PhiVateSEO, GEO and AEO, explained for UK agencies.
In one line: SEO gets a client ranked on Google, GEO gets them cited by AI engines such as ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews, and AEO makes them the direct answer to a specific question. All three work best when built from the same clear positioning.
What is SEO?
Search engine optimisation helps a page rank in Google’s results. It relies on clear page titles and headings, useful content that matches what people search for, a fast, crawlable site and links from trusted sites.
What is GEO (generative engine optimisation)?
GEO helps AI engines understand a brand well enough to mention and cite it in generated answers. AI engines favour consistent descriptions of who a business is and who it serves, structured data, and mentions on reviews, directories and press across the web.
What is AEO (answer engine optimisation)?
AEO structures expertise as short, direct answers to real questions, so search features and assistants can quote it. Clear definitions, question-led headings and concise answers near the top of the page help most.
How should a boutique agency approach all three?
- Capture each client’s positioning once — what they do, for whom, and why they’re different.
- Use that same wording across the website, structured data, directory listings and content.
- Answer the questions buyers actually ask, in plain language.
- Check visibility regularly in both Google and AI answers, not just rankings.
PhiVate builds SEO, GEO and AEO from each client’s Brand DNA, so clients are found, cited and answered consistently.
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