The direct answer
GEO and AEO both describe optimizing content to be cited by AI systems — Generative Engine Optimization for tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, Answer Engine Optimization more broadly for any system that answers a question directly instead of listing links. In practice, the tactics overlap almost completely: self-contained answers, clear entity signals, and structured data.
What actually gets cited
AI systems tend to favor content that answers a question completely within a short span — roughly 100-170 words — without requiring the reader to click through for the actual answer. That's counter-intuitive for anyone trained to write for classic SEO, where the goal is often to earn the click, not eliminate the need for it.
How to track whether it's working
Run a fixed set of category and brand queries against ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews on a recurring schedule, and log whether — and how — your brand is mentioned. Treat citation rate the way you'd treat keyword rank tracking: a number that should move over time, not a one-time audit.