Publishers Association hosts AI‑search strategy session on GEO and AEO

The Reader Times desk 27 October 2026 Based on Publishers Association (UK) reporting

Editorial illustration of a library office where books and artificial intelligence research meet. — Editorial illustration for The Reader Times.

The Publishers Association convened a panel on 22 October to outline how publishers can boost web traffic using Generative Engine Optimisation and Answer Engine Optimisation.

The session, held on Thursday 22 October 2026, focused on practical steps for publishers to grow quality online traffic in the era of AI‑driven search.

Chair Connie Goose, Head of Website Content at Pan Macmillan, led the discussion alongside Ani Attamian, founder of LEMA Collective, and Robin Fang, Head of Publisher Acquisitions at Fox & Fable.

Speakers examined how Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) differ from traditional SEO and offered tactics for content strategy, metadata use and user‑intent targeting.

Attamian highlighted the importance of aligning editorial workflows with AI‑generated query patterns, while Fang shared case studies on acquisition‑driven traffic gains through AEO techniques.

The Publishers Association made the session recording available for industry members seeking to adapt to the evolving search landscape.