Published by NewsPR Today | June 2025
Let’s be honest. You’re doing all the things you’re “supposed” to do for SEO. You’re chasing keywords, writing blog posts, maybe even building a few links. But when you look at your results, the needle isn’t moving. The traffic is meh, and the leads are… well, let’s just say they aren’t flooding in.
It’s frustrating, right?
The problem isn’t necessarily your effort. It’s that you’re playing by an old set of rules. Relying on basic SEO today is like showing up to a new city with a paper map—sure, it might get you there, but everyone else is using a GPS that reroutes them around traffic in real-time.
To win now, you need to think beyond just ranking. You need a complete, connected strategy that guides a customer from a random thought to a happy purchase. Here’s how it works.
Step 1: SEO — Getting in the Game
This is your foundation. Think of it as the price of entry. SEO is how you get Google to even notice you exist. Without it, you’re basically invisible. It’s about creating a high-quality, relevant page that answers a user’s initial search.
- What it looks like: A local bakery figures out people are searching for “best sourdough bread in my area.” So, they create a fantastic page all about their sourdough—the process, the ingredients, and why it’s the best. They aren’t just stuffing keywords; they’re genuinely meeting a searcher’s need.
But here’s the key: this is just the start.
Step 2: AEO — Stop Being a Link, Start Being the Answer
So you’re on the results page. Great. But people today are impatient. They ask their phones questions and expect immediate answers, not a list of ten blue links to dig through.
This is where you level up. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is about becoming the definitive, trusted answer that appears right at the top.
- What it looks like: Someone asks Google, “How to keep sourdough fresh?” Instead of just showing a link, Google features a direct answer in a box at the very top… and it’s a quote from the bakery’s new page. Suddenly, you’re not just another option; you’re the trusted authority. This happens because you added a simple FAQ section to your page and used smart formatting (like schema markup) to tell Google, “Hey, this is a direct answer!”
Step 3: GEO — Finding Your People (For Real)
It’s exciting to get traffic, but if it’s not the right traffic, it’s just noise. Geo-targeting is about focusing your energy on the people who can become your customers. And no, this isn’t just for local businesses.
- For our local bakery, this is obvious. They run a small ad on Instagram targeted only to people within a 5-mile radius. They make sure their Google Business Profile is packed with glowing reviews and photos. They’re talking to their neighbors.
- For an online store selling raincoats, it means they stop wasting money showing ads to people in Arizona in July. Instead, they use geo-targeting to run a special promotion for users in Seattle and Portland right as the rainy season begins.
It’s about being smart and showing up where it matters.
Step 4: AXO — The Smart, Friendly Handshake
This is the final, most often overlooked step. A potential customer lands on your page. They’re interested. They’re in the right place. Don’t lose them now with a confusing or generic experience!
AXO (AI Experience Optimization) is about using simple intelligence to make your visitor feel understood and guide them to what they need.
- What it looks like: A visitor is on the bakery’s site, but they can’t decide what to order. A friendly chatbot pops up: “Hey! Planning an event? Tell me how many guests you have, and I’ll recommend the perfect pastry platter.” It’s helpful, not pushy.
- For the raincoat store, a visitor takes a 30-second quiz: “What’s your primary use? (Commuting, hiking, etc.)”. Based on their answer, the site instantly shows them the three best-suited jackets. The guesswork is gone.
It’s about making the final step easy and personal.
It’s a Journey, Not a Checklist
See how it flows?
SEO gets them in the door. AEO proves you’re the expert. GEO makes sure they’re the right person. And AXO gives them a personalized tour that leads straight to the checkout.
Stop thinking about these as separate tasks. Weave them together, and you won’t just be “doing marketing”—you’ll be building a machine that consistently brings you customers in 2025 and beyond.
