When you search on Google, you often see an answer at the top of the page, or a summary written by AI. Answer engine optimisation (AEO) is writing and structuring your pages so that search engines and AI tools can pick out a clear answer from them.
Write the answer first
Put the direct answer in the first two sentences under a heading, then explain. For example: "How long does a website take? Most small business websites take a few weeks, depending on the number of pages and how fast content arrives."
Use question-style headings
Headings that match how people ask, such as "How much does it cost to...?" or "What is...?", make your page easy to match to a search.
Add a short FAQ
End important pages with three to eight questions and short answers. Mark them up with FAQ structured data.
Keep answers short and specific
Two to four sentences with a clear fact beat a long paragraph. Add numbers, places and names where they are true.
Show who wrote it and when
Add a date and a source of experience, such as your business name. Update the page when things change.
Be honest about limits
No one can guarantee that a search engine or an AI tool will use your page. Good answers, clear structure and consistent information give you a better chance.
Questions, answered.
- What does AEO stand for?
- AEO stands for answer engine optimisation. It means structuring content so search engines and AI tools can give a direct answer from it.
- How is AEO different from SEO?
- SEO helps your pages rank in the results list. AEO helps your content be used as the direct answer. The two work well together.
- Does FAQ markup guarantee a rich result?
- No. It helps machines read your questions and answers, but search engines decide what to show.