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What is AEO (answer engine optimization)?

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Short answer

AEO, or answer engine optimization, is the practice of getting your brand mentioned and cited in AI-generated answers from tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. It focuses on being clearly and consistently described in the trusted sources these tools draw on, especially news and industry publications.

What is AEO (answer engine optimization) illustration by Classy Media

Why AEO matters

More buyers ask AI assistants questions like "what's the best company for..." instead of scrolling search results. Those answers name a few brands. If yours isn't among them, you're missing from the shortlist.

AEO vs. SEO

  • SEO aims to rank your pages in search results.
  • AEO aims to have AI tools mention, recommend, and cite your brand.

They overlap: authority, clear content, and quality backlinks help both. But AEO puts more weight on what third parties say about you.

How AEO works

  1. Find the questions buyers ask AI tools in your category.
  2. See which sources those tools cite.
  3. Earn coverage and mentions in those sources.
  4. Keep your positioning consistent everywhere.
  5. Track how AI tools describe you over time.

Learn more about our AEO service, including ChatGPT visibility, Perplexity SEO, and Google AI Overviews optimization.

Related guides

Get help from Classy Media

Classy Media is a PR agency that earns coverage for companies and leaders across every industry, with daily outreach to the journalists who cover your market. See our plans, which start at $4,000/month, or book a free 20-minute consultation.

Related

People also ask.

Is AEO the same as GEO?

They are closely related terms. GEO (generative engine optimization) is often used for the same goal of appearing in AI answers.

Does PR help with AEO?

Yes. AI tools lean on trusted publications, so earned media is one of the most effective ways to appear in AI answers.

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