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Definition

AI Search Optimization

The overarching practice of optimizing your brand's presence across all AI-powered search and discovery channels, encompassing AEO, GEO, and adapted SEO strategies.

What is AI Search Optimization?

AI search optimization is the broadest term for ensuring your brand is visible across all AI-powered discovery channels. It encompasses AEO (answer engines), GEO (generative AI), SEO for AI (adapted traditional SEO), and platform-specific strategies.

The landscape

AI search includes conversational AI (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini), AI-native search (Perplexity), AI-enhanced search (Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot), and in-product AI (Microsoft Copilot, Apple Intelligence). Each channel has different characteristics and optimization levers.

A unified approach

Rather than optimizing for each channel independently, the most effective strategy targets the signals that matter across all of them: strong brand presence, authoritative content, positive reviews, consistent messaging, and media coverage. These fundamentals improve visibility regardless of which AI platform your customer uses.

Relationship to other terms

AI search optimization is the umbrella. AEO and GEO are specific approaches within it. AI visibility is the metric it aims to improve.

Related Terms

AEOAI SearchAI VisibilityGEOSEO for AI

Deep Dive Guides

SEO for AI: What's Changed and What Hasn't

Traditional SEO isn't dead, but AI has changed the game. Here's what still works, what doesn't, and how to optimize for both Google and AI platforms.

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): How to Optimize for LLMs

GEO focuses on how large language models like GPT, Claude, and Gemini decide what to recommend. Here's what's different about optimizing for generative AI specifically.

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): What It Is and How It Works

AEO is the practice of getting your brand recommended by AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Here's how AI decides what to recommend and what you can do about it.

AI Visibility: What It Is and Why It's Not the Same as SEO

AI visibility measures whether AI platforms recommend your brand. It works differently from search rankings - here's what actually matters and how to track it.

Browse More Terms

AEOAI Brand MonitoringAI CitationsAI MentionsAI OverviewsAI RecommendationsAI SearchAI SentimentAI Share of VoiceAI VisibilityAI Visibility ScoreAnswer Engine

AI Is Already Talking About You. Shouldn’t You Know What It’s Saying?