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I update it as I learn.

About this glossary

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) – Glossary

Answer Engine Optimization is structuring content so AI systems can extract and cite a clear, direct answer.

Focus on concise, verifiable answers that AI can lift and credit.

AEO targets direct, cited answers. GEO optimizes for conversational, chat-style results. See source attribution for how AI credits original pages.

What it means for you

  • Headings and answers: write intent aligned headings, place a concise answer near the top (about 40 to 60 words) that directly addresses the query.
  • Patterns that extract well: use definition paragraphs, short step lists, and FAQs that mirror People also ask language so AI can lift a clean answer.
  • Structured signals: add matching schema (FAQPage, HowTo, Organization) when appropriate, cite your sources clearly, keep copy verifiable.
  • Measurement: track featured snippets, AI citations, and referral traffic by source, evaluate engagement and conversions, not just clicks.

Editor checklist (AEO)

  • Question first: open with the user’s question, then answer in 40 to 60 words near the top.
  • Structure: one definition paragraph, a short step list or FAQs that match People also ask language.
  • Citations and schema: cite your source clearly, add schema that matches the content (FAQPage, HowTo, Organization).

Further reading

Guide

AI features and your website, Google Search Central

Confirms AI features require no special schema, prioritize clear people-first answers and aligned structured data.

https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/ai-features

Guide

LLM optimization checklist, Link‑Assistant

Practical AEO tactics, entity consistency, schema alignment, prompt‑like content formats, citation tracking to increase inclusion in AI answers.

https://www.link-assistant.com/news/seo-checklist.html#LLM-optimization-checklist71

Video

Webinar: SEO for LLMs, adapting to the AI‑first web, Sitebulb

Content strategy for LLMs, technical accessibility and controls, methods to track citations and AI referrals.

https://sitebulb.com/resources/guides/webinar-seo-for-llms-adapting-to-the-ai-first-web/

Video

Webinar: SEO in the Era of AI Search (brightonSEO San Diego), Sitebulb

Patterns that help AI extract concise answers, from FAQ structures to intent‑led content, and how to measure non‑click value.

https://sitebulb.com/resources/guides/seo-in-the-era-of-ai-search-talks-from-brightonseo-san-diego/

Video

CraftQuest: SEO vs GEO in the Age of AI (membership required)

Difference between SEO and GEO, why generative search matters, how to adapt content strategy for AI driven answers.

https://craftquest.io/livestreams/seo-vs-geo-in-the-age-of-ai

Related terms

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)

Structure content so chat-style AI can understand questions, pull the right facts, assemble a clear response, and cite you.

Canonical URL

Canonical tags indicate the preferred URL for duplicate or near duplicate pages. Use absolute URLs, keep one canonica...

Schema

Schema is structured markup that helps search engines understand your pages, which can unlock rich results. For small...

Indexing

Indexing is how search engines discover, select, and store your pages so they can appear in results. Ensure correct d...

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About this glossary

I’m building this glossary to become a better developer and website strategist, in my ongoing quest to build clearer, better websites. It maps how terms relate, adds practical examples, and highlights best practices so I can communicate more clearly with clients. If it helps others too, great.

It’s a living resource, I aim to cite sources clearly. If you spot errors or omissions, please contact me so I can update it. Drafts may be assisted by AI, I review and fact check before publishing. For details on how I use AI, see AI Use at Webmarks.