Understanding AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) emerged as a discipline focused on getting content featured as direct answers in search results. While GEO extends this to AI citation, AEO remains foundational for visibility in voice search, featured snippets, and quick answers.
The Evolution from SEO to AEO to GEO
The optimization hierarchy evolved as search behavior changed:
- SEO (1990s-2010s): Rank in the ten blue links
- AEO (2015-2022): Appear as the featured snippet (Position Zero)
- GEO (2023-present): Be cited by AI assistants
AEO taught us to structure content for extraction—a skill that directly transfers to GEO.
Key AEO Techniques
Effective AEO strategies include:
- FAQ Schema: Structured Q&A that search engines can directly feature
- Question-Answer Formatting: Content that mirrors how users ask questions
- Concise Definitions: 40-60 word answers optimized for featured snippets
- How-To Markup: Step-by-step instructions with HowTo schema
- Speakable Content: Voice-optimized text that sounds natural when read aloud
AEO in the GEO Era
AEO hasn't been replaced—it's been absorbed. The same FAQ schemas that win featured snippets also help AI systems extract answers. Sites optimized for AEO typically perform better in GEO because they've already structured content for machine consumption.
Key Takeaways
- AEO focuses on featured snippets and voice search answers
- FAQ and HowTo schemas are core AEO tools
- AEO skills transfer directly to GEO optimization
- 40-60 word answers are optimal for snippet extraction
- Voice search optimization requires speakable content