AI Search Optimization
Plain-English umbrella term for optimizing a website for AI-driven search.
When to use it: The best term for clients and nontechnical audiences — it says exactly what it is. This is the primary public term used across this site.
Google's own position, worth keeping in view: conventional SEO remains foundational, and Google states there are no special technical requirements unique to appearing in AI Overviews or AI Mode. It refers to terms like AEO and GEO as emerging industry terminology rather than replacements for SEO (developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ai-features).
See how your site scores on this — the AI Search Optimization Score measures readiness for generative search, answer engines, AI citations, and traditional search.
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