Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), sometimes referred to as Artificial Intelligence Optimisation (AIO), is the evolution of SEO for the age of AI. Instead of focusing purely on ranking for “ten blue links” in Google, AEO is about structuring and presenting your content so that Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google Gemini can easily pull it into their responses.
Whereas the main goal of SEO is to get clicks, the aim of AEO is to score citations. If your brand is consistently referenced in AI-generated answers, you’re building visibility and authority at the exact point where people are making decisions. That makes formatting, clarity, and credibility more important than ever.
AEO-friendly content is clear, direct, and helpful. It often takes the shape of FAQs, comparisons, explainers, and structured resources that answer specific user questions. Done well, AEO puts your brand in the AI “conversation,” even if users never land on your site.