In a recent statement, Google’s Gary Illyes clarified a major concern shaking the SEO industry: you don’t need AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) or GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) to rank in AI Overviews. This news puts a spotlight back on traditional SEO, reinforcing the importance of solid fundamentals over new buzzwords.
As AI-driven search continues to grow, many businesses have scrambled to rethink their content strategies with emerging optimization labels. However, Google has made it clear that content quality, user relevance, and traditional SEO signals remain at the heart of visibility—even in AI-powered features like AI Overviews and AI Mode.
This blog will unpack what this means, why it matters, and how to adjust your strategy to succeed in the evolving search landscape.
Key Notes
- Google does not require separate AEO or GEO strategies to rank in AI Overviews.
- AI Overviews use the same crawling, indexing, and ranking systems as traditional search.
- The focus remains on reliable, high-quality, user-centered content.
- SEO fundamentals—like good structure, backlinks, UX, and authority—are still critical.
- No need to chase new labels; solid SEO practices are your best bet.
What Are AEO and GEO?
AEO: Answer Engine Optimization
AEO refers to optimizing content to provide clear, concise answers to specific user questions. It’s commonly linked to:
- Featured snippets
- Voice search
- Direct answers from Google
The idea is to format content in a way that lets search engines easily extract useful answers.
GEO: Generative Engine Optimization
GEO is a newer term often associated with optimizing content for generative search engines. These engines, powered by large language models, create answers using content pulled from across the web.
Examples include:
- Google AI Overviews
- Microsoft Copilot in Bing
- Tools like Perplexity and You.com
GEO typically encourages structured, comprehensive, and trustworthy content that can be referenced by AI systems.
Google’s Official Stance: You Don’t Need AEO or GEO
At a recent search event, Google’s Gary Illyes directly addressed the growing hype around AEO and GEO. According to him, Google’s AI Overviews are powered by the same core systems that support the rest of Google Search. This includes:
- Crawling
- Indexing
- Ranking
There is no separate pipeline or optimization method needed for AI Overviews. If your content is already optimized for search in general, it’s eligible for inclusion.
Why This Matters for SEOs and Content Creators
This revelation simplifies strategy. Rather than reinventing the wheel, website owners should double down on what has always worked:
- Clear, useful content
- Authority in your niche
- Strong technical SEO
- Good formatting and structure
- Mobile-first and fast-loading pages
The focus should be on user experience and content value, not the latest acronym or trend.
How Google’s AI Overviews Work
Google’s AI Overviews rely on two key technologies:
1. Query Fan-Out
This process breaks a user’s query into smaller sub-questions. It allows the system to explore the topic more deeply and find multiple relevant sources.
2. Grounding
This is Google’s method of verifying the generated summary. The AI system checks whether the information it produces is factually backed by the web content in its index.
This means your content must be:
- Reliable
- Accurate
- Well-structured
- Easily parsed by search systems
There’s no trickery—just clear, informative content that answers user intent.
Read Also: How Digital PR Supercharges SEO in 2025: Build Authority, Earn Links & Dominate Rankings
SEO Still Reigns Supreme
Even with all the excitement around AI and generative tools, Google has confirmed that traditional SEO is still the core requirement for visibility. This includes:
Content Quality
- Make sure your writing is comprehensive, relevant, and answers real user questions.
- Use structured headings, bullet points, and summaries to enhance readability.
E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
- Show your credentials.
- Cite trustworthy sources.
- Include real-world examples or experience.
Schema Markup
- Use structured data to highlight content such as FAQs, products, reviews, and how-to guides.
Internal Linking
- Strengthen your website structure with smart linking strategies that improve navigation and authority flow.
Mobile Optimization
- Ensure fast load speeds and responsive design across all devices.
Myths Debunked: What You Don’t Need
Special AEO/GEO Templates
You don’t need to use new or unique formats specifically for AI Overviews. Your existing blog structures are sufficient.
AI-First Language Models
You don’t need to write “like a robot” or force certain phrases. Just write naturally for human readers.
Over-optimized Q&A Blocks
While FAQs are helpful, overloading your page with robotic-sounding questions and answers won’t guarantee visibility.
What You Should Do Instead
✔ Focus on Intent
Know what your users are searching for and match your content to their needs.
✔ Strengthen Authority
Build your brand across multiple platforms, publish expert insights, and get backlinks from reputable sources.
✔ Publish Consistently
Maintain a publishing schedule. Fresh content signals relevance to search engines.
✔ Measure Performance
Use Google Search Console to monitor impressions, clicks, and position rankings. Optimize based on real data, not speculation.
✔ Use Structured Content
AI Overviews pull from sources that are easy to digest. Use:
- H2/H3 headings
- Tables
- Numbered lists
- Highlighted facts
Read Also: WordPress vs Laravel: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Next Web Project
The Future of SEO and Search: Adapting Without Chasing Trends
SEO is constantly evolving, but the core principles stay the same. Whether search results are delivered in blue links or AI boxes, the winners will always be those who deliver:
- Credible information
- User-first design
- Valuable insights
- Well-organized formatting
Trying to chase every new acronym or tactic can lead to content fatigue and wasted resources. Instead, focus on long-term value and sustainable visibility.
Conclusion
Google’s message is clear: You don’t need to change your strategy just to keep up with AI Overviews. AEO and GEO may be useful terms for internal planning, but they’re not essential for rankings.
If you’re doing SEO right—creating helpful, trustworthy content that’s easy to find and understand—you’re already positioned to succeed.
Keep refining your strategy based on what’s proven to work. Invest in quality, structure your content clearly, and always serve the reader first. That’s how you rank—not just in AI Overviews, but across all of Google Search.
