What is answer engine optimization (AEO)?
Definition
Answer engine optimization (AEO) is the practice of structuring content so search engines, voice assistants and AI chat tools can return it as a direct answer to a question.
Why it matters
When a tool answers directly, the source it uses gets the visibility. AEO helps your page become that source.
How to do it
- Target real questions your audience asks.
- Answer each one in a short, self-contained paragraph right under a matching heading.
- Back the answer with details, examples and FAQs on the same page.
Example
A page titled “What is engagement rate?” opens with a one-sentence definition and a formula, which makes it easy to show as a direct answer.
AEO vs. GEO
The terms overlap and are often used interchangeably. AEO focuses on direct answers in any answer engine. GEO focuses on citations inside generative AI responses.
FAQ
Does AEO need FAQ schema?
No markup is required. Clear questions and answers on the page matter more than schema.