SEO vs GEO vs AEO: What They Mean and Why They Matter for Digital Growth
As digital strategies continue to evolve, marketers are now hearing new terms alongside the familiar “SEO.” You might’ve come across GEO and AEO — but what do they mean, and how are they different?
This blog breaks down SEO, GEO, and AEO in simple terms, and helps you understand when and why you should use them in your content and website strategy.
What is SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is all about making your content and website easier for search engines like Google to find and rank.
The goal:
Get your website to appear higher in search results when someone types in relevant keywords.
How it works:
- Use keywords that match what people search for
- Improve page speed, mobile usability, and structure
- Build backlinks from other trusted websites
- Optimize your titles, headers, and meta descriptions
- Driving organic traffic
- Ranking for industry keywords
- Boosting general website presence
SEO is the foundation of any digital visibility strategy.
What is GEO?
GEO (Geographical Optimization) focuses on making your website content more relevant to people in specific locations.
The goal:
Show up in search results for local users or region-specific queries.
How it works:
- Use location-based keywords (e.g. “coffee shop in Phnom Penh”)
- Set up and optimize Google My Business
- Create local content and landing pages
- Get listed in local directories
- Local SEO
- Google Maps visibility
- Serving regional audiences
GEO is essential for businesses with physical locations or region-focused services.
What is AEO?
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is about optimizing your content for answer-based platforms like Google’s featured snippets, voice search, and AI chat tools.
The goal:
Provide clear, direct answers so your content is picked up by search engines to answer user queries — especially in voice and AI search.
How it works:
- Structure content with clear questions and answers
- Use FAQ sections on your pages
- Provide concise, informative responses
- Format content for featured snippets (e.g. bullet points, tables)
- Voice search visibility
- Q&A content and how-to guides
- Featured snippet placement
AEO is growing in importance as more people use voice search or get answers directly from search engines without clicking.
When Should You Use SEO, GEO, or AEO?
Each optimization method serves a different goal — here’s when to use each one:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Use SEO when your goal is to increase overall visibility on search engines like Google — especially for general topics, services, or content that isn’t limited by geography.
Example:
You run a blog about digital marketing trends or offer online services that can be accessed from anywhere.
GEO (Geographical Optimization)
Use GEO when you’re targeting a specific city, country, or region — especially if you run a local business or operate in multiple markets.
Example:
You’re a design agency in Phnom Penh and want your website to appear when people search “branding agency in Cambodia.”
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
Use AEO when your goal is to appear in quick-answer results on Google — like featured snippets, voice searches (e.g., Siri or Alexa), or AI-generated answers.
Example:
You write blog posts answering questions like “What is a CMS?” or “How to improve website speed?”
Final Thoughts
SEO, GEO, and AEO aren’t competing strategies — they’re complementary.
By understanding how each one works, you can create smarter, more targeted content that speaks to your audience, whether they’re searching globally, locally, or through voice commands.
Digital visibility is no longer about just keywords — it’s about being useful, local, and clear
