What is AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)?

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of optimising content so that AI-driven answer engines, voice assistants, and search features like featured snippets and AI Overviews can easily extract, understand, and surface your answers. It focuses on clear, structured responses to user questions, supported by schema markup, strong technical SEO, and authority signals.

How do I optimise my website for AEO?

To optimise for AEO, start by identifying the real questions your audience asks, then build clearly structured Q&A content that gives direct, concise answers. Use question-based headings, summarise key answers in the first 40–60 words of each section, support them with lists, tables and examples, and back everything up with solid technical SEO, schema markup, mobile-friendly design and fast loading times.

How can I identify user questions for Answer Engine Optimization?

You can identify user questions for AEO by using tools like Google’s People Also Ask, AnswerThePublic, SEMrush, BuzzSumo, on-site search logs, and FAQ submissions. Speaking with sales and support teams also reveals real-world questions that prospects ask in Canada, the US and other markets, including how-to, comparison and definition queries around your products and services.

How should I structure my content for answer engines and AI?

Structure each section around a specific question, provide a short, direct answer at the top, and then expand with context, examples, bullet points and short paragraphs. Group related questions together, use tables for comparisons and keep information scannable. This format makes it easier for answer engines and AI models to extract and reuse your content in snippets, AI Overviews and voice responses.

Which schema markup types help with AEO?

For AEO, focus on FAQPage, HowTo and Article schema on key pages. FAQPage markup works well for grouped Q&A content, HowTo is ideal for step-by-step processes, and Article schema helps define your main content. Using these schema types correctly can improve how AI and search engines interpret your answers and increase your chances of being selected for rich results and AI-powered summaries.

How do I boost authority and trust for better AEO performance?

Boost authority and trust by earning high-quality backlinks, cultivating genuine customer reviews, and keeping your business listings consistent across platforms like Google Business Profile. Pair this with a secure, fast, mobile-friendly site and expert-driven content to send strong signals that your answers are reliable and worth featuring in answer engines.

How can I monitor and refine my AEO performance?

Monitor AEO performance by tracking featured snippets, FAQ rich results, and visibility in AI-powered responses using tools such as Google Search Console, Ahrefs, Moz and similar platforms. Look at which questions your content is winning, how often your brand is cited in AI summaries or voice responses, and update or expand your content regularly to stay accurate and competitive.

What are the first steps to get started with AEO?

To get started with AEO, list your top 10 user questions, build or update pages using a Q&A format with clear question-based headings, add FAQ and HowTo schema where relevant, and check which of your answers appear in People Also Ask or other rich results. Continue refining content, improving mobile speed and design, and building authority through links and reviews to strengthen your position in AI-driven search.

How to optimise for AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)?

Discovery tools for identifying AEO-friendly questions.

How to Optimise for AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)?

To optimise for AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), start by understanding the questions your audience asks, then create clearly structured, Q&A-based content that gives direct, concise answers supported by schema markup and strong technical SEO. This combination boosts your visibility in AI-powered answer boxes, voice search, and zero-click search results.

Identify User Intent and Questions

Before you write, consider: What specific questions do your customers type or speak when searching for your product or service? Use tools like Google’s People Also Ask, Answer the Public, and SEMrush to find common questions. Chatting with your sales or support teams can surface additional, real-life questions not captured by keyword databases. For example, U.S. and Canadian companies often find a mix of how-to, comparison, and definition queries about their services.

Examples of Discovery Tools

Google’s People Also Ask
SEMrush (for keyword and question analysis)
BuzzSumo (content performance insights)
On-site search logs and FAQ submissions

Structure for Direct, AI-Friendly Answers

AI and answer engines prefer content formatted with clear logic and hierarchy. Here’s how to create content that stands out:

1. Use Question-Based Headings

Begin each section with a specific question (e.g., “How does AEO work?”)

2. Provide Concise, Upfront Answers

Summarize the answer within 40-60 words at the start
Support the quick answer with additional context, lists, and real-world examples

3. Make Information Easily Scannable

Use bullet points and short paragraphs
Include tables for comparisons
Group related questions together

4. Implement FAQ and How-To Sections

Dedicate a section or page to top questions for increased snippet selection opportunities

AEO Content Comparison Table

Practice	Impact on AEO	Example
Q&A headings	Increases snippet chances	“How to…” section
Schema markup	Improves AI visibility	FAQPage, HowTo
Structured lists/tables	Easier for AI to extract	Pros/cons lists

Boost Technical and Off-Site Authority

Strong answer engine performance comes from more than text. Here’s what to prioritize:

Schema Markup: Implement FAQPage, HowTo, and Article schema for major questions
Mobile and Site Speed: Ensure fast, intuitive mobile experiences
Trusted Backlinks and Reviews: These enhance trust and help answer engines rank your content higher
Consistent Business Listings: Update profiles on platforms like Google My Business

Monitor and Refine AEO Performance

You might be wondering: Once my site is optimised, how do I know if it works? Monitor featured snippet wins, FAQ appearances, and track AI-powered results using tools like Ahrefs or Moz. Check how often your brand is directly cited in AI summaries or voice results.

Actionable Steps to Get Started

List your top 10 user questions using discovery tools
Create a Q&A format for each main page, with schema markup
Analyze which answers appear in People Also Ask boxes
Update content regularly to keep it relevant and accurate

Key Things to Remember

Focus on real, specific questions your audience is asking
Format content so both humans and AI can quickly identify answers
Leverage schema markup and mobile-friendly design
Build trust with quality backlinks and customer reviews
Test and monitor for continual improvement

Businesses that implement these steps now benefit as users increasingly rely on zero-click, conversational search. In fact, advanced SEO tactics, including AEO, influence more than 40% of all online revenue3.