AEO vs SEO: what actually changes

SEO optimizes for a ranked list of links. AEO optimizes for a synthesized answer. That single difference changes your priorities: instead of fighting for a blue-link position, you're fighting to be the entity the model trusts enough to name.

What carries over: clean site structure, schema markup, authoritative content, and a strong review profile. What's new: entity consistency across the web, being cited by sources the model already trusts, and content that directly answers the questions buyers ask out loud.

The practical takeaway is to stop thinking only about keywords and start thinking about questions and answers. Map the questions your buyers ask an assistant, then make sure the web's answer points to you.