What is AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)? | How It Works and Optimize

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is defined as the process by which online content is optimized so that AI platforms like ChatGPT can easily find and present it as direct answers to user queries.

Instead of searches being made on Google and websites being browsed, questions are now often asked directly to AI tools for quick, clear responses. Due to this shift, it is considered important for content to be created in a way that is simple, well-structured, and easy for AI to understand and pull from.

Visibility is increased, more users are attracted, and authority is built online through AEO. By focusing on AEO, it is ensured that your information appears when a related question is asked, providing an edge over competitors relying only on traditional SEO.

What is AEO?

Answer engine optimization (AEO) is known as a digital marketing strategy where website content is optimized by businesses to appear in AI-generated responses to user queries. The term is used because AI text generators are often described as answer engines.

AEO vs. SEO

The difference between Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) may be wondered about. After all, only one word separates the two acronyms, and similar processes seem to be referred to.

It is often said that AEO and SEO are completely different strategies, while it is also claimed that they are the same. Both views are considered correct. AEO and SEO are technically seen as different, since content is optimized for AI in one and for search engines in the other.

Practically, however, they are viewed as two versions of one approach. Yes, different types of query results are targeted. But similar strategies are required. Most AEO tactics are already recommended for SEO. Thus, AEO is often regarded as a subset of SEO.

Why Is AEO Considered Important? Why Should Optimization For AI Generators Be Done In The First Place?

The reason is that AI tools are being used by many people for research. Traditionally, Google (and other search engines) was used to find answers to queries. But asking an AI tool is now found easier by some people, as a single answer is provided.

Of course, those AI-generated answers are still pulled from somewhere. While credit may not always be given by ChatGPT, some AI tools do mention their sources. Even in ChatGPT, sources may be requested by users to double-check the information received.

If your site is used as a source, your website can be discovered, and customers may be gained over time.

How To Optimize For AEO?

Now the big question is raised: How can an AEO strategy be optimized? What steps should be taken to appear in answer engine results?

Several AEO tactics should be used. As mentioned earlier, these are activities that may already be included in your SEO efforts. They include:

1. Consider Search Intent

If SEO is familiar to you, search intent, which is the reason why a specific query is searched by a user, is probably already known. So, if “tips for pest prevention” are looked up by someone, it is likely that they want to know how pests can be kept out of their home.

The same idea is applied to AEO. When specific keywords or queries are targeted on your site, the reason behind the search should be considered. Then the content should be tailored to meet that intent. Only in this way will your content be used by AI tools like ChatGPT.

2. Optimize For Featured Snippets

Another solid AEO strategy is to have your content optimized for featured snippets. If featured snippets are not known to you, they are the blurbs that are sometimes shown as the first organic result in Google searches. To have your content ranked in these featured snippets, short, succinct answers to specific questions must be provided.

And as it happens, the same strategy is applied to AEO. Simple, straightforward answers to user queries are usually provided by answer engines, meaning content that formats information that way will be favored. Also, AI answers are sometimes featured by Google in search results.

3. Optimize For Voice Search

In addition to being optimized for featured snippets, content should also be created for optimization for voice searches. What does it mean for voice search to be optimized, though?

Well, unlike many Google searches, voice searches are often formatted as full sentences (especially questions). Therefore, targeting long-tail keywords, particularly full questions, is involved in optimization for them.

Just like optimization for featured snippets, this SEO strategy also works very well for AEO. Even when voice search is not being used, full questions are still typically asked by people when AI generators are used, rather than just keywords being typed. These full questions should, therefore, be targeted in the content.

4. Use Business Directories

Last on the list of AEO tactics, your company should be listed on various online business directories. A Google Business Profile is one example of this, but listings may also be made on sites like Yelp or The Yellow Pages (depending on the industry). If any local directories for businesses in your industry exist, those should be targeted for listings as well.

Why? Because when AI generators are asked to recommend businesses, information is often pulled from online directories. Therefore, your business information should be made available on those sites, increasing the chances of appearing in an answer engine response.

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) FAQs

What is Answer Engine Optimization?

AEO is referred to as Answer Engine Optimization. It is when content is made easy for AI tools, like ChatGPT, to find and use as answers.

How Is AEO Different From SEO?

AEO is focused on making content easy for AI to use, while SEO is focused on improving a website’s visibility on search engines.

Why Is AEO Important?

AEO is considered important because AI tools are being used by more people to get answers quickly, so websites need to be prepared to appear in those answers.

How Can a Website Be Optimized For AEO?

Optimization for AEO can be achieved by making content simple, answering questions clearly, and using strategies such as featured snippets and voice search.

What Is a Featured Snippet?

A featured snippet is considered to be a short answer that is shown at the top of Google search results. Content can be optimized to appear in these snippets.

How Is Voice Search Related To AEO?

Full questions are often asked by people using voice search. Voice search can be optimized by targeting long-tail keywords and full questions.

How Can Search Intent Assist In AEO?

Search intent is the reason behind a user’s query. Content that answers questions directly can be created by understanding this.

Why Should Business Directories Be Used For AEO?

Information from business directories is often pulled by AI tools. By listing a business on sites like Google Business Profile, visibility in AI-generated responses can be improved.

What Kind of Questions Should Be Targeted For AEO?

Common questions about a business or topic should be focused on. These should be answered clearly in the content.

Can AEO Help a Business Grow?

Yes, optimization for AEO can allow a business to appear in more AI-generated answers, attracting more customers and increasing visibility.