AEO vs SEO: Key Differences
Traditional SEO vs Answer Engine Optimization — what's changed in the AI era.
| Aspect | Traditional SEO | AEO (AI Search) |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Rank #1 on Google | Get cited by AI tools |
| Content Focus | Keywords, density, backlinks | Clear answers, context, expertise |
| First Paragraph | Hook + intro | Direct answer immediately |
| Structure | Keyword-rich headers | Clear H2/H3 for scanning |
| Lists | Optional | AI loves numbered lists |
| Schema | Nice to have | Critical for AI understanding |
| llms.txt | Not needed | Essential for AI discovery |
| Authority | Domain authority | Author expertise + citations |
Key Takeaway
AEO isn't replacing SEO — it's building on top of it. Good AEO content is usually good SEO content, plus more.
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