An AI glossary for SMBs
Chatbots, AI SEO, GEO, agents, RAG: the artificial intelligence terms that come up in web projects, explained simply for decision-makers. The content is freely available here — the full PDF is sent by email.
What this resource contains
Here are the terms we use most often with our clients, defined without jargon:
- Chatbot — a conversational agent that answers visitors in natural language.
- Virtual assistant — a more complete variant of a chatbot, capable of taking actions.
- AI SEO — optimization to be found and cited by AI engines.
- GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) — optimizing your content for generative engines like ChatGPT.
- AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) — optimizing for direct answer engines.
- LLM (Large Language Model) — a language model trained on large bodies of text.
- Claude API — the programming interface for Anthropic's AI.
- OpenAI API — the programming interface for OpenAI's models.
- Perplexity API — an online answer engine accessible through an API.
- Prompt — the natural-language instruction given to a model.
- Prompt injection — an attack that manipulates a model through hidden instructions.
- RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) — a technique that grounds answers in your documents.
- AI agent — a program that carries out tasks autonomously.
- Multi-agent — a framework where several specialized agents collaborate.
- Automation — a workflow triggered automatically by an event.
- Webhook — a mechanism that notifies a system when an event occurs.
- AI Overviews — AI-generated summaries from Google at the top of search results.
- Schema.org — a structured data vocabulary understood by search engines.
Who this resource is for
This glossary is for SMB decision-makers who hear about AI without always knowing what the terms mean, and who want to ask a vendor the right questions.
It's also useful for marketing and communications managers assessing what AI could do for their organization.
Why this resource exists
We prefer a client who understands what they're buying. This glossary is part of our commitment to educate before we sell: no buzzwords, just useful definitions — from Drummondville, for SMBs across Quebec.
To see these concepts in action: our AI solutions, the AI SEO and GEO and the chatbots and virtual assistants.
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Questions fréquentes
Why should an SMB know these terms?
Because vendors use them to sell. Understanding the difference between a chatbot and an agent, or between SEO and GEO, lets you evaluate a quote, ask the right questions and avoid paying for a buzzword.
What's the difference between a chatbot and an AI agent?
A chatbot answers questions in natural language. An agent goes further: it executes actions — checking availability, creating a request, filling out a form — by working with your systems. The glossary details both, with SMB examples.
Is the glossary adapted to the Quebec context?
Yes. The definitions account for Law 25, the French language and the realities of local SMBs — not examples from American multinationals.
Are these technologies within reach of an SMB?
More than you'd think. A chatbot trained on your content or a GEO optimization can be done on SMB budgets. Our AI solutions pages detail what's realistic depending on the size of the organization.