Traditional SEO targets rankings and clicks in search results. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) targets inclusion in AI-generated summaries. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) targets being named as the answer in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI. Local businesses need all three: SEO for indexation, GEO forextractability, AEO for direct citation.
How does traditional SEO compare to GEO and AEO?
| Dimension | Traditional SEO | GEO | AEO / AI Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Rank in SERPs, earn clicks | Get cited in generative answers | Provide extractable direct answers |
| Success metric | Position, CTR, traffic | AI mention rate | Passage quotation in Overviews |
| Content format | Keyword-targeted pages | Atomic passages, entity clarity | Question H2/H3 + direct-answer blocks |
| Schema focus | LocalBusiness, breadcrumbs | Full entity graph + sameAs | FAQPage, HowTo, Speakable |
| Local signals | NAP, citations, GBP basics | GBP depth, semantic reviews | Location pages linked to services |
| Information gain | Backlinks, content volume | Unique workflows, checklists | Niche-specific local proof |
| Best for | Indexation and traffic | ChatGPT, Perplexity citations | Google AI Overviews |
How do GEO, AEO, and SEO differ for local businesses?
SEO builds crawlable authority. GEO structures content for LLM retrieval. AEO formats answers so AI names your business in recommendations.
Which should a plumber in Vancouver prioritize first?
Fix GBP alignment and service page clarity (SEO foundation), then add direct-answer FAQs and schema (AEO/GEO layer).
What is the correct implementation order?
Month one: NAP consistency, GBP depth, crawl fixes. Month two: schema graph, answer-first content, internal links. Month three: citation testing and refinement.