AI Optimisation Guide
What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)?
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of optimizing your content to appear in AI-generated answers and featured snippets. As search evolves from links to direct answers, AEO has become essential for brand visibility.
AEO Definition
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the process of structuring and optimizing content so that AI systems and search engines can extract it as a direct answer to user questions. Unlike traditional SEO which focuses on ranking pages, AEO focuses on providing the best answer to specific queries.
How Answer Engine Optimization Works
1. Answer Engines Extract, Not Just Index
Traditional search engines index pages and rank them. Answer engines like Google's AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity extract specific answers from content and present them directly to users. Your content needs to be structured so AI can confidently extract and cite it.
2. Question-Answer Format Matters
AEO emphasizes content that directly answers questions. This means using clear headings that mirror user queries, providing concise answers in the first paragraph, and structuring content in FAQ format where appropriate.
3. Authority Signals Determine Selection
When multiple sources provide similar answers, AI systems choose based on authority signals: domain reputation, content quality, expertise indicators, and consistency across the web. Building authority is central to AEO success.
AEO vs SEO: Key Differences
| Aspect | Traditional SEO | Answer Engine Optimization |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Rank pages in search results | Be selected as the answer |
| Content Focus | Keywords and comprehensiveness | Direct answers and clarity |
| Success Metric | Rankings and clicks | Answer inclusion and citations |
| User Journey | Click through to website | Answer delivered directly |
| Competition | Page 1 rankings (10 spots) | The answer (often 1 spot) |
Why Answer Engine Optimization Matters
Voice Search Growth
Voice assistants need single, definitive answers. AEO optimizes for this zero-click reality.
AI-Powered Search
Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity are changing how people find information.
Featured Snippets
Position zero in search results captures significant traffic and establishes authority.
Conversational AI
ChatGPT and Claude are becoming primary research tools for millions of users.
Answer Engine Optimization Best Practices
Lead with the answer
Put the direct answer in the first paragraph. Don't make AI dig for it.
Use question-based headings
Structure content around the actual questions users ask.
Implement structured data
FAQ schema, How-To schema, and other markup help AI understand your content.
Be specific and factual
AI prefers concrete facts over vague statements. Include numbers, dates, and specifics.
Build topical authority
Cover topics comprehensively across multiple pages to establish expertise.
Related Terms
Answer Engine Optimization is closely related to several other concepts in the AI visibility space:
- Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): Optimizing for generative AI systems like ChatGPT and Claude
- AI Optimisation (AIO): The broader practice of optimizing for all AI discovery channels
- Large Language Model Optimization (LLMO): Another term for optimizing content for LLM-based systems
Track Your Answer Engine Visibility
AI Rank monitors how your brand appears in AI-generated answers across ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and more. See exactly when and how you're being recommended.