Traditional SEO and AEO are both essential for search visibility, but they solve fundamentally different problems in how Australians find information today.
Traditional SEO optimises your website to rank in Google search results. You target keyword strings, build backlinks, improve page speed, and aim to land on page 1 so people click through to your site. Success is measured in rankings, traffic volume, and click-through rates.
Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) optimises your content to be cited by AI tools when they answer questions. You write in natural, conversational language, answer complete questions (not just keywords), and structure content so AI can extract and attribute it. Success is measured in citations, brand mentions, and appearances in AI-generated answers.
Why is it important?
The user journey has changed. Traditional search assumes people will click and browse multiple websites. AEO acknowledges that most users now get their answer immediately from AI—without clicking anywhere.
If you’re only doing SEO, you’re optimising for a shrinking segment of search behaviour while missing the majority of discovery-phase queries happening on AI platforms.
Key facts to consider
- Traditional SEO targets keyword strings (“home loan calculator NSW”)
- AEO targets conversational questions (“How much do I need for a house deposit in 2026?”)
- SEO focuses on Google’s algorithm; AEO focuses on AI comprehension across multiple platforms
- Both strategies work together—SEO drives traffic, AEO builds authority and brand awareness
How ROI can help
ROI.com.au delivers integrated search strategies that combine traditional SEO with cutting-edge AEO. We ensure you rank in Google while simultaneously being cited by AI tools. Our approach covers keyword optimisation, technical SEO, conversational content creation, schema markup implementation, and AI citation tracking across all major platforms.
Want to dominate both traditional search and AI-powered discovery? Contact us today.
