AEO frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about answer engine optimization. Each links to a full guide with sources.
Browse all topics in the glossary or the checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is answer engine optimization?
Making content easy for AI and search answer engines to find, understand, trust and cite when they answer questions directly. See the definition.
Is AEO different from SEO?
Mostly an extension. Google says optimizing for its AI features is still SEO; the extra focus is on being cited inside answers.
What is GEO?
Generative Engine Optimization, a term from a 2023 research paper on visibility in generative answers. It overlaps almost entirely with AEO.
How long does AEO take to work?
Technical fixes can show within days to weeks after re-crawling. Authority and brand mentions take months. Measure over at least 4 to 8 weeks.
Which industries benefit most?
Any with many informational questions: health, finance, legal, home services, software, travel and local services. Pew found AI summaries appear most on longer, question-style searches.
What are People Also Ask boxes?
Expandable related questions in Google results. They reveal sub-questions worth answering, much like query fan-out.
Do featured snippets still matter?
Yes. They still appear, and the qualities that win them (a clear answer near a relevant heading) also help AI answers.
Do I need llms.txt?
No. Google says Google Search doesn't use it, and no major engine documents using it. See llms.txt.
Should I block AI crawlers?
Block training bots if you want; allow search bots if you want AI citations. See the robots.txt builder.
How do I track AI traffic?
Use Search Console's Generative AI report, Bing AI Performance, and a GA4 AI assistants channel. See measurement.
Does schema markup help AI answers?
It clarifies entities and must match visible content, but Google says no special schema is needed for AI features.
Can small businesses compete in AI answers?
Yes, especially locally: accurate Business Profiles, reviews and specific service pages matter more than brand size for many local questions.
Can I pay to appear in AI answers?
Organic AI answers can't be bought. Some engines sell separate, labeled ads, which are not citations.
How often should I update content?
When facts change, and on a schedule for key pages. Don't change dates without real updates.
Who writes AEO.wiki?
Simon White, co-founder of Local Blitz, with AI assistance reviewed by a person. See the editorial policy.