Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
Definition: Answer engine optimization (AEO) is the practice of structuring content so search features and AI assistants can lift a direct answer from it, from featured snippets and voice answers to AI-generated responses.
Also called: AEO, answer optimization
Updated
A quick example
Someone asks: “Does Google use llms.txt?” An answer engine, whether a featured snippet, a voice assistant or ChatGPT, is looking for one passage that settles the question without the rest of the page. A page with that question as a heading and “No. Google Search ignores llms.txt files” in the first sentence below it is easy to quote. A page that reaches the answer in its sixth paragraph is not.
How AEO relates to GEO and SEO
The term predates generative AI. It was first used for featured snippets and voice search, where a single answer is read out or highlighted. Today AEO and generative engine optimization overlap almost completely: AEO puts the emphasis on the answer format, GEO on being retrieved and cited by generative systems.
Google says you do not need to write in a special way for its generative AI features or break content into tiny pieces (Google Search Central). AEO is therefore mostly about clarity for readers, which machines happen to benefit from too.
Habits that help
- Put the question in the heading and a direct answer of 40 to 60 words right below it.
- Use numbered lists for steps and tables for comparisons.
- Keep facts such as prices, specifications and dates consistent across your site.
- Do not count on FAQ markup. Google says FAQ rich results stopped appearing in Search in May 2026 (documentation updates).
For a side-by-side view of where the two disciplines differ in practice, read AEO vs SEO.