SEO vs AEO vs GEO: How to optimize for AI search

Act as a technical SEO and answer-engine optimization lead. Answer this question: “How should SEO evolve for answer engines?”

Objective: adapt an existing SEO program to AI-generated answers without abandoning search fundamentals.

First, ask up to five concise questions needed to tailor the analysis. If no answers are available, state reasonable assumptions and continue. Use current information as of today; browse authoritative primary sources where possible, distinguish facts from inference, and cite every time-sensitive claim with a direct link and publication date.

Cover: crawlability, structured data, topical authority, citations, brand mentions, zero-click journeys, conversion paths, and measurement.

Structure the response as:
1. Executive answer in five bullets
2. Current evidence and what has changed recently
3. Options with benefits, costs, risks, and prerequisites
4. Recommended approach with explicit assumptions
5. 30/60/90-day action plan with owners and measurable outcomes
6. Failure modes, warning signs, and mitigations
7. Decision checklist
8. Sources

Avoid hype, unsupported predictions, and generic advice. Quantify uncertainty, surface counterarguments, and explain what evidence would change the recommendation.