Quick answer
AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) is the practice of structuring website content so AI assistants, voice search, and featured snippets can extract clear, quotable answers. It complements SEO by using direct answers, FAQs, structured data, and consistent facts — so tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Perplexity can reference your business accurately.
Who this applies to
UK small business owners who want visibility beyond traditional Google rankings — especially in AI-generated answers and voice search results.
Main explanation
Search is shifting from ten blue links to synthesized answers. AEO prepares your site for that shift. Where SEO targets keywords and backlinks, AEO targets clarity: short answer paragraphs, question-based headings, FAQ schema, and factual consistency across pages.
Core AEO techniques
- Quick answer sections at the top of key pages (40–80 words)
- FAQ sections with specific questions customers ask
- Structured data (FAQ, LocalBusiness, Service schema)
- Consistent name, address, and phone details and pricing facts sitewide
- Comparison tables for extractable facts
- Plain language — no jargon walls
Comparison table
| Focus | SEO | AEO |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Rank in search results | Be cited in answers |
| Content format | Comprehensive pages | Quotable snippets + depth |
| Technical | Crawlability, speed | Structured data, clarity |
| Success signal | Clicks from SERPs | Mentions in AI responses |
| Overlap | Both need fast, trustworthy sites | Both need fast, trustworthy sites |
Common mistakes
- Keyword stuffing instead of answering questions directly
- No FAQ schema on pages that already have FAQs
- Inconsistent pricing or location facts across pages
- Burying the answer below long introductions
- Ignoring structured data as only for big brands
Recommended next step
Our SEO and website optimisation service includes AEO-ready structure, schema, and answer capsules — see the service page or request a site audit via services.
