AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) means being the direct answer to a question[2]; GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) means being mentioned and cited in generative AI answers[1]; LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) means large language models “knowing” the brand correctly; AI SEO is the umbrella name for SEO in the AI era. AIO is used for both “AI Optimization” and Google’s “AI Overviews”[3]. In practice all rest on the same foundation: accessible, structured, consistent and quotable content.
The terms in one table
| Term | Stands for | Focus | Typical output |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEO | Search Engine Optimization | Rank in search results | Rankings, organic traffic |
| AEO | Answer Engine Optimization | Being the answer to one question | Snippet[2], AI Overviews quote[3], voice answer |
| GEO | Generative Engine Optimization | Mentions and citations in generative answers[1] | Citation share, recommendation position |
| LLMO | Large Language Model Optimization | Models knowing the brand correctly | Accurate description, no false facts |
| AI SEO | — | Umbrella term | A mix of the above |
| AIO | AI Optimization / AI Overviews | Depends on context | Ask which one is meant |
Where do they converge?
Whatever you call it, the work is the same five items: bots reaching the page, content being parseable, the brand defined as a consistent entity, mentions in third-party sources, and measuring all of it. What differs is what gets measured: AEO usually counts snippets and quotes, GEO engine-level citation share, LLMO the accuracy of what models say about the brand.
Which question should you ask in a proposal?
Whatever the label, one question clarifies the work: “Exactly what will you measure, in which engines, with which questions and how often?” A proposal that can’t answer that concretely promises unmeasurable work, however new the term. Full list: How to choose a GEO agency
Frequently asked questions
01Are AEO and GEO the same?
They overlap heavily but aren’t identical. AEO focuses on your content being selected as the direct answer to a specific question; GEO focuses on your brand’s overall representation, mention frequency and citations in generative AI answers.
02What is LLMO?
LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) is work aimed at large language models recognizing and describing a brand, product or person correctly. Consistent entity data, accurate definitions in trusted third-party sources and fixing wrong information at its source are its core.
Sources
- Aggarwal et al. — GEO: Generative Engine Optimization (arXiv, 2023) · accessed 27 September 2026
- Google Search Central — Featured snippets and your website · accessed 27 September 2026
- Google Search Central — AI features and your website · accessed 27 September 2026