SEO and AI-search terms, explained without theatre.

Short definitions are useful when they make the work easier to understand. Each entry explains what the term means and why it matters to a website team.

Answer engine optimization (AEO)

Work that helps a source provide a clear, supported answer that search and answer products can retrieve and present.

Generative engine optimization (GEO)

The practice of improving how a brand, entity, and its evidence can be understood and cited in generative search experiences.

Crawlability and indexation

Crawlability is whether a search system can access a URL. Indexation is whether the system chooses to store and consider it for retrieval.

Entity

A distinct person, organisation, product, place, or concept that a system can identify and connect with attributes and relationships.

Search intent

The job the searcher is trying to complete. Good page targeting starts with the job, not just a phrase.

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