SEO vs AEO: How to Rank Well in Both Worlds
Search is changing fast. If you’re a business owner, you already know that showing up on Google matters, but now, AI tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Gemini, and voice assistants are answering customer questions directly. That means traditional SEO alone isn’t enough. You need AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) to make sure your business shows up as the answer to people’s questions.
This guide explains what it takes to rank well for both SEO and AEO, and gives you clear steps you can start today.
Why This Matters for Your Business
- SEO drives traffic from search engines to your website.
- AEO provides summaries and recommendations without a single click. People are trusting AI like it’s their best friend. If you aren’t recommended, you aren’t considered.
SEO vs AEO: What’s Different and What’s Shared
Here’s a quick visual comparison:
SEO Only
- Ranking in Traditional Search Result Pages
- Backlinks & Domain Authority
- Core Web Vitals, Crawl Budget
- Meta Tags & Keyword Optimization
- Local SEO: Google Business Profile, Google Maps, Reviews
- Internal Linking
- Website User Experience & Site Speed
- Monitor Keyword Rankings
Shared
- Structured Data/Schema
- Website Navigation and Architecture
- FAQ Content
- Clear Headings & Concise Answers
- Citations and Reviews
- Social Media Profiles
- YouTube Content Strategy
- Mentioned on Directories
- Listicle Content (On & Off Site)
- Mentions in Reddit Threads
- Author Authority
AEO Only
- Optimization for Question-Based Content
- Conversational Queries – Users in AI are Providing More Context
- Positive Online Sentiment (Reputation on Reddit, LinkedIn, Meta, Angi, ClearlyRated, G2, Clutch, etc)
- Comparison Content (Clear differentiation between you and the competition)
- LLM Crawlability
- TLDR Content – Short, Clear and Concise
- Importance of Off-Site Presence
- Monitor Visibility Trends; Not Keyword Rankings
- Your Brand Citations are Key Indicator of Success; Not Traffic
Your Business Owner Checklist
SEO | AEO |
Optimize titles, meta descriptions, and alt tags | Add concise answer blocks (40–60 words) |
Improve Core Web Vitals (speed, responsiveness) | Implement FAQ/HowTo schema |
Build backlinks and internal links | Create “Top 10” lists and comparison tables |
Publish long-form, keyword-rich content | Use conversational language for voice queries |
Track rankings, CTR, and organic traffic | Track AI citations and featured snippet wins |
Bottom Line
SEO builds your foundation. AEO future-proofs your visibility. Together, they make sure your business shows up everywhere customers are searching- on Google, in AI answers, and through voice assistants.
Not sure where to start with SEO and AEO? We’re here to help. Reach out to our team to build a strategy that fits your business.
director of operations
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Cisewski
Laura graduated from North Dakota State University in the Fall of 2015. She has a marketing background working for NDSU Athletics Marketing Department and the Minnesota Twins. As our Director of Operations, she leads the digital marketing team and assists them with how to bring the most value to our clients. Laura enjoys campaign ideation, taking part in client meetings and solving complex issues.