What is AI Search Optimization?

AI Search Optimization (AEO - Answer Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing content to be cited, quoted, and featured by AI-powered search engines like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, and You.com. Unlike traditional SEO, AEO focuses on getting your content directly synthesized into AI-generated answers.

How do I optimize my content for AI search engines?

Optimize for AI search by: 1) Using question-based H2 headings, 2) Providing direct answers in the first 50-100 words, 3) Adding comprehensive FAQ sections with 10+ questions, 4) Implementing Person and FAQPage schema markup, 5) Building strong E-E-A-T signals with expert authorship, 6) Creating definition boxes for key terms, and 7) Maintaining content freshness with visible update dates.

Which AI search engines should I prioritize?

Prioritize Google AI Overviews first (84% market share, 8.5B daily searches), then Bing-powered platforms (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) which share the same index, and finally Perplexity and You.com for their specialized audiences. A comprehensive AEO strategy targets all major platforms simultaneously.

Why is E-E-A-T important for AI search visibility?

E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust) is critical because AI engines heavily weight expert authorship and trust signals when selecting sources to cite. Content from anonymous authors or sites lacking clear expertise signals is rarely featured. Implement expert author bios, credentials, detailed about pages, and organizational expertise.

How do I measure AI search performance?

Track AI search performance through: 1) Google Search Console for AI Overview data, 2) Analytics referral traffic from chat.openai.com, perplexity.ai, you.com, 3) Manual testing by searching relevant queries in each AI engine, 4) Server logs for AI bot activity (GPTBot, PerplexityBot, ClaudeBot), 5) Third-party tools like Semrush AI tracking features.