AI search growth drives shift toward Answer Engine Optimization

The rise of AI-driven search is transforming digital marketing, shifting focus toward Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Data from Wix Studio indicates that monthly unique visitors to major answer engines grew by over 40% between Q1 2025 and Q1 2026, reaching 904 million.

Experts suggest that while traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains the essential infrastructure layer, it must now be integrated with AEO and GEO to ensure brand visibility. Successful AEO relies on a combination of technical schema, external validation of credibility, and content specifically designed to answer direct, high-intent user questions.

For businesses, particularly in the B2B sector, appearing in AI-generated answers from tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google can provide high-quality, pre-sold leads. To adapt, marketers are encouraged to move beyond single-source traffic models and instead focus on answering specific customer queries through structured data, FAQ sections, and authoritative content that caters to both classic search algorithms and large language models.