Answer engine optimization
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) refers to a set of strategies and practices aimed at improving the visibility and retrieval of digital content by large language models, conversational agents, and AI-driven search engines.[1][2][3]
While AEO concerns the optimisation of content for improved retrieval by AI systems, Artificial intelligence optimization (AIO) concerns the optimisation of the AI systems themselves. AEO addresses how human-generated information should be organised so that AI systems can interpret, verify, and present it effectively.[4][5]
Unlike traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which focuses on ranking within link-based search results, AEO prioritises the production of structured and semantically rich information that can be directly extracted and reformulated as an answer.[6][7]
In recent years, as conversational-search tools and AI-driven answer interfaces (such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI Overviews) have grown in usage, AEO has emerged as a distinct discipline from traditional search engine optimisation.[8] Tools such as Semrush's AI Visibility Toolkit and Enterprise AIO reflect the growing emphasis on monitoring how websites and entities are cited, referenced, or incorporated into responses produced by Large language model (LLM) answer engines.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ Rogers, Carrie (2019). Digital Citizenship: Teaching Strategies and Practice from the Field. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 49. ISBN 1475848250.
- ^ Kim S, Priluck R. Consumer Responses to Generative AI Chatbots Versus Search Engines for Product Evaluation. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research. 2025; 20(2):93.
- ^ Tripathi, Avinash, A Strategic Outlook on LLM SEO: Using File-Format Logic to Guide AI-Optimized Content Design. (July 31, 2025).
- ^ Sanchez-Cuadrado, S., & Morato, J. (2023). Análisis de respuestas enriquecidas en Google. Scire: Representación Y organización Del Conocimiento, 29(1), 13–23.
- ^ "AI Is Destroying SEO. Rank Now Requires Answer Engine Optimization". Forbes.
- ^ de Rosen, Timothy, From GEO to AIVO: The Evolution of Digital Visibility Standards in the AI Search Era. (August 20, 2025).
- ^ "Why AEO May Be The Most Dangerous Acronym In AI". Forbes.
- ^ "AI Answer Engine Optimization". SEO.com. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Brands target AI chatbots as users switch from Google search". Financial Times.