Search is changing fast. With AI (artificial intelligence) platforms like ChatGPT forecast to hit a billion users by the end of 2025, the way customers find businesses is evolving…and so is the language around it.
A new study by Fractl and Search Engine Land has revealed that while traditional SEO (search engine optimisation) remains essential, fresh terminology is emerging to describe strategies for AI-driven discovery.
So, what do these acronyms mean, and why should you care?
• GEO (generative engine optimisation): This term is the clear frontrunner. According to the study, 84% of marketers recognize GEO, and 42% use it. GEO is about making sure your business appears in answers from AI tools like ChatGPT, not just on Google.
• AEO (answer engine optimisation): Focuses on structuring content so it appears in quick, clear answers, such as voice searches and AI summaries like Google’s AI Overviews.
• AISEO (artificial intelligence search engine optimisation) and AISO (artificial intelligence search optimisation): These terms signal adapting SEO for AI-driven search. AISO is especially popular with those who are hiring, with over 11,000 job postings using it for roles blending SEO and AI expertise.
Other terms include:
• ASO (answer search optimisation): Similar to AEO, but emphasises optimising for search engines that prioritise direct answers rather than traditional listings.
• SXO (search experience optimisation): This goes beyond rankings to focus on the overall user experience, making sure visitors find what they need quickly and easily.
• LLMO (large language model optimisation): This targets AI systems like ChatGPT and other LLMs, ensuring your content is structured and relevant for these advanced models.
The long and short of it is that GEO and AISO are leading the pack when it comes to these new terms, but the study found that they aren’t replacing the ‘SEO’, but are new labels to add on top of it. GEO explains the shift toward generative AI platforms, while AISO and AEO describe how to execute strategies for AI answers and summaries. SEO remains the foundation that ties it all together.
Why does this matter? Because search is no longer just about Google. Customers are asking questions on AI platforms, and if your business isn’t optimised for these new environments, you risk being invisible. These terms aren’t hype – they’re the roadmap for staying discoverable everywhere, from AI Overviews and ChatGPT to traditional search results.
Here at Engage Web, our SEO campaigns now come with AI visibility strategies built in as standard. Want to make sure your business stays ahead? Speak to us today.
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