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AI Visibility

What is AEO (answer engine optimization), and how is it different from SEO?

SEO optimizes for traditional search results, the ranked list of blue links. AEO (answer engine optimization) and GEO (generative engine optimization) optimize for AI answer engines, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google's AI Overviews, so your business gets cited or recommended when someone asks one of them a question instead of typing a search query. Search is shifting toward the second one, and most local marketing hasn't caught up.

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Why both matter now

People are asking AI for recommendations instead of scrolling results.

Traditional SEO still matters, technical health, on-page optimization, and keyword tracking are the foundation everything else builds on. But a growing share of searches now happen inside an AI answer engine instead of a search box: someone asks ChatGPT to recommend a plumber, or Perplexity to compare local law firms, and the AI cites specific businesses in its answer. If your site isn't structured to be found and cited by those engines, you're invisible in a channel that's already live, not emerging.

AEOCheck, a diagnostic report I built and operate, exists specifically to show a business how AI answer engines and Google actually respond when customers search for it, with tailored, prioritized fixes. It's a good starting point for understanding where you stand before committing to ongoing AEO/GEO work.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SEO and AEO/GEO?

SEO optimizes for traditional search results. AEO (answer engine optimization) and GEO (generative engine optimization) optimize for AI answer engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews, so a business gets cited when someone asks a question instead of searching.

How do I find out where my business currently stands with AI visibility?

AEOCheck is a $25 diagnostic report showing exactly how AI answer engines and Google respond when customers search for your business, with prioritized fixes.

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Talk it through.

Tell me what's going on and I'll send back a written scope before anything is committed.

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