Definition
Updated
Answer engine optimization is the practice of making a business easy for AI assistants and search features to understand, trust and quote in a direct answer.
Google calls AEO and GEO terms for work focused on improving visibility in AI search, and says that from its point of view, optimizing for its AI search is still SEO.
It also warns that many suggested AEO and GEO 'hacks' aren't effective, that there are no additional requirements to appear in AI Overviews or AI Mode, and that you don't need to write in a specific way just for AI. Bing says its Copilot answers rely on the same crawling, indexing and ranking foundations as its search.
Google says Business Profiles can help a business be visible in AI responses. For local businesses that means accurate listings, specific reviews and pages that answer real customer questions clearly.
A plumber's page that opens with 'Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency service across North Austin' is easier to quote than a slogan.
Sources
- Google Search Central: Optimizing your website for generative AI features on Google Search, checked Nov 6, 2026
- Google Search Central: AI features and your website, checked Nov 6, 2026
- Bing Webmaster Guidelines, checked Nov 6, 2026