Answer engine optimization (AEO)
Answer engine optimization (AEO) is optimizing content so it becomes the direct answer an AI or search engine returns — in an AI Overview, a featured snippet, or a voice result — rather than one of ten links a user has to choose between.
Also searched as: AEO, answer engine optimization, AEO vs GEO.
AEO and GEO are used almost interchangeably; in practice AEO leans toward 'be the answer the engine reads aloud or surfaces at the top,' and GEO toward 'be the source the generative model cites.' Both reward the same structure: a crisp, self-contained answer immediately under a question-shaped heading.
For a marketer, the practical move is to write each section so it answers one question in the first 40–60 words, then supports it with evidence. That format wins featured snippets, AI Overviews, and LLM citations at the same time.
Want this measured for your brand? The AI Visibility Agent runs read-only inside Claude, ChatGPT, or Codex and returns the evidence.
Explore the AI Visibility AgentRelated terms
Generative engine optimization (GEO) is the practice of getting your brand and pages cited inside AI-generated answers — ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, Gemini — instead of (or alongside) ranking a blue link.
AI visibilityAI visibility is how often, and how favorably, your brand shows up inside AI answers — the share of AI responses to relevant prompts that mention or cite you versus your competitors.
Zero-click searchA zero-click search is a query the user resolves without clicking any result — the answer is delivered on the results page itself via a featured snippet, knowledge panel, or AI Overview.