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Glossary

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)

What it is…

Optimizing your content so AI tools — like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overview, and Bing Copilot — pull from your site when generating answers. Also called GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Same goal, different name.

What it means…

Traditional SEO gets you ranked. AEO gets you cited. The target isn’t a link on page one — it’s being the source AI uses to answer the question.

Real-world use…

Someone asks ChatGPT “what should I look for in a local marketing agency?” — a business with strong AEO gets mentioned by name in the response.

Think of it like…

Being the expert a journalist quotes, not just someone who shows up in a Google search.

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