AEO is closely related to but narrower than GEO. Where GEO covers the broader generative-search surface (including AI Overviews layered onto traditional results), AEO is the term most often used for direct-answer engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. The work is the same: produce structured, citation-shaped content the model will reach for.
AEO glossary
AEO
AEO, answer engine optimization, is the discipline of structuring content, brand signals, and authority so AI answer engines cite a brand inside their generated responses.