Local visibility
AEO and GEO: A Practical Guide for Local Businesses
Understand the terminology without losing sight of your customers.
By Gabe Olivares · Updated October 27, 2026 · 2 min read
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) are terms used for improving how businesses and their information may appear in answer-based and generative search experiences. The labels overlap, and there is no universal checklist that guarantees a recommendation.
How this relates to SEO
Search engines and AI-assisted tools may discover information through web search, retrieved pages, directories, and other sources. Google says established SEO best practices remain relevant to its AI search features. These tools do not make traditional search, business profiles, or a usable website obsolete.
Useful work behind the terminology
Make your services clear, maintain accurate business information, publish useful answers, and remove technical barriers to discovering your pages. Support claims with real evidence. Structure headings for readers and use appropriate structured data where it accurately describes the page.
Set expectations
No agency controls which businesses an AI system recommends. Answers vary by tool, question, context, and time. Track a repeatable set of observations alongside qualified inquiries, and distinguish technical work delivered from outcomes that depend on external platforms.
Start with our practical search checklist. Source: Google’s guidance on AI features.