SEO, AEO, GEO, AIO, LLMO, AXO: the differences
SEO, AEO, GEO, AIO, LLMO and AXO: six abbreviations that often get mixed up in conversations about visibility. The differences are smaller than the names suggest. In practice, three of them are enough.
The terms at a glance
| Term | Stands for | What it covers | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEO | Search Engine Optimization | Traditional search engines such as Google and Bing | Ranking well in search results |
| AEO | Answer Engine Optimization | Direct answers: featured snippets, "People also ask", voice assistants | Being the one answer that is shown or read aloud |
| GEO | Generative Engine Optimization | Generative AI answers: ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, Google AI Overviews and AI Mode | Being named in the AI answer and cited as a source |
| AIO | Artificial Intelligence Optimization | Umbrella term for AI visibility; usually used interchangeably with GEO, sometimes for Google's AI Overviews specifically | Same as GEO |
| LLMO | Large Language Model Optimization | The same field as GEO, named from the language models' point of view; common in German-speaking countries | Same as GEO |
| AXO | Agent Experience Optimization | AI agents that act on their own (comparing, booking, buying) | Making sure an agent can read, understand and use a website |
SEO: Search Engine Optimization
SEO is the optimisation of a website and its content for traditional search engines such as Google and Bing. The goal is to rank well in search results, so people find you when they search for you or your topic. It covers technical foundations, good content and trustworthy links from other sites.
AEO: Answer Engine Optimization
AEO is the optimisation of content so that a search engine or voice assistant returns it as a direct answer. This means featured snippets, the "People also ask" box and answers read aloud. What counts are clear questions, short and precise answers and an unambiguous structure.
GEO: Generative Engine Optimization
GEO is the optimisation for generative AI systems such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, Google AI Overviews and AI Mode to name you in their answers and cite you as a source. The term comes from a 2023 research paper. The focus is on making sure AI systems can attribute and back up your facts without ambiguity.
AIO: Artificial Intelligence Optimization
AIO is an umbrella term for measures that improve your visibility in AI systems. It is usually used interchangeably with GEO. Sometimes AIO refers specifically to optimising for Google's AI Overviews.
LLMO: Large Language Model Optimization
LLMO is the optimisation for large language models to reproduce accurate information about you. It describes the same field as GEO, just named from the language models' point of view. The term is especially common in German-speaking countries.
AXO: Agent Experience Optimization
AXO is the optimisation of a website so that AI agents can read, understand and use it. These agents act on their own: they compare offers, book appointments or make purchases. AXO is the newest of the six fields and is becoming more important as AI agents spread.
Where the terms overlap
In practice, GEO, AIO and LLMO describe the same work: making sure AI systems recognise, describe and cite you correctly. The names differ; the measures hardly do.
AEO is historically a subfield of SEO. It emerged when search engines started showing answers directly on the results page.
All six terms rest on the same foundation: a clearly identifiable entity with consistent, verifiable facts. That includes:
- an entity home, meaning your own website as the central source
- structured data
- entries in verified databases
- consistent profiles across the web
- a Knowledge Panel
Which terms matter for you
In practice, SEO, AEO and GEO are enough. AIO and LLMO are other names for GEO, and AXO only becomes relevant as AI agents become more widespread.
Brendit approaches all three fields from the entity: first we make sure Google and AI systems recognise you clearly and can back up your facts. Rankings, direct answers and mentions in AI answers build on that.
Frequently asked questions
Is GEO the same as AIO?
In practice, usually yes. Both terms describe optimising for AI answers. AIO is sometimes also used specifically for Google's AI Overviews.
What is the difference between AEO and GEO?
AEO targets direct answers in search engines and voice assistants, such as featured snippets. GEO aims to get you named and cited in the answers of generative AI systems such as ChatGPT or Gemini.
Does GEO replace traditional SEO?
No. GEO builds on SEO. Many AI systems rely on the same sources that also perform well in traditional search.
What does LLMO mean?
LLMO stands for Large Language Model Optimization. It describes the same field as GEO, named from the point of view of large language models.
Want to know where your entity stands today?
Free feasibility checkMore from the guide.
Brendit's C4 Method™: Clarity, Consistency, Credibility and Catalyst
Brendit's C4 Method™: Clarity, Consistency, Credibility and Catalyst determine whether Google shows a Knowledge Panel.
Panel disappeared? Why cheap panels vanish - and what to do next
The anatomy of the $150 panel: what gets set up, why Google removes it again, and what a thorough recovery involves.
What ChatGPT says about you - and how to correct it
How LLMs form facts about people, why the panel is the most effective correction layer, and a self-test in 5 prompts.
Services
All services →
Brendit (Brendit Media LLC) is an agency for Google Knowledge Panels and AI brand search optimisation based in Dubai. Its proprietary C4 Method™ builds the foundation for search engines and AI to represent a personal or company brand accurately and display it in a Google Knowledge Panel.