The difference
Two terms, two different things. Here is the difference.
AI SEO
Using AI to do traditional SEO
Tools like Surfer, Jasper, and Semrush use AI to help you write content, optimize keywords, and rank higher on Google. The goal is the same as traditional SEO: rank in search results and earn clicks.
AEO
Getting recommended by AI search engines
AEO (answer engine optimization) is the practice of getting your brand into AI-generated answers on ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, and Grok. Different distribution layer, same content craft.
Which one do you need?
If you want to rank higher on Google using AI-powered writing and optimization tools, you are looking for AI SEO. Tools like Surfer SEO, Jasper, and Semrush's AI features handle that.
If you want your brand to show up when people ask ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity for recommendations, you are looking for AEO.
Most brands need both. SEO gets your content into Google's index, which is how AI search engines discover you. AEO adds the recommendation layer: structuring your content and building third-party presence so AI search engines recommend you, not just find you. Loudmink covers both: the SEO foundations that make you discoverable, and the AEO layer that gets you recommended.