Today, we’re going to discuss a very interesting and trending topic, AEO, or Answer Engine Optimization.
Is AEO an evolved version of SEO? Or has AEO replaced SEO?
Both are true! Believe it or not, but times have changed.
What exactly is AEO?
AEO stands for Answer Engine Optimization.
This means it’s no longer just about Search Engine Optimization. Now users want direct and precise answers, not a list of links! Today, we all ask questions to tools like Google, ChatGPT, Siri, and Alexa, and what do we want in return? An exact answer, in our own language and natural tone. So the question is:
Is your website able to answer these questions or not?
If “no,” it means SEO alone won’t suffice. You need AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).
Learn More About What does AEO mean?
First, understand what SEO is.
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization – a process in which we optimize our website so that when people type keywords related to our business or service into search engines like Google, our website appears at the top.
But now the race isn’t just about “getting on top.” The goal now is to have your website appear as a source in AI-generated answers, whether it’s Google’s AI Overview (SGE) or ChatGPT’s answer!
Why is AEO important now?
Because users no longer want a “link list,” they want “answers.”
For example,
If someone searches for “Lawyer Fee in New Delhi,” does he want a link list? No. They need a clear, detailed answer.
If your website is providing these answers, your content will likely appear as a source in AI-generated answers or Google’s AI Overview.
Learn More about the benefits of SEO
So, how to do AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)?
1. Answer Common User Questions
Answer the most frequently asked questions by users on your website and blogs. Do keyword research for this, and pay particular attention to:
- Conversational Keywords
- Question-Based Keywords
Create high-quality, value-driven content related to these that directly answers the user’s query. You can place this in blogs, FAQs, or a separate subdirectory.
2. Include Schema Data
Now it’s crucial to structure your website with Schema markup. Add schemas like
- FAQ Schema
- How-To Schema
To make your content easily readable and digestible for both AI agents and search crawlers. The more readable your content is, the more likely it is that AI will use it as a source for its answers.
3. Maintain Double-E-E-A-T
That means Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. The content should demonstrate that it was written by an expert.
If you only post AI-generated content, your website won’t receive the traffic you’re hoping for. Therefore, get content written by a professional or industry expert who can share personal experience and real data. This will build both authority and trust on your site.
Future of AEO
As time goes on, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of how to make your website AI-friendly. But for now, if you’re using SEO, now is the time to upgrade to AEO.
Read Our Latest Blog About Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): The Future of SEO
