The practice of optimizing website content, structure, and technical elements to improve visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). SEO encompasses on-page optimization (content, meta tags, headings), off-page optimization (backlinks, social signals), and technical SEO (site speed, mobile-friendliness, structured data). Effective SEO drives organic traffic and reduces dependence on paid advertising.
A content optimization strategy focused on making information easily extractable and citable by AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, Siri, and Google Assistant. AEO prioritizes structured data (Schema.org markup), concise factual answers, FAQ formatting, and authoritative content that AI systems can confidently reference. Unlike traditional SEO which targets search engine rankings, AEO targets direct inclusion in AI-generated answers. Key techniques include SpeakableSpecification schema, question-answer formatting, and building E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) signals.
An emerging optimization discipline focused on increasing content visibility in AI-powered search platforms such as Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, SearchGPT, and Microsoft Copilot. GEO goes beyond traditional SEO by optimizing for how generative AI models select, synthesize, and cite sources. Key strategies include providing unique data and statistics, using authoritative citations, maintaining factual accuracy, structuring content with clear entity relationships, and implementing comprehensive Schema.org markup. Brands that invest in GEO gain a competitive advantage as AI search increasingly replaces traditional search behavior.
A set of Google-defined metrics that measure real-world user experience on web pages: Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) measures loading performance, Interaction to Next Paint (INP) measures interactivity responsiveness, and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) measures visual stability. Core Web Vitals are a ranking factor in Google Search and directly impact user satisfaction and conversion rates.
The page displayed by a search engine in response to a user query. Modern SERPs include organic listings, paid ads, featured snippets, knowledge panels, People Also Ask boxes, image carousels, video results, and AI-generated overviews. Understanding SERP features is essential for effective SEO, AEO, and GEO strategies.