More and more people skip the list of links. They open ChatGPT, Perplexity or Google's AI Overviews, ask a question in plain language and read a single written answer. That answer usually names a few businesses or sources. Answer engine optimization, or AEO, is the work of becoming one of them.
SEO and AEO: same goal, different finish line
SEO competes for a position on a page of results. AEO competes for a mention inside one answer. They reward many of the same things: clear, trustworthy, well-structured content. The difference is emphasis. Answer engines favour content that answers a specific question directly, and brands that are described the same way everywhere they appear.
SEO gets you on the list. AEO gets you into the answer.
Four things that make a brand citable
- Answer questions directly. Put a one- or two-sentence answer at the top of the page, then the detail. Assistants look for text they can quote.
- Use structured data. Schema markup tells machines what your business is, what it offers and where it operates, without guesswork.
- Be consistent everywhere. Use the same name, description and list of services on your website, Google Business Profile, directories and social profiles.
- Earn mentions. Reviews, press, partner pages and community posts all signal that real people trust you.
Where to start this week
- Write down the ten questions customers ask you most often.
- Answer each one on your site, in plain language, near the top of a page.
- Add Organization and FAQ schema to those pages.
- Check that your business details match across every listing.
- Ask a few assistants about your field and note who they recommend today.
AEO doesn't replace SEO. It's the next layer on top of it. The businesses that start now will be the ones assistants already know when everyone else catches up.