AEO Strategy15 February 2025·5 min read
What Is AEO? A Practical Guide to Answer Engine Optimisation
Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) is the practice of structuring your content so that AI-powered search engines — like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews — can find, understand, and recommend your business.
Traditional SEO focused on ranking in a list of blue links. AEO is different. The goal is to become the answer — the source that AI engines cite when users ask questions.
Why AEO Matters Now
The shift is already happening. More users are asking questions in natural language and expecting direct answers. If your content isn't structured for this, you're invisible to an entire generation of searchers.
How to Start with AEO
- Structure content around questions. Think about what your customers actually ask, not just what keywords they search.
- Use clear, concise answers. Lead with the answer, then expand with context.
- Add schema markup. Structured data helps AI engines parse your content accurately.
- Build topical authority. Cover your subject area comprehensively so AI engines trust you as a source.
The Bottom Line
AEO isn't replacing SEO — it's extending it. Businesses that adapt now will have a significant advantage as AI search becomes the default.