4 Layers Of SEO In 2025
The complete visibility framework for modern search — from experience optimization to AI citations
The 4-Layer SEO Framework
Search Experience Optimisation
SXO — The FoundationTurn clicks into conversions with UX that actually works. Align intent, CTAs, and design to keep visitors moving. Without SXO, all other layers deliver traffic that bounces.
AI Optimisation
AIO — Scale EfficiencyScale visibility with AI-powered content systems. Automate workflows, repurpose smartly, and streamline publishing. AIO is about using AI tools to create content faster, not about being cited by AI.
Generative Engine Optimisation
GEO — Get Cited by AIBe cited by AI summaries and retrieval-based answers. Publish factually sound, authoritative content that aligns with prompts. 97% of AI Overviews cite top-20 organic pages.
Answer Engine Optimisation
AEO — Zero-Click VisibilityGet chosen by AI overviews and zero-click answers. Focus on structured markup, FAQs, and voice-driven intent. 55% of informational queries now show AI Overviews.
The CITE Framework™
Our proprietary approach to AI Search Optimization
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SXO come first in the framework?
SXO (Search Experience Optimisation) is foundational because traffic without conversion is meaningless. Sites with proper SXO see 3x higher conversion rates. Before investing in visibility (AIO, GEO, AEO), ensure visitors who arrive actually convert. Strong UX, fast pages, and clear CTAs create the foundation that makes all other SEO investments worthwhile—otherwise you're paying for traffic that bounces.
How do all four layers work together?
The layers build sequentially: SXO ensures visitors convert. AIO scales content production efficiently. GEO gets you cited by AI systems—critical now that AI referral traffic has grown 1,200%. AEO captures zero-click and voice search traffic (55% of informational queries now show AI Overviews). Each layer addresses a different part of the modern search ecosystem—neglecting any creates gaps.
What's the difference between AIO and GEO?
AIO (AI Optimisation) focuses on using AI tools to scale your content production—workflows, templates, repurposing. It's about efficiency. GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) focuses on getting AI systems to cite your content when generating answers. seoClarity found 97% of AI Overviews cite top-20 organic pages. AIO is how you create; GEO is how AI discovers and recommends you.
Which layer should I prioritise with limited resources?
Start with SXO—fix conversion foundations first. Then prioritise by business type: B2B companies benefit most from GEO (AI recommendations build trust, traffic converts 6x higher). Local businesses need AEO (voice search, featured snippets, "near me" queries). E-commerce sites need SXO + traditional SEO. High-volume content sites benefit from AIO efficiency.
Is traditional SEO still relevant in this framework?
Traditional SEO elements are embedded across all four layers—they're the foundation, not separate. Good technical SEO enables crawling (all layers). Keywords inform content (AIO, GEO, AEO). Backlinks build authority (GEO). The 97% correlation between top organic rankings and AI citations proves traditional SEO directly impacts AI visibility. The framework expands traditional SEO for AI-era search.
How do I measure success across all four layers?
SXO: conversion rates, bounce rates, dwell time (Google Analytics, Hotjar). AIO: content velocity, cost per piece, time savings. GEO: AI citations tracked via Peec AI, Otterly, or manual audits across ChatGPT/Perplexity/Gemini. AEO: featured snippet wins, AI Overview appearances, voice search rankings. Track how improvements in one layer impact others—they compound.