Getting Started with AEO and GEO

Have you noticed how online search has changed lately? Google now displays an AI overview at the top of search results. Do you scroll past it, or do you find yourself getting your answers directly from that summary? 

Growing numbers of consumers are now using AI-generated summaries and AI chatbots to research products and make purchasing decisions. If you haven’t tried them yourself, you’re likely to know someone who has. According to Semrush research, AI search visitors are projected to surpass traditional search visitors by 2028.  

So, let’s talk about tweaks to optimization strategy in 2025. This shift toward AI-powered search means that business owners and marketers need to get familiar with Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).  

  

What is AEO?

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) involves crafting content that AI systems and search engines can quickly identify and present as standalone answers. The focus Is creating information that’s formatted and structured to appear in Google’s featured snippets or AI chatbot responses by delivering immediate, query specific solutions. 

  

What is GEO?

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) centers on developing content that AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity will trust and incorporate when synthesizing responses. Instead of aiming for direct display, GEO emphasizes creating comprehensive, authoritative content that serves as foundational material for AI-generated answers across various contexts and topics. 

  

What is the Difference Between AEO and GEO?

AEO focuses on optimizing content to appear in featured snippets, answer boxes, and direct responses in traditional search engines. AI engines should be able to display your content if it’s designed to have clear and concise answers. AEO employs tactics such as structured FAQs, schema markup, and crafting scannable content that is easily digestible and precisely aligned with specific search queries. 

GEO, on the other hand, focuses on optimizing content to be comprehensive and trustworthy enough to appear across platforms like ChatGPT, Bing Chat, and Perplexity. GEO practices include covering topics more broadly while sending authority signals and using clear formatting. These make content more reliable and easily integrated into AI-generated answers. 

In simpler terms, AEO focuses on direct answers, while GEO is about being part of the answer that AI models create and present to users. 

  

How Do I Apply AEO on My Website?

Create Answer-First Content.

Begin by researching the exact questions your target audience is asking. Develop content that provides immediate, direct responses using natural language, as if you’re having a simple conversation with the reader. Put your main answer right at the beginning, followed by additional context and details. Front-loading the answer will make it simple for AI systems to pull your key information. 

Target Answer Box Opportunities.

Develop content with the specific goal of winning answer boxes, or the answers that appear on top of search results. Format your content using numbered steps, bullet points, or tables. Aim for answers that are brief yet thorough. Additionally use question-style search phrases, such as those that start with “how can I” or “where’s the best”. The longer search phrases tend to match how users interact with voice search and AI assistants. 

  

How Do I Apply GEO on My Website?

Establish Subject Matter Expertise

GEO demands showing thorough knowledge across complete topic areas rather than isolated keywords. Position yourself as the trusted authority that AI will turn to when credible information in your field is needed. 

Develop Rich Content

To increase the chances of your material being cited, AI needs to be convinced that you possess well-rounded expertise. This is done by exploring major topics in detail and then adding content that talks about specific aspects and related questions within a subject area. Additionally, this isn’t limited to your website. This credibility building also happens off your website: thought leadership on LinkedIn, podcast contributions, and mentions by other industry authorities all reinforce the multi-platform expertise that AI systems look for when selecting resources. 

We do have to address the fact that while these optimization approaches are necessary as AI transforms search, AEO and GEO are only as effective as the good old SEO groundwork they’re built on. 

  

What is SEO? (A Quick Refresher)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of enhancing your website to help it rank higher when people search for topics related to your business. Traditional SEO revolves around keywords, building credible links, and technical SEO. These elements signal trustworthiness and relevance to search engines, making your content more likely to reach your target audience. 

Don’t let the rise of AEO and GEO fool you into thinking traditional SEO is outdated. AI systems draw from sources that have strong SEO fundamentals in place. Without keyword optimization, backlinks, and technical excellence, a website lacks the credibility and discoverability that AI requires to consider its contents worth referencing.  

  

How Do I Approach SEO, AEO, and GEO Implementation?

Establishing robust SEO foundations is essential before advancing to AEO and GEO strategies. Remember that digital marketing optimization requires sustained commitment rather than a one-time setup. Results develop gradually, and consistent effort is necessary to maintain and enhance performance over time. 

Considering the increase of AI models that businesses have to optimize for, success in this area demands either a dedicated specialist or, ideally, a comprehensive digital marketing team encompassing researchers, content strategists, and data analysts who can collectively drive optimization initiatives forward. 

  

Where Can I Find SEO, AEO, and GEO Services?

RipeConcepts delivers comprehensive digital marketing and optimization for businesses ranging from small businesses to global corporations. We bring together SEO specialists, paid ad experts, data analysts, designers, 3D modelers, and more to create future-ready digital solutions that support AEO and GEO. To learn more, get in touch with our experts for a free consultation.