What is AEO?
Answer Engine Optimization is the evolution of search. Learn how AEO is reshaping the way customers discover and interact with brands online.
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Explained
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of optimizing your digital content to be featured in AI-powered answer engines like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google's AI Overviews, and other large language models (LLMs).
Unlike traditional search engines that provide a list of links, answer engines directly provide comprehensive answers by synthesizing information from multiple sources. AEO ensures your brand is cited and recommended when AI systems answer questions related to your industry.
AEO vs SEO: What's the Difference?
SEO (Traditional)
- Optimizes for search engine rankings
- Goal: Appear in top 10 results
- Users click through to websites
- Keyword-focused strategies
- Link building & backlinks
- Measured by rankings & traffic
AEO (Modern)
- Optimizes for AI citations & mentions
- Goal: Be the answer AI provides
- Direct answers without clicks
- Entity & context-focused
- Structured data & schema markup
- Measured by AI visibility & citations
The Future of Online Business
Shift in Search Behavior
Customers are moving from "searching" to "asking." Instead of clicking through multiple websites, they expect instant, comprehensive answers from AI assistants.
Zero-Click Dominance
AI answers provide information without requiring clicks. Brands must be cited within these answers to maintain visibility and authority in their industry.
Early Adopter Advantage
Companies investing in AEO now are establishing authority that will be difficult for competitors to replicate as AI becomes the primary discovery channel.
Trust & Authority
Being consistently cited by AI platforms builds unprecedented brand trust. AI recommendations carry significant weight with consumers making purchasing decisions.
Ready to Get Started with AEO?
Join the AEO-first pioneers and ensure your brand stays visible in the AI-powered future.