What is Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)?

GEO vs SEO vs AEO

Search is splitting into three overlapping disciplines. Traditional SEO optimises to rank in a list of blue links. GEO optimises to be cited by generative AI engines. AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) optimises content so answer engines can extract a single, direct answer. Good structure, schema and clear writing help all three — but AI search adds new signals like llms.txt, entity clarity and answer-first formatting.

How AI engines choose what to cite

Generative engines prefer sources they can parse confidently and trust. In practice that means machine-readable structured data, unambiguous entities (a consistent business name, description and location), content that answers the question directly, and demonstrable expertise. Sites that are hard to parse — thin content, conflicting signals, no schema — are far less likely to be cited, even when they rank well in classic search.

GEO checklist: how to get cited by AI

• Add Organisation and FAQ structured data (schema.org / JSON-LD).
• Write answer-first content: lead each section with a direct, quotable answer.
• Use clean semantic HTML — one clear H1, logical headings, real landmarks.
• Keep entities consistent: the same business name, description and location everywhere.
• Publish an llms.txt that summarises your site and links to key pages.
• Cover topics comprehensively and demonstrate first-hand expertise (E-E-A-T).
• Keep facts unambiguous so AI doesn't misinterpret your business.

How to measure your GEO readiness

You can measure GEO readiness with a free AI readiness checker. Aveena analyses your site for structured data, entities, answer-first content, llms.txt and citation potential, then returns an AI readiness score, an AI Confusion score and a prioritised, plain-English action list — so you know exactly what to fix to get cited by AI.

GEO frequently asked questions

What is Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)?

Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is the practice of optimising a website so generative AI engines — such as ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity and Gemini — surface and cite it in their answers. Where classic SEO targets ranked links, GEO targets being quoted inside AI-generated responses.

Is GEO the same as SEO?

No. SEO optimises to rank in a list of links; GEO optimises to be understood and cited by AI systems that answer questions directly. They overlap — clean structure, schema and clear content help both — but GEO adds signals like llms.txt, entity clarity and answer-first formatting.

How do I check my GEO readiness?

Run your URL through a free AI website scanner like Aveena. It measures structured data, entities, answer-first content, llms.txt and citation potential, then returns an AI readiness score with prioritised fixes.

What is the difference between GEO and AEO?

GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) focuses on being cited by generative AI engines. AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) focuses on structuring content so answer engines can extract a single direct answer. In practice they are complementary and share many of the same techniques.