SEO vs. AEO: Understanding the Differences and Their Impact

March 25, 2025 | SEO Golden Girl | Chico, CA | Albuquerque, NM | USA

13 Key 2025 Voice Search Statistics

• One in five people (21%) use voice search as part of their weekly routine. Since many users turn to voice search for local business information and take quick action based on results, optimizing for local SEO is essential. (Source: Learn.G2).
• More than 1 billion voice searches occur every month. This number continues to rise as consumers become increasingly comfortable using voice commands to find information. (Source: Yaguara).
• The majority of voice search results come from the top three traditional search rankings. Securing a high position in standard web searches significantly boosts the chances of appearing in voice search results. (Source: Learn.G2)
• By 2025, 75% of households are projected to have a smart speaker. As voice-activated technology becomes more widespread, businesses must prepare for the growing impact of voice commerce. (Source: Statista).‍
• 34% of consumers who don’t yet own a voice assistant are interested in getting one. This suggests that the smart speaker market still has room for expansion, with late adopters driving future growth. (Source: Global Web Index)

• 11.5% of smart speaker users make purchases using voice commands each month. This equates to approximately 5.5 million U.S. adults who regularly shop through their smart speakers. (Source: Voicebot).
• 58% of consumers rely on voice search to find local business details. The ease and speed of voice search make it a go-to tool for locating nearby businesses. (Source: Search Engine Journal).
• 28% of consumers place a phone call to a business after conducting a voice search. Calling remains the most common next step after a voice-based query, allowing consumers to continue engaging with brands hands-free. (Source: BrightLocal).

Key Differences Between SEO and AEO

While both SEO and AEO aim to improve a business's online visibility, they differ in several key aspects:

  1) User Intent and Query Type:

• SEO targets a broad range of search queries, including informational, navigational, and transactional intents. It focuses on ranking for keywords that users type into search engines.
• AEO specifically addresses informational queries where users seek direct answers. It is particularly aligned with voice searches and question-based queries.

2) Content Structure and Format:

• SEO emphasizes comprehensive content that thoroughly covers topics, often incorporating keywords naturally throughout the text.
• AEO requires content to be structured in a way that allows search engines to easily extract concise answers. This includes using clear headings, bullet points, and schema markup to highlight key information.

  3) Search Results Appearance:

• SEO efforts are geared towards achieving higher rankings in traditional SERPs, encouraging users to click through to the website.
• AEO aims to secure positions in featured snippets or direct answer boxes, providing users with immediate information and potentially reducing the need for a click-through.

Is AEO Replacing SEO?

A common misconception is that AEO can replace SEO. However, the reality is that AEO is built upon the foundation established by effective SEO practices. Without a well-optimized website and high-quality content, search engines lack the necessary context to extract and display direct answers. In essence, SEO lays the groundwork by ensuring your site is authoritative and relevant, while AEO enhances the way your content is presented in response to specific queries.

For instance, a restoration company that has optimized its website with detailed service pages, informative blog posts, and local SEO strategies will have a better chance of appearing in both traditional search results and answer boxes when users ask questions related to restoration services.

Implementing SEO and AEO Strategies for Restoration Businesses

To effectively leverage both SEO and AEO, restoration companies should consider the following restoration SEO strategies:

  1) Develop Comprehensive, High-Quality Content:

• Create detailed articles and blog posts that address common questions and concerns related to restoration services. For example, an article titled "What to Do Immediately After Water Damage" can provide valuable information to users seeking guidance.
• Ensure that the content is well-researched, accurate, and provides real value to readers, establishing your business as a trusted authority in the field.

2) Optimize for Local Search:

• Claim and complete your Google My Business profile, ensuring that your business name, address, and phone number are accurate and consistent across all platforms.
• Include local keywords in your content, such as "water damage restoration in Albuquerque" or "fire damage repair services Chico" to attract customers in your service areas.

3) Structure Content for Featured Snippets:

• Use clear headings and subheadings to organize content.
• Incorporate bullet points or numbered lists to break down steps or tips, making it easier for search engines to extract concise information.
• Implement schema markup to provide additional context to search engines about your content.

4) Focus on Mobile and Voice Search Optimization:

• Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, with fast loading times and a responsive design.
• Write content in a conversational tone that aligns with how people speak when using voice search. For example, include questions like "How can I prevent mold after a flood?" followed by direct, succinct answers.

5) Encourage Customer Reviews and Testimonials:

• Positive reviews not only build trust with potential customers but also signal to search engines that your business is reputable. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp.

The Future of Search: Integrating SEO and AEO

As search technology continues to evolve, the integration of SEO and AEO will become increasingly important. Businesses that adapt by providing both in-depth content and concise answers will be better positioned to meet the diverse needs of users. For restoration companies, this means not only showcasing expertise through detailed articles but also ensuring that key information is readily accessible for quick queries.

To dive into this topic deeper consider reading our previous article, AEO in 2025: The Future of Search & How It’s Transforming SEO Forever.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, understanding and implementing both SEO and AEO strategies are vital for maintaining and enhancing online visibility. For restoration businesses and home service contractors, this dual approach ensures that potential clients can find you whether they're conducting detailed research or seeking immediate answers. By building a solid SEO foundation and optimizing for answer engines, you position your business for sustained growth in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Ready to elevate your restoration business's online presence? At Peterson SEO, we specialize in crafting tailored SEO and AEO strategies that drive results. Growing your business starts with us—contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate the future of search.



References

Forbes. "The Future Of SEO Is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)." https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/03/14/the-future-of-seo-is-answer-engine-optimization-aeo/

Datos Insights. "AEO is the New SEO." https://datos-insights.com/blog/aeo-is-the-new-seo/

Built In. "How Integrating Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Can Benefit Your Business." https://builtin.com/articles/aeo-answer-engine-optimization

Ivoca. “40+ Voice Search Stats You Need to Know in 2025.”  https://www.invoca.com/blog/voice-search-stats-marketers