Essential definitions for mastering the AI Search landscape.
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of optimizing digital content to perform well and be accurately cited by generative AI search engines and large language models (LLMs), such as SearchGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. It shifts focus from traditional keyword ranking to comprehensive entity understanding and contextual relevance.
AI Engine Optimization (AEO) encompasses strategies aimed at increasing the visibility and influence of content within AI-powered search environments. It's a broader term than GEO, covering all aspects of content optimization for AI systems, including ethical considerations, data quality, and model interaction patterns.
Zero-Click Search refers to search engine results where the user's query is answered directly on the search results page (or by an AI summary), eliminating the need to click through to a website. This trend is accelerating with the rise of generative AI search models like Perplexity and SearchGPT.
LLM Hallucination refers to the phenomenon where Large Language Models (LLMs) generate plausible-sounding but factually incorrect or nonsensical information. This can pose significant risks for businesses relying on AI-generated content or being cited by AI models that hallucinate information about their brand.