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This is what SEO looks like in 2026.
Four layers. One strategy.
SEO isn't just about keywords and backlinks anymore.
Search now happens across multiple engines, AI systems, and user behaviors.
Traditional SEO still matters: Google alone processes 8.5B searches/day.
But if you're only optimizing for traditional search,
You're missing out on real visibility (aka revenue) opportunity.
Because in 2026, search lives across 4 layers:
Layer 1: SXO - Search Experience Optimisation
Turn clicks into conversions with UX that actually works.
Best practices:
- Optimise page speed for sub-2 second loads
- Design mobile-first experiences (60% of searches are mobile)
- Align your content with user intent
- Test your conversion funnels ruthlessly
- Track dwell time and scroll depth, not just rankings
Layer 2: AIO (AI Optimisation)
Scale visibility with AI-powered content systems.
Best practices:
- Automate internal linking strategies
- Use AI for content drafting and optimisation at scale
- Create content templates that maintain quality across volume
- Implement AI-powered site audits for continuous optimisation
- Build systems for multi-format content repurposing
Layer 3: GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation)
Be cited by AI in summaries and retrieval-based answers.
Best practices:
- Publish factual, data-backed content that AI systems trust
- Create comprehensive industry studies and original research
- Build topical authority through consistent, expert-level content
- Structure information in formats AI can easily extract and cite
- Focus on being the definitive source on specific topics
Layer 4: AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)
Get chosen by AI overviews and zero-click answers.
Best practices:
- Structure content with clear questions as headers
- Lead every section with one-sentence answers AI can extract
- Implement schema markup (FAQ, How-To, Q&A structured data)
- Target question-based keywords people ask voice assistants
- Create content that directly matches how people prompt AI systems
Conclusion
If your SEO feels like it’s plateauing,
it’s usually not because you’re doing something wrong.
It’s because you’re missing layers.
This is exactly what we’re unpacking at AI Search Summit 2026.
A 3-hour live session focused on one thing: how brands actually win visibility inside AI answers in 2026.
Not another “AI is coming” talk.
Only what’s working right now.
Why it’s worth your time:
- World-class speakers actively shaping AI search
- Practical frameworks you can apply immediately
- Real examples from ChatGPT, Gemini & Perplexity
- Completely free (+ $50,000+ in live prizes)
Author: «Emilia Möller»
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