SEO, AEO and GEO: how customers find you on Google and in ChatGPT

Customers no longer search only on Google. They ask ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity “which dentist is good in Cluj?” and get an answer straight away. If your business isn’t in that answer, it practically doesn’t exist. That’s where three terms come in: SEO, AEO and GEO.

What is SEO?

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) means optimising your website so it ranks as high as possible on Google and Bing. Speed, page structure, keywords, links and the mobile experience all matter.

What is AEO?

AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) means becoming the direct answer: Google featured snippets, voice search or “People also ask” boxes. You get there with clear questions on the page, short answers up front and structured data (schema.org).

What is GEO?

GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) means being quoted and recommended by AI assistants. Models favour sources that are clear, consistent and easy for a machine to read: concrete facts, identical contact details everywhere, files like llms.txt and content without filler.

How do they differ?

Type	Where you show up	What you optimise
SEO	Google results list	Speed, structure, keywords
AEO	Direct answers, voice	Clear Q&A, schema
GEO	ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity	Clarity, consistency, llms.txt

What you can do tomorrow

• Write direct answers to the questions your customers ask you.
• Use the same name, address and phone on your site, Google Business Profile and social media.
• Make sure your site loads in under two seconds on mobile.
• Add structured data (organisation, services, FAQ).
• Publish an llms.txt file that sums up who you are and what you do.

In short: SEO puts you on the map, AEO makes you the answer, and GEO makes you the recommendation.

At Disconnect we work on all three from day one of every project, because a beautiful website nobody finds helps nobody.