AEO vs GEO in Digital Marketing: What They Mean and How to Use Them
Search is changing fast. Google results aren’t just “10 blue links” anymore, and people aren’t only going to search engines for answers, instead they’re asking AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. This shift has created two new marketing priorities: Image 1 shows NTUC FairPrice appearing in AEO when searched for “best grocery shop in Singapore” AEO: AI Engine Optimization AEO is about making your brand part of conversations with AI tools. When someone asks ChatGPT, “What’s the best project management software for small teams?”, the AI doesn’t list every website, it summarizes and recommends a few. If you want your product to be named in that answer, you need AEO. Actionable AEO Tips 👉 Notes: Write in clear, conversational language and make your brand easy for AI tools to understand. GEO: Generative Engine Optimization GEO is about being cited in generative search engines. If someone searches on Google SGE or Bing AI for “best CRM software for small businesses”, the AI-powered summary appears at the top. Instead of just a list of links, you see a paragraph answer—and only a few sources get cited. You want to be one of them. Actionable GEO Tips 👉 Notes: Think less about ranking on page 1, more about becoming the “go-to source” generative engines cite. AEO vs GEO: Quick Comparison Factor AEO (AI Engine Optimization) GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) Where it applies AI assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot) Generative search engines (Google SGE, Perplexity, Bing AI) How people interact Conversations, Q&A, problem-solving Search queries, research, shopping Optimization focus Conversational, structured content, entity recognition Fact-rich, clear, and easy-to-cite content Website example ClickUp blog (FAQ-style, conversational) NerdWallet (tables, data-rich comparisons) How Businesses Can Start Now SEO is still essential, but AEO and GEO are the new future. To ensure your business appears in AI-powered answers be it from chatbot responses to generative search summaries, combine traditional SEO methods with both AEO and GEO. This approach will keep your business relevant and visible in the ever evolving digital market. 👉 AEO gets your brand into AI conversations.👉 GEO gets your content cited in AI-powered search. The smart move? Start building both into your digital strategy now! Contact us to get started.
