There is no single label used consistently for every kind of AI search optimization work. AEO, GEO, AI SEO, and LLMO often describe overlapping areas. Treat a label as a starting point, then ask which work, platforms, and deliverables it actually covers.
A map of the terms you will encounter
This table helps interpret terminology. It is neither an industry standard nor a list of packages. Meanings can vary between writers and service providers.
Scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Term | Expanded name or meaning | Usually concerns |
|---|---|---|
| SEO | Search engine optimization | Discovery and visibility through search engines. |
| AEO | Answer engine optimization | Information that answers questions, including in AI search experiences. |
| GEO | Generative engine optimization | Visibility of information or sources within generative answers. |
| AI SEO | SEO in the context of AI | May mean optimizing for AI search, or using AI to perform SEO. Check the context. |
| LLMO | Large language model optimization | Often used for visibility in LLM-based answers; its boundaries vary. |
| GSO | Generative search optimization | Another label used for generative search optimization. |
| AI visibility | Visibility in AI experiences | What is observed: brand mentions, source citations, and their context. |
Why does “AI SEO” need clarification?
“We use AI to write page titles” and “we review how your business appears in AI search” describe different jobs. Both may be called AI SEO. The service name alone does not explain what you are buying.
Ask whether the offer covers content-production tools, website improvements, or answer observation. If AI is used to draft content, who checks the business facts and approves publication?
Which foundations do they share?
Whatever the label, prospective customers need accurate, understandable information about an offer. Pages need to be available, connected through relevant links, and clear about service details and limits.
Google still points to SEO practices for AI features in Search. Microsoft uses GEO terminology when describing AI citation reporting. This vocabulary difference is a reason to check platform coverage, rather than buy every acronym.
Source: Google Search Central — AI features and your websiteBing Webmaster Blog — Introducing AI Performance
Turn a label into an actionable brief
A hypothetical brief: “Review five English service pages, map buyer questions, and report information gaps and access obstacles.” That is easier to assess than “optimize for every AI”.
- Goal: the customer question or decision you want to support.
- Scope: URLs, languages, regions, and search experiences under review.
- Deliverables: findings, implemented changes, or observation records.
- Checks: baseline evidence, how fixes are verified, and available data.
- Responsibility: who supplies facts and approves changes.
Which service should I choose?
Start with the obstacle. Pages cannot be found? Review SEO foundations. The offer is confusing? Clarify the content. Want to assess AI mentions? Agree on a question sample and how to record answers.
Terlihat.com uses SEO alongside AEO, GEO, and AI search to describe connected areas of work. Scope follows your needs rather than the number of acronyms in a proposal.
Put it into practice.
Use the self-check to prioritize improvements to your website.
Open the website self-check