Resources · Explainer
What is GEO? GEO, AEO and LLMO explained simply.
You don't need these words to get recommended by ChatGPT. But you may hear them from agencies or read them online. Here is what they mean, in plain words.
The short answer
GEO, AEO, LLMO and AI search optimization are different names for roughly the same thing: making sure ChatGPT and other AI assistants know your business, describe it correctly and recommend it.
SEO is about showing up in Google's list of links. These newer words are about showing up in the answer an AI assistant writes.
The words, one by one
- GEOGenerative Engine Optimization
- The most common name. A "generative engine" is an AI tool that writes (generates) an answer, like ChatGPT or Gemini. GEO is the work of getting your business into those answers.
- AEOAnswer Engine Optimization
- Almost the same idea. An "answer engine" gives you one answer instead of a list of links. Some people also use AEO for the short answers Google shows at the top of its results.
- LLMOLLM Optimization
- LLM stands for large language model: the technology behind ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. LLMO means making sure these tools have correct information about your business.
- AI search optimizationThe everyday name
- A plain name for all of the above. If an agency uses any of these words, ask one question: will ChatGPT recommend my business more often, and how will you show me?
How does ChatGPT decide who to recommend?
Nobody outside the AI companies knows the exact rules. But ChatGPT and other AI assistants build their answers from what they can read online:
- Your own website: what you offer, where you are, your opening hours and prices.
- Google and Bing results. If search engines can't find your website, AI assistants often can't either.
- Listing sites like Google Maps, TripAdvisor and Editus.
- Reviews, and other websites that talk about you, like local news, "best of" lists and associations.
If this information is missing, out of date, or different from one website to the next, ChatGPT is more likely to recommend someone else.
Three things you can check today
- Ask ChatGPT the question your customers ask, like "Best restaurant in Kirchberg for a business lunch". Does it name you?
- Look up your business on Google Maps. Are your opening hours, address and phone number right?
- Open your own website on your phone. Does it say clearly what you offer, where you are and when you are open?
Want to know what ChatGPT says about your business?
Apply for a free AI Visibility Snapshot. We ask ChatGPT and Gemini the questions your customers ask, in English and French, and show you their answers.