SEO vs AEO vs GEO vs LLMO
The Complete 2025 Search Optimization Landscape — A Singapore Agency's Perspective
The terminology debate: GEO, LLMO, AEO, and AIO all aim for the same thing—getting your brand mentioned in AI-generated responses. The most successful brands in 2025 won't choose between them; they'll implement a unified visibility strategy that encompasses all channels.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization
Traditional search engines (Google, Bing). Goal: rank pages in SERPs, Local Packs, Featured Snippets.
- Keyword targeting and on-page optimization
- Backlink building and authority signals
- Technical SEO (speed, mobile, Core Web Vitals)
- Content depth and E-E-A-T signals
Foundation for all other optimization. 76% of AI Overview citations pull from Top 10 ranking pages (Ahrefs).
AEO
Answer Engine Optimization
Featured snippets, AI Overviews, voice assistants, "People Also Ask". Goal: be the direct answer.
- Answer questions in 40-60 words upfront
- FAQ and HowTo schema markup
- Clear heading structure (question format)
- Voice-search-friendly conversational content
Featured snippets appear in ~25% of all search results. 40%+ adults use voice search daily.
GEO
Generative Engine Optimization
AI search engines (Perplexity, Google AI Mode, SearchGPT). Goal: be cited in synthesized answers.
- Create citation-worthy, factual content
- Build entity recognition (Knowledge Graph)
- Multi-platform presence (Reddit, forums)
- Include statistics, quotes, original data
Content with quotes, statistics, and credible sources is mentioned 30-40% more often in AI responses.
LLMO
Large Language Model Optimization
LLM platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini). Goal: be recommended in conversational AI responses.
- Training data presence (Wikipedia, Reddit)
- Brand mentions across authoritative sites
- Semantic content structure for extraction
- Entity optimization and schema markup
LLM visitors convert 4.4x better than traditional organic search visitors. Brand search volume correlates with LLM mentions.
The CITE Framework™
Our proprietary approach to AI Search Optimization
Technical Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | SEO | AEO | GEO | LLMO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result Format | Blue links, SERP features | Direct answers, snippets | Synthesized paragraphs | Conversational mentions |
| Ranking Model | Deterministic (algorithms) | Selection-based (best answer) | Citation-based (sources) | Probabilistic (semantic) |
| Content Unit | Page optimization | Answer optimization | Passage optimization | Entity optimization |
| Traffic Model | Click-through to site | Zero-click + brand lift | Citation + referral | Awareness + direct search |
| Primary Tools | GSC, Ahrefs, Semrush | Schema validators, GSC | Peec AI, Profound | Manual audits, Brand24 |
The Unified Visibility Strategy: Build in Layers
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GEO, AEO, and LLMO actually different things?
They're different lenses on the same emerging discipline: AI SEO. The terminology is still evolving—agencies, publishers, and SEO specialists use different acronyms. AEO originated around 2015 for featured snippets and has been revived for AI answers. GEO and LLMO emerged specifically for generative AI. In practice, the optimization tactics overlap significantly: structured content, authority signals, and entity optimization benefit all three.
Why does Ahrefs say "GEO is just SEO"?
Ahrefs found that 76% of AI Overview citations pull from pages already ranking in Google's Top 10. This means traditional SEO fundamentals—quality content, backlinks, E-E-A-T—remain essential. However, GEO adds a layer: optimizing for citation probability, not just ranking. You need both: rank high in Google AND format content so AI systems can easily extract and cite it.
How do I measure GEO/LLMO success without clicks?
Track four key metrics: (1) Brand mention frequency across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI—use tools like Semrush AI Toolkit or Peec AI; (2) Share of voice compared to competitors; (3) Branded search volume increases, which indicate AI-driven awareness; (4) AI referral traffic in GA4. Research shows LLM visitors convert 4.4x better than organic, making even small referral numbers valuable.
What content format works best across all four?
LLM-cited pages contain nearly 17x more list sections than typical SERP results. The winning format includes: hierarchical headings (H1→H2→H3), 8+ list sections throughout content, FAQ schema distributed throughout (not just at the end), comparison tables for complex topics, statistics and citations from credible sources, and direct answers in the first 2-3 sentences of each section.
Should I prioritize Bing optimization for LLM visibility?
Yes—ChatGPT uses Bing for real-time web searches in browsing mode. If your content doesn't appear in Bing, ChatGPT's live search won't find it. Bing's algorithm differs from Google's, so ranking well in Google doesn't guarantee Bing visibility. Submit your sitemap to Bing Webmaster Tools, optimize for Bing's ranking factors (exact-match anchors carry more weight), and ensure your site is fully indexed.
Ready to Dominate AI Search Results?
Our SEO agency specializes in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategies that get your brand cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. We combine traditional SEO expertise with cutting-edge AI visibility tactics.