Search visibility
SEO vs AIEO vs GEO vs AEO: the stack businesses actually need.
The names overlap, but the job is simple: help buyers and machines understand why your business is the right answer. Xovar combines the four layers into one visibility system.
SEO
Search Engine Optimisation
Ranking in Google and Bing for commercial keywords.
AEO
Answer Engine Optimisation
Being the direct answer for buyer questions and zero-click search.
GEO
Generative Engine Optimisation
Being mentioned, cited, or recommended by AI systems.
AIEO
AI Engine Optimisation
The practical implementation layer: schema, entities, FAQs, llms.txt, content, and prompt testing.
Why this matters now
Buyers are no longer only typing “SEO agency near me” and clicking ten blue links. They are asking ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews for recommendations, comparisons, checklists, and local providers. If your site is not structured for those systems, you can be invisible even when your traditional SEO looks acceptable.