Introduction: New Acronyms, Same Mission
If you’re running a health or wellness business, you’ve probably heard of SEO. But lately, new terms like GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) have been popping up everywhere.
As someone who helps health and wellness brands get found online, I get asked a lot: Do we need to change our SEO strategy? Are we being left behind by AI?
Recently, Rand Fishkin (founder of Moz and SparkToro) discussed this very topic, and I couldn’t agree more with what he said:
“SEO is evolving, but it’s still SEO.”
Let’s break down what these acronyms really mean and what actually matters for growing your business online.
What Do SEO, GEO, and AEO Actually Mean?
✅ SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Optimizing your website and content to rank in traditional search engines like Google. This includes keyword strategy, content creation, on-page SEO, local SEO, and backlinks.
✅ AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
Focusing on how to show up in answer engines like Google’s AI Overviews, Bing Chat, Perplexity, and even voice assistants. You optimize for clear, structured answers (think FAQs, schemas, and Q&A sections).
✅ GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
Tailoring your content for AI tools that summarize answers like ChatGPT and Claude. These models don’t always show direct links, so the goal is to provide trustworthy, citation-worthy content that stands out.
What Rand Fishkin Says And Why I Agree
In his conversation with Ross Hudgens, Rand pointed out that while AEO and GEO might sound new, they’re really just natural extensions of SEO.
He prefers the term Search Everywhere Optimization, and so do I. Because whether it’s Google, YouTube, TikTok, or ChatGPT, your ideal clients are searching everywhere. Your content should meet them there.
What This Means for Health and Wellness Brands
Here’s how I apply these ideas when optimizing websites for coaches, clinics, and wellness businesses:
Prioritize Clarity, Not Just Keywords
Today’s AI tools prefer simple, direct answers. I help reframe complex wellness topics into easy-to-understand content that’s both helpful and search-friendly.
Build Authority & Trust
Your brand’s reputation matters more than ever. I focus on content that reflects expertise, includes citations, and positions you as a credible source in your niche.
Use Smart Structure
From schema markup to Q&A sections, I organize your content so both search engines and AI models can understand and reference it easily.
Go Beyond Google
Many clients find traffic not just from Google, but also via Reddit mentions, YouTube videos, or even citations in ChatGPT. That’s why I also optimize for visibility across platforms, not just rankings.
What To Do Now: Stop Chasing Acronyms, Start Building Visibility
Instead of stressing over which acronym to follow (SEO, GEO, AEO), focus on this:
- Be the best answer online.
- Write content that deserves to be cited by humans or machines.
- Show up consistently across search, social, and AI.
That’s the kind of SEO that works now, and it’s exactly what I offer.
Final Thoughts: SEO Isn’t Dead, It’s Expanding
Whether you’re a wellness coach, clinic, or holistic brand, getting found online matters more than ever. And while AI is changing the landscape, the heart of SEO remains the same:
Create helpful, trusted, and discoverable content.
If you’re ready to make your website more visible in Google and AI tools, I’d love to help.
👉 Contact me today to grow your wellness brand the smart, strategic way.