SEO Landscape for 2025
From baseline visibility to AI-powered discovery
The 4-Layer SEO Framework
Build layered SEO like AI thinks
Get chosen in AI Overviews and instant answers.
Use schema and concise answers to win snippets.
Get cited by AI systems like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini.
Create prompt-aligned content with clear, cited insights.
Integrate and scale content with AI-enhanced workflows.
Automate content with AI from briefs to formats.
Convert visibility into action with seamless UX.
Design fast, intent-matched pages with clear CTAs.
The SEO Journey in 2025
The CITE Framework
Our proprietary approach to AI Search Optimization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SEO Landscape for 2025?
The SEO landscape for 2025 consists of four interconnected layers: AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) for AI Overviews and featured snippets, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) for AI citations in ChatGPT and Perplexity, AIO (AI Integration Optimization) for scaling content with AI workflows, and SXO (Search Experience Optimization) for converting traffic through excellent UX. Together, these layers create a complete visibility framework for modern search.
What is the difference between AEO and GEO?
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) focuses on getting your content selected for AI Overviews, featured snippets, and voice search results—the instant answers Google displays. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) focuses on getting cited by AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude when they generate responses. AEO is about being chosen for summaries; GEO is about being cited as a source.
Why is SXO considered the foundation layer?
SXO (Search Experience Optimization) is foundational because traffic without conversion is meaningless. Sites with proper SXO see 3x higher conversion rates. Before investing in visibility through AEO, GEO, and AIO, you need fast pages, clear CTAs, and intent-matched content. Otherwise, you're paying for traffic that bounces without converting.
How do I start implementing the 4-layer SEO framework?
Start with SXO: audit your page speed, mobile experience, and conversion paths. Then add AEO by implementing schema markup and structuring content for featured snippets. For GEO, create citable content with clear data points and expert insights that AI systems can reference. Finally, use AIO to scale production—AI drafting, content repurposing, and workflow automation.
Which SEO layer should Singapore businesses prioritise?
Singapore businesses should prioritise based on their industry. B2B companies benefit most from GEO—AI recommendations build trust and convert 6x higher. E-commerce needs strong SXO plus traditional SEO. Local services should focus on AEO for voice search and "near me" queries. Most importantly, don't neglect GEO—97% of AI Overviews cite top-20 organic pages, so traditional ranking still matters.
How do the 4 layers work together?
The layers compound rather than stack sequentially. SXO improves engagement signals (dwell time, scroll depth), which boosts organic rankings. Higher rankings lead to more AI citations (GEO), since 97% of AI sources come from top-20 pages. More citations increase brand visibility, driving zero-click awareness (AEO). AIO scales content production across all layers. The result is a flywheel effect where improvements in one layer amplify others.
What metrics should I track for each layer?
For AEO: featured snippet wins, AI Overview appearances, voice search rankings. For GEO: AI citations tracked via Peec AI or Otterly, mentions in ChatGPT/Perplexity/Gemini responses. For AIO: content velocity, cost per piece, time savings from automation. For SXO: conversion rates, bounce rates, dwell time, Core Web Vitals scores. Track how improvements in one layer impact metrics across others.
Is traditional SEO still relevant in the 4-layer framework?
Traditional SEO elements are embedded across all four layers. Technical SEO enables crawling (critical for GEO and AEO). Keywords inform content strategy (AIO). Backlinks build authority (GEO). The 97% correlation between top organic rankings and AI citations proves traditional SEO directly impacts AI visibility. The framework doesn't replace traditional SEO—it expands it for the AI era.