What is AEO and how is it different from SEO?

In short: AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing content so AI systems can find, trust, and cite it. Unlike SEO, which focuses on ranking in search results, AEO focuses on being part of the answer itself.

SEO was built for a world where people clicked through search results. AEO is built for a world where AI answers questions directly — often without sending traffic to your site.

How is AEO different from SEO?

Traditional SEO asks: How do I rank higher?

AEO asks: How do I get cited in answers?

The difference matters because:

• •SEO measures success by rankings and clicks
• •AEO measures success by citations and mentions
• •SEO optimizes for search engines
• •AEO optimizes for AI systems that power answers

What does AEO actually involve?

AEO follows a simple framework: Find → Trust → Cite

1. 1.Find: AI systems need to discover your content
2. 2.Trust: AI systems need to validate your authority
3. 3.Cite: AI systems need to reference you in answers

The bottom line

SEO isn't dead. But it's not enough. If you're not optimizing for AI citations, you're invisible to the fastest-growing discovery channel.

AEO is what comes after SEO.