SEO is not dead. But AEO is eating its lunch.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is the practice of structuring content so AI answer engines like Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Google SGE cite it. It's not a replacement for SEO. It's an additional layer that most B2B companies are ignoring.
The key differences
SEO optimizes for rankings. You want to be on page 1 of Google for a keyword. Success = position 1-3.
AEO optimizes for citations. You want AI engines to quote your content when answering a question. Success = being the source that Perplexity links to.
The 7-step AEO framework
- Answer first, explain second. Lead every section with a direct, quotable answer. AI engines extract the first clear statement.
- Structure headers as questions. Use the exact questions your audience asks as H2s.
- Include comparison tables. Structured data gets cited 3-4x more than prose.
- Cite real numbers with sources. AI engines prefer content with specific, attributed data.
- Add author credentials. AI engines weight author authority in citation decisions.
- Build topic clusters. Multiple interlinked articles on the same topic signal depth and authority.
- Update regularly. AI engines prefer fresh content. Update your key articles quarterly.
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