Episode 155 AIO/GEO vs. SEO

Don’t Panic: AIO & GEO Are Just SEO Evolved

If you’ve recently heard of terms like AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization) or GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), don’t panic. According to SEO consultant Meredith’s husband, these buzzwords are mostly repackaging of traditional SEO strategies. In a refreshing and honest breakdown, this podcast episode debunks the hype and shows website owners how to actually prepare for AI-powered search without starting from scratch.

Agencies coined terms like AIO and GEO as marketing tools to stand out, but as Meredith’s husband puts it: “It’s just SEO.” Whether you’re trying to show up in Google’s AI mode or ChatGPT’s answers, the principles remain the same—just slightly evolved.

Key Takeaways for Website Owners

• Focus on complete, standalone pages. AI doesn’t compare websites—it compares pages. Make sure each page answers a complete set of questions a user might have.

• Create ultra-long content. Instead of writing seven short blog posts on a topic, consider combining them into one detailed page. This makes it more likely to get picked up by AI tools seeking comprehensive resources.

• Use jump links. Especially on long pages, structure your content with clear subheadings and an index at the top that links (jumps) to each section. This helps AI understand your page’s structure and improves user experience.

• Prepare an llms.txt file. Similar to a sitemap.xml but for AI bots, this file helps models like ChatGPT or Google’s AI mode understand the layout of your site. Note: platforms like Squarespace currently don’t support this.

• SEO isn’t dead—it's adapting. AI doesn’t replace search engines; it uses them. SEO remains central to how AI finds and delivers information.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed by changing terminology in digital marketing. The takeaway? Keep calm—it’s still SEO.