At 97 Switch, we’re always exploring how technology reshapes digital marketing. While SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has long been the standard, newer approaches like GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) are changing the way businesses appear online.
To simplify things, we put together a side-by-side comparison that breaks down what SEO, GEO, and AEO are, how they work, and the best strategies for ranking higher.
Check out the graphic below:
Why This Matters
Search is no longer just about ranking #1 on Google. With the rise of AI chat tools, voice search, and zero-click answers, visibility means adapting across three layers:
- SEO → the foundation: technical site health, keywords, backlinks, and content.
- GEO → generative AI results: making your content “AI-ready” so it gets pulled into ChatGPT, Perplexity, Bing Copilot, and others.
- AEO → voice & direct answers: structured data, schema markup, and conversational search optimization.
Together, these three approaches form the modern search strategy.
Quick Breakdown: SEO vs. GEO vs. AEO
Here’s what makes each unique — and how they overlap:
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Build your foundation with site speed, mobile-friendly design, optimized content, and backlinks.
- GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): Ensure AI engines can easily reference your content with structured data, LLMS.txt, Bing Webmaster Tools, and context-rich content.
- AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): Win voice search and zero-click queries with schema markup, FAQ content, and conversational phrasing.
How to Apply This
- Get the basics right with SEO. Without it, nothing else works.
- Experiment with GEO. AI engines are pulling content into summaries today — businesses that prepare will stand out tomorrow.
- Don’t forget AEO. Voice search is growing, and users increasingly expect instant answers.
Final Thoughts
Search is evolving rapidly. By combining SEO, GEO, and AEO, businesses can build a resilient, future-proof search strategy.
At 97 Switch, we help brands stay ahead of these shifts by designing strategies that cover traditional SEO, AI optimization, and emerging search experiences.
Want to talk about how this applies to your business? Get in Touch With Us.
