SEO as we know it now was vastly different than what it was a few years ago. Ranking higher meant choosing the right keywords and creating relevant backlinks. It was the game of visibility; the more keywords you used, the more people found you. However, the SEO industry is shifting rapidly towards accommodating user requests and behaviours. The question now is, ‘How do you rank, especially with AI coming into the picture?’. Today, users don’t just search on Google; they text chatbots, they ask Alexa, and they simply watch a tutorial online. The concept of typing a query has splintered across formats, platforms, and intent. SEO, with the coming of new trends, is no longer restricted to only search bars: AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation), GEO (Geolocation Optimisation), and VEO (Voice Engine Optimisation)- the three new digital marketing pillars from brands, trying to reach their customers.
The rise of personalisation in SEO
This shift is just technological; it’s more behavioural. People use the internet differently now than a few years ago. They no longer rely on Google for every query. AI in search optimisation has taken over every browser and app. The process of searching for answers has become a reflex rather than a need. That’s why relying solely on SEO is no longer relevant. Of course, writing an informative and keyword-rich blog still matters, but people care more about how ‘present’ and relevant you are in their day-to-day needs. The future of SEO demands knowing how and where you’ll be summoned, and not just appearing when someone types a query. It is about being at the right place at the right time with the right message. AEO, GEO, and VEO help you do just that.
Let’s deep dive into understanding how they help:
AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) is about answering the questions your audience has, not just being clickable. For example, when someone asks Google, “What cheese to use for sandwiches?”, Google doesn’t offer a random list of articles anymore. It offers a relevant, structured answer. Implementing AEO helps you do that. It’s built on structured content, quality, and relevancy, and anticipates question-based intent. The Best AEO strategies involve acting like an expert and offering a straightforward, interesting, and well-structured answer.
GEO (Geolocation Optimisation) is about appearing prominently when potential customers search for your products or services nearby. It answers queries like, “Ice cream shop near me.” This isn’t limited to just the D2C industry, B2B businesses, service-based businesses, and even small businesses can work on implementing a GEO strategy.
VEO (Voice Engine Optimisation) focuses on listening well, literally. It’s built on natural, spoken queries informally and casually. Most users interact with Alexa or other voice-activated devices when they are sure what they want. Keeping that in mind, structuring content for Alexa should be such that real questions get answers pretty quickly, and it shouldn’t contain marketing language or sound like a typical sales pitch.
The real power of AEO, GEO, and VEO is in implementing all three strategies simultaneously. In today’s digital-first environment, visibility is multi-layered, and reaching people at multiple touchpoints can influence their decision-making. Picture this: A user wants to buy new shoes. This single requirement can trigger three strategies at once. AEO can pull up direct answers about a shop. GEO can narrow down the exact location within a few kilometres. VEO can kick in if someone asks it on the go. The store that nails all these strategies wins the customers.
The online landscape is changing big time, and people aren’t just using search boxes to find new stuff anymore. AEO, GEO, and VEO are becoming the new pillars of SEO, and they’re shaking up digital marketing trends by focusing on how people ask questions, go about their lives, and make choices. The future isn’t about blindly following algorithm updates but understanding and adapting to changing human behaviour. So, if you’re a brand looking to grow organically in 2025 and beyond, start reading about AEO, GEO, and VEO. Understand Google’s ecosystem. Ask yourself, “Are you showing up where your target audience is?” Because visibility is no longer the end goal, optimisation for Google search, Gemini AI, and other AI models is an important strategy. The future of SEO is about relevance, readiness, and longevity. Brands that show up, clearly, contextually, and consistently are the future-ready ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AEO in digital marketing?
AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) is an emerging strategy of SEO where you structure your content to answer your users’ questions. The language has to be direct and conversational.
How is AEO different from SEO?
AEO and SEO both aim to boost your website’s visibility, but they take different approaches. SEO tries to rank pages using traditional techniques such as keyword optimization and content marketing. AEO, on the other hand, focuses on providing direct answers to what users are asking.
What does GEO mean in marketing?
GEO means Geolocation Optimisation, and it works by improving a brand’s visibility on users’ physical location. Best practices include Google My Business optimisation, reviews, and location-based keyword optimisation.
How does VEO impact brand growth?
VEO (Voice Optimisation) impacts brand growth by boosting brands’ online visibility through voice-activated devices. As users shift from typing to speaking, VEO helps with positioning a brand as conversational and quick.
