AEO vs. GEO vs. LLM SEO: Which Term Will Win

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by AEO Checker Team

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5 min read

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is racing ahead in search interest, but all three acronyms point to the same goal: earning visibility when AI systems give answers, not just links.

1. Definitions

TermMeaningFirst popular use
AEOOptimising content so answer engines (featured snippets, voice, AI Overviews) quote you verbatim.2018, coined by Jason Barnard.
GEOShaping content so generative models (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) reuse your ideas in their own prose.Broke out in 2024 with SGE & ChatGPT boom.
LLM SEOTechnical tweaks (schema, llms.txt, no-train rules) that make large language-model crawlers prefer or respect your site.Niche among AI/Dev SEOs since 2023.

2. Why the acronyms exist

  • Zero-click reality: 59 % of Google searches in 2024 ended with no external click.
  • AI answer boxes rising: Google's AI Overviews appear on 25 % of queries ≥ 8 words.
  • Marketers need a fresh label for tactics that earn citations inside those answers, hence AEO ➜ GEO ➜ LLM SEO.

3. Current adoption snapshot (mid-2025)

  • Search interest: Google Trends shows "generative engine optimization" queries up ~4× YoY, while "answer engine optimization" is flat.
  • Industry chatter: 2025 conference agendas now list "GEO strategy" tracks; AEO is usually mentioned as a subset.
  • Sceptics' view: Some agencies argue renaming SEO adds confusion "what matters is showing up where audiences are, not the acronym you choose."

4. Which term should you use?

  • Client-facing: Say "AI Search Optimization" and explain the two work-streams:
    1. Answer visibility (AEO tactics) — clear snippets, FAQ schema.
    2. Generative visibility (GEO/LLM tactics) — rich context, entity authority, AI-readable feeds.
  • Thought-leadership: GEO is the umbrella most analysts expect to stick through 2026. AEO will persist for voice/snippet specialists; LLM SEO will stay a technical sub-niche.

Regardless of the name, the principle is the same. Optimise for AI Visibility

5. What to do next

  1. Check your AEO score for free with our tool.
  2. View suggestions and make improvements to your site.
  3. Track AI chatbot mentions and AI chatbot referrals via tools like Google Analytics.

Bottom line

The name game will settle, but the imperative is clear: craft content that machines can quote, reuse and trust. Call it GEO, AEO or plain old SEO-evolved. Regardless, the brands that become the answer will win the AI era.

Our sources