10 blue links. It is getting cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the new frontier of search.

Neural network and artificial intelligence in neon blue tones

The future of search

What is GEO and why should your business prepare for it?

GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) means optimizing your content to be cited and recommended by AI-powered search engines: Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT (via SearchGPT), Perplexity and Gemini. According to Previsible (2025), sessions referred by AI engines grew 527% in a single year.

47 to 50% of Google queries now trigger an AI Overview. Organic position 1 loses 34 to 80% of its CTR when an AI Overview appears. Ignoring GEO means accepting a growing loss of your organic traffic.

527% growth in AI-referred sessions in 2025 (Previsible)
47-50% of Google queries trigger an AI Overview
AI visitors convert 4.4x better than classic organic traffic
31.3% of the US population will use AI search in 2026
GEO stacks with SEO: each one reinforces the other

Methodology

How do we optimize your content for AI engines?

LLMs (Large Language Models) process content differently from traditional crawlers. They favor direct answers, sourced data points, expert quotes and precise technical terminology. Our GEO methodology rests on 7 optimization pillars validated by our own testing.

Direct answer within the first 40 to 60 words of every page
H2/H3 headings phrased as questions (the Q&A format AI prefers)
Data density: 1 sourced statistic every 150 to 200 words
Expert quotes with full attribution (+30-40% AI citations)
Advanced Schema JSON-LD: FAQPage, HowTo, Article, Organization
Precise technical terminology (+28% AI visibility vs. paraphrasing)

Entity SEO

How do you get AI to recognize your brand as an entity?

For LLMs to cite your brand, they need to "know" it as an entity. Entity SEO means building a consistent, verifiable digital footprint for your company across the web. The more consistently your brand appears on authoritative sources, the more AI treats it as trustworthy and worth citing.

Complete Organization Schema on the homepage
Wikipedia/Wikidata entry (if eligible) or Knowledge Panel
Verified and optimized Google Business Profile
Consistent mentions across industry directories and press
NAP consistency (name, address, phone) on every channel

AI monitoring

How do you measure your visibility on ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini?

Measuring AI visibility is a new challenge for marketers. Unlike classic SEO with its rank tracking tools, the GEO measurement ecosystem is still taking shape. We combine specialized tools with manual testing protocols to assess and track your presence in AI answers.

Semrush AI Visibility tracker and Ahrefs AI Mentions
Manual tests on ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini (40+ target queries)
BrightEdge AI Share of Voice for tracking over time
AI Overview monitoring on your strategic queries
Monthly AI visibility report with mention trends

FAQ

GEO and AI visibility questions

What is the difference between SEO, AEO and GEO?▾
SEO optimizes for classic organic results (the 10 blue links). AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) targets featured snippets, People Also Ask boxes and voice search. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) optimizes your content to be cited in generative AI answers: Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini. These three layers stack on top of each other.
Will GEO replace SEO?▾
No. GEO does not work without a solid SEO foundation. AI engines, including Google AI Overviews, rely on the Google index to retrieve their sources. A site that ranks well in traditional SEO is far more likely to be cited by AI. GEO is an additional optimization layer, not a replacement.
How long does it take to appear in AI answers?▾
Google AI Overviews pull content in real time, so technical optimizations deliver results fast (a few weeks). For ChatGPT and Perplexity, visibility depends on both real-time content (SearchGPT, Perplexity) and training data. Expect 1 to 3 months for meaningful results.
Is GEO relevant for B2B companies?▾
Especially so. Perplexity is heavily used by B2B professionals for research. Decision-makers increasingly turn to AI as their first research step. Being cited as an expert in AI answers strengthens your brand credibility and generates qualified leads with strong purchase intent.

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