The acronyms are multiplying faster than most marketers can keep up with, so here's the "simple" breakdown:
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation or recently seen "Search Experience Optimisation)
Optimising your content so it ranks in traditional search engine results pages (think Google & Bing).
AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)
Optimising content so AI gives it as a direct, factual answer.
Example: "Which street is Stockholm Central Station on?" → one correct answer, pulled from one trusted source.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation)
Optimising content so AI includes it when forming a collated, opinion-style response drawn from multiple sources.
Example: "What's the best way to get around Stockholm?" → AI weighs several sources (including its training data) and generates a reasoned recommendation, potentially citing your brand as one of them.
AIO (AI Optimisation)
The umbrella term for improving how your brand, content and products are understood, trusted and surfaced across AI systems. Covers both of the above.
The short version:
AEO = you want to BE the answer.
GEO = you want to be PART OF the answer.
AIO is the umbrella terms covering both.
⚠️ Save this one. Someone on your team will ask you the difference this week.