AEO vs SEO — what is the difference?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) optimizes your site to appear in Google search results. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) optimizes content so AI tools — ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews — cite your brand in direct answers. SEO seeks clicks; AEO seeks mentions and citations.
Both approaches share the same foundation: fast site, clear structure, quality content and authority signals (E-E-A-T). The difference is format and goal. SEO focuses on meta tags, keywords, backlinks and technical optimization for classic search. AEO focuses on direct answers, FAQ sections, JSON-LD schema and llms.txt for AI crawlers.
AEO and SEO compared in practice
| Criterion | SEO | AEO |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Rank on Google SERP | Citation in AI answers |
| Where results appear | Blue links on Google | ChatGPT, Perplexity, AI Overviews |
| Key format | Title, H1, meta description | Question–answer H2, FAQ schema, llms.txt |
| Typical timeline | 3–6 months for significant organic growth | 4–8 weeks for first AI signals |
| BeoCodex pricing | From €200 / included with website | AEO optimization from €200 + €60/mo |
Does AEO replace SEO?
No. AEO complements SEO. Google still sends significant traffic; AI search grows in parallel. SEO-only misses the AI channel; AEO-only without an SEO foundation has weak indexing and authority.
Structured AEO content — clear answers, FAQ schema — often helps classic ranking too because Google uses similar signals for featured snippets and AI Overviews. AEO and SEO optimization work best together.
What do you need first — SEO or AEO?
- •No website → website development first (basic SEO included from €150)
- •Site exists but not indexed → technical SEO (speed, sitemap, Search Console)
- •Indexed but AI does not mention you → AEO optimization
- •Both channels matter → combined SEO + AEO package
Example: same business, two channels
A digital agency in Belgrade optimizes an “AEO optimization” page for Google (SEO) and structures FAQ, pricing and llms.txt (AEO). A user searching “aeo optimization serbia” on Google sees the agency. A user asking ChatGPT “Who does AEO in Serbia?” gets the same brand in the AI answer — if content is clear and authoritative.
BeoCodex AEO and SEO optimization use this dual approach — transparent pricing, structured content, portfolio as proof of expertise.