AEO Marketing: How to Rank #1 in AI Searches (2026 Guide)
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Dec 4, 2025
- 21 min read
In the era of AI-driven search, being the answer matters more than being on the list. Traditional SEO is no longer enough when tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Bing’s AI chat are delivering instant answers to users. This guide will demystify Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) – what it is, how it differs from SEO, and a step-by-step strategy to help your business rank #1 in AI-powered searches. We’ll cover why AEO is crucial in 2026 and beyond, how to optimise content for AI answer engines, and actionable tips for e-commerce brands, local businesses, B2B SaaS companies, and agencies alike. Let’s dive in.
What Is Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO)?
Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) is the practice of structuring and optimising your content so that AI-powered search tools can directly use it to answer user queries. Instead of just aiming for a blue-link listing on a search results page, AEO is about making your content the definitive answer that an AI engine provides to the user. In other words, SEO is about being on the list; AEO is about being the answer.
AEO has emerged in response to the rise of “answer engines” – think voice assistants, chatbots, and AI-infused search results – which synthesise information from multiple sources and present a single answer to the user without requiring any clicks. For example, when someone asks an AI, “What’s the best project management software for a small team?”, the AI might generate an overview mentioning a few top tools and why they’re recommended. Your goal with AEO is to ensure your brand or content is featured in that AI-generated answer.
Why AEO Matters in 2026 (The Zero-Click Search Era)
User behaviour has shifted dramatically. Today, over half of all Google searches end without a click – people get what they need directly on the results page. We’ve entered the age of zero-click search, where featured snippets, knowledge panels, and now AI-generated answers satisfy queries instantly.
Traditional search engines (Google, Bing) are evolving into answer engines. Google’s new AI Overviews (part of its Search Generative Experience) and tools like Bing Chat summarise information for the user right on the results page. In fact, Google’s AI Overviews were appearing in roughly 47% of searches (and climbing toward 80%) as of late 2024 – meaning nearly 4 out of 5 searches may soon show an AI answer before any organic links. If your content isn’t part of that answer, you miss out on visibility entirely.
Meanwhile, hundreds of millions of people are flocking to AI chat platforms for answers. ChatGPT alone reached around 400 million weekly users by 2024, and Microsoft saw a 4× surge in Bing app downloads after adding AI chat. Gartner predicts that by 2026, a quarter of all organic traffic will shift to AI chatbots and virtual assistants. This is the biggest search behaviour change since the rise of mobile search. In short, AEO matters now because AI-driven search is quickly becoming the default way people find information.
Google’s AI Overview provides a synthesised answer drawing from multiple sources (notice the cited brands). In 2026, users often see an AI-generated snapshot like this instead of a long list of links.
AEO vs. Traditional SEO: What’s the Difference?
It’s helpful to compare AEO and SEO directly, because while they overlap in foundation, their focus differs. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is about improving your website’s ranking and visibility on search engine result pages (SERPs). AEO is about ensuring your content is the exact answer AI platforms pull in when answering a question. As one marketer put it, with SEO, you ask, “How do I rank for this keyword?”; with AEO, you ask, “How do I get cited as the source of the answer?”.
Below is a quick comparison of SEO vs AEO factors and signals:
Aspect | Traditional SEO | Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) |
Primary Goal | Rank high in search results to drive clicks to your site. | Be the direct answer to user queries (even if no click occurs). |
Typical Queries | Short, keyword-based searches (e.g. “best running shoes”). | Natural language questions and long-tail queries (e.g. “What are the best running shoes for knee problems?”). |
Content Approach | In-depth content targeting keywords; content may explain but not always answer upfront. | Answer-focused content structured around Q&A – concise, factual answers first, followed by details. |
Key Optimisation Tactics | Keywords in titles, meta tags, quality backlinks, user experience signals, and mobile friendliness. | Question-based formatting, structured data/schema, conversational tone, snippet-ready summaries, and earning citations in authoritative sources. |
Technical Focus | Standard SEO technicals: crawlability, page speed, Core Web Vitals, mobile optimisation. | All SEO basics plus AI-specific needs: use schema markup (FAQ, HowTo, etc.), ensure content is easily parsed by AI (plain HTML, semantic structure). |
Visibility Metrics | Organic traffic, click-through rates (CTR), keyword rankings, and conversion from search. | AI answer share – how often your content/brand is mentioned in AI answers, featured snippet count, voice assistant mentions, indirect engagement (even without clicks). |
User Interaction | User clicks through to your site and reads/interacts there. | The user might get the answer without visiting your site. Success is when the AI delivers your info (with attribution or brand mention) directly. |
SEO is about getting people onto your website, whereas AEO is about getting your information into the answers that people receive. Importantly, AEO isn’t a replacement for SEO but an expansion of it. You still need a strong SEO foundation (quality content, crawlable site, authority backlinks) – these factors feed into AEO. But to truly succeed, you must go further and optimise specifically for how AI systems read, select, and present information.
How to Rank #1 in AI Searches: A Step-by-Step AEO Strategy
Now let’s get practical. How can your business – whether it’s an ecommerce brand, a local service, a B2B SaaS, or an agency helping clients – increase visibility in AI-driven search results? Below is a step-by-step AEO strategy to help you become the trusted answer across tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Bing’s AI (Copilot), Perplexity, voice assistants, and more.
Step 1: Research What Questions Your Audience Is Asking (Analyse)
The first step is understanding the questions and topics that matter to your audience and seeing how AI currently answers them. This involves a bit of keyword research – but framed in terms of questions, not just keywords.
Brainstorm & Identify Key Questions: Think about what real users ask about your industry, products, or services. For example:
E-commerce: “What’s the best [product] for [need]?” (e.g., “best stroller for travel”).
Local business: “Where can I find a reliable [service] near me?” (e.g., “best plumber in <city> for emergency leaks”).
B2B SaaS: “How does [Your Software] compare to [Competitor]?” or “What’s the ROI of using [Your Tool]?”.
Agency: “How do I improve [metric] for my business?” which could lead to your agency’s content as an answer.
Use Tools and SERPs: Leverage tools like Google’s People Also Ask box, Answer the Public, or SEMrush’s question research to find popular queries. Also, search your broad topic on AI platforms themselves: see what ChatGPT, Google’s AI snapshot, or Perplexity says. This can reveal which sources they cite and what type of answers are given.
Audit Current AI Answers: For the critical questions you identified, note who is being cited in the answers. Are competitor blogs showing up in Google’s AI overview? Is a Reddit thread or a Quora answer being referenced frequently? You may discover, for instance, that a niche blog or a Reddit post dominates AI answers in your niche. This analysis shows you where and how you need to compete.
Track Patterns: Create a simple spreadsheet to log your findings (query -> sources cited by AI -> content type). Look for patterns:
Perhaps “Top 10” listicles or comparison tables are frequently referenced.
Maybe a particular forum (Reddit, StackExchange, etc.) or review site keeps coming up.
Identify content gaps: questions where no great answer exists yet (that’s your opportunity!).
By the end of this step, you should have a clear picture of the AI answer landscape in your space: the common questions, the top answer sources, and content formats that win. This is the foundation for your AEO game plan.
Step 2: Create Content That Delivers Direct Answers (Optimise Your Content)
Armed with insights, it’s time to create or update your content so that it’s tailor-made for answer engines. The key is to make your content structured, concise, and authoritative – something an AI would love to quote. Here’s how:
Write in a Q&A Format: Structure your content around the questions you identified. Use the question as a header (H2/H3) and immediately provide a concise answer in the next sentence or two. For example, if the question is “How do I get rid of mould in my basement?”, start the section with a direct answer: “To get rid of basement mould, first identify the moisture source, then use a bleach solution or commercial anti-mould product on affected areas, ensuring proper ventilation.” Afterwards, you can elaborate with more details or steps.
Provide the Answer Upfront: Aim to answer each question in a snippet-friendly paragraph of ~40-60 words at the top of the section. This increases your chances of being featured in Google’s snippet or an AI summary. Think of it as writing the TL;DR first, then the supporting info.
Use Clear Structure (Headings, Lists, Tables): Break information into digestible chunks. Use bullet points or numbered steps for how-tos, and tables for comparisons or pros/cons. AI models thrive on well-organised info. For instance, if you’re comparing products, include a simple comparison table of features. If explaining a process, list the steps clearly. Well-structured content is easier for AI to parse and quote.
To illustrate, here’s a quick reference of content best practices for AEO:
Content Format/Feature | AEO Best Practice & Why it Helps |
FAQ sections (Q&A pairs) | Use dedicated FAQ sections or pages addressing common questions. Mark them up with the FAQ schema. Why? AI can easily identify the question and answer, and Google may show these in AI overviews or People Also Ask. |
Concise snippet upfront | Answer in the first 1-2 sentences of a paragraph. Why? AI prefers content that gets to the point fast. This snippet often becomes the quoted text in an AI answer or featured snippet. |
Bulleted lists & steps | Use bullet points for lists (e.g. top benefits, key features) and numbered steps for instructions. Why? List formatting helps AI break down and present information clearly (e.g. step-by-step solutions or top-5 lists). |
Comparison tables | Include tables comparing options, features, or pros/cons. Why? Many AI answers to “Which is best?” or “X vs Y” pull from comparison data. A table makes it easy for an AI to extract key differences. |
Conversational tone | Write in natural, human-like language (as if speaking to a friend). Why? AI, especially voice assistants, favour content that sounds conversational and relatable. This also improves your content’s E-E-A-T by sounding authentic and clear. |
Embed expert insights | Add quotes or insights from subject matter experts (even if internal). Why? Unique perspectives and authoritative statements can set your content apart. AI models value expertise and distinct information and may include those points. |
Up-to-date facts & stats | Include relevant statistics, dates, or current information when possible. Why? AI systems are more likely to trust and use content that is fresh and factual. Up-to-date content signals that your answer is relevant now (especially important as models are updated). |
As you create content, always keep user intent in mind. If the query is a how-to, ensure your content provides each step clearly. If the query is a “best X for Y”, perhaps structure your content as a list of top options including your product/service, with reasons why (and be honest/comprehensive – AI will notice if you omit known top competitors).
Don’t forget: incorporate E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) signals in your content. For example, add author bios, credentials, and real-world examples to show that your advice is coming from a place of authority. This not only helps with Google’s algorithms but also gives AI models more confidence in citing your content as a trusted source.
Step 3: Optimise Technical SEO for AI (Schema, Structure, and Speed)
Many traditional SEO technical best practices carry over to AEO, but there are additional tweaks to make your site AI-friendly:
Implement Structured Data (Schema Markup): Adding schema markup helps search engines and AI understand your content context. At minimum, use FAQPage schema for Q&A content and HowTo schema for instructional content. For local businesses, use LocalBusiness schema to feed business details, and if voice search matters, consider Speakable schema for key sections. Schema basically gives AI a cheat-sheet of your content’s questions, answers, and info.
Ensure Crawlability & Indexing: Just as with SEO, if your content isn’t easily crawlable, it won’t be found. Make sure you are not blocking important content in robots.txt (and definitely don’t block known AI crawlers). Use logical HTML structure (proper <h1>-<h2> hierarchy, lists, tables) so that AI algorithms can parse content hierarchy. Also, deliver content in HTML – heavy client-side JS content might be missed by AI crawlers that don’t execute scripts.
Page Speed and Mobile-Friendliness: Quick-loading, mobile-optimised pages improve your chances of being used in answers. Google’s AI will favour content that loads fast (especially on mobile) since it might need to fetch it on the fly. Core Web Vitals still count, as do basics like having an HTTPS secure site.
Use Meta Tags for Questions: Optimise your title tags and meta descriptions to include the question or a clear statement of the answer. This not only helps traditional SEO but can also influence what text AI pulls in an overview.
Content Freshness Signals: Keep content updated, and note dates where relevant (e.g., “Updated for 2026”). AI models and search engines tend to trust content that is updated and signals recency, especially for topics where information changes quickly. Regularly refresh your key pages so that if an AI is choosing between multiple sources, yours shows signs of being current.
Technical Foundations for AI: In 2026, we know that AI engines often use a mix of pre-trained data and real-time search. For example, OpenAI’s GPT models were trained on massive web datasets (Common Crawl, Wikipedia, etc.) and also use live retrieval for current info. While you can’t directly control an AI’s training data, you can ensure your site is technically sound so it gets included in web indexes (Common Crawl) and can be fetched in real-time. This means having your content publicly accessible (not behind logins), well-linked, and on authoritative domains where possible.
In short, treat technical AEO like an extension of technical SEO. Dot your i’s and cross your t’s with schema and site structure to give AI clear signals. This “behind-the-scenes” optimization makes it far more likely that when an AI scours the web for answers, it can correctly interpret and grab your content.
Step 4: Build Your Presence on Key AI Platforms (Off-Site & Cross-Channel)
AEO isn’t only about on-page tweaks. You also need to establish your brand and content on the platforms and channels that AI engines draw from. AI answers are synthesised from numerous sources, including websites beyond your own. Here’s how to broaden your reach and authority:
Claim and Optimise Your Business Listings: Especially for local businesses (and even for larger brands), ensure your Google Business Profile is complete and updated. Google’s AI Mode will often show local results or references for queries with any local intent – even general queries can yield local recommendations based on the user’s location. Keep your listings on Google, Bing, Apple Maps, etc., up-to-date with correct hours, categories, and lots of positive reviews.
Encourage Reviews & Ratings: Customer reviews on Google, Yelp, Amazon, G2, Capterra, etc., not only influence user decisions but also feed AI models. Positive reviews and high ratings signal trust. AI summaries often mention “highly-rated” options or pull sentiment from user reviews. Reviews provide content that AI can incorporate (e.g., “Users on Yelp mention Joe’s Pizza has the crispiest crust”) and generally boost your credibility. Encourage your happy customers to leave reviews and engage with them.
Leverage Community and Social Platforms: Interestingly, a lot of AI engines heavily cite user-generated content platforms. Studies have shown that ChatGPT and Google’s AI cite sources like Wikipedia, Reddit, YouTube, and Quora very frequently. Why? Because these platforms offer conversational, in-depth discussions and answers. This means you should:
Be present on Wikipedia – ensure your company or product has a Wikipedia page if eligible, or contribute factual information to relevant Wikipedia articles (with proper neutrality).
Engage on Reddit and Quora: Find discussions about your industry or brand. Provide helpful, non-promotional answers or insights. A well-written answer on Reddit that gets upvoted could be among the content an AI later paraphrases or cites (Reddit is cited in ~21% of Google AI overviews and nearly half of Perplexity’s answers!). The same goes for Quora or Stack Exchange in technical fields.
Social Media & YouTube: Maintain an active presence sharing informative content. Google’s AI often pulls info from YouTube (18.8% of its sources), so consider creating explainer videos or how-tos for common questions (and include clear descriptions – AI might read those). While your tweets or Facebook posts are less likely to be directly cited, a strong social presence builds your overall authority, and the content can indirectly contribute to AI training data.
Digital PR and Content Partnerships: Getting mentioned on high-authority websites is huge for AEO. Traditional SEO sought backlinks; AEO seeks mentions and citations in trusted sources. If an authoritative publication or industry blog writes about you or features your insights, that content might get picked up by answer engines. For example, an AI might say, “According to Forbes, [Your CEO] recommends doing X” if Forbes mentioned you. Aim to:
Pitch guest posts or interview opportunities in industry publications.
Publish studies or insights that others will cite. If your brand is associated with original research or data, AI will likely surface those facts (with your name attached).
Press releases and news: When you have newsworthy updates, distribute them. News articles from reputable sites could feed into AI answers for relevant queries.
Platform-Specific Optimisation: Tailor your strategy to each major platform:
AI Platform | How to Optimise Your Visibility |
Google AI Overviews (SGE) | Ensure your site’s content is top-notch and SEO-optimised (Google still bases AI summaries on high-quality search results). Use the FAQ schema and structured data so Google can easily grab your answers. Strive to earn featured snippets – often these power the AI overview. Also, maintain a strong Google presence (Business Profile, Google Reviews) since Google’s AI may integrate that info for local/business queries. |
Bing AI & Bing Chat (Copilot) | Similar to Google: optimise for Bing SEO (Bing Webmaster tools, etc.). Bing’s AI will cite sources directly with links in many cases, so ranking well on Bing is important. Claim your business on Bing Places. Also, Bing draws from LinkedIn data for some queries (Microsoft owns LinkedIn), so keep your LinkedIn pages robust if that’s relevant (e.g., B2B companies). |
ChatGPT | ChatGPT’s free model has a knowledge cutoff, but ChatGPT with Browsing or Bing integration uses real-time data. To optimise: ensure your content is part of the broad web (Common Crawl) by having a public, well-linked site. Being on Wikipedia and high-authority sites is key, since ChatGPT’s knowledge heavily leans on those (e.g., 48% of its citations were from Wikipedia and ~11% from Reddit). Correct any misinformation about your brand (so it isn’t perpetuated in AI answers) and consider publishing on platforms known to influence AI (like large Q&A forums). |
Perplexity & Other AI Search | Perplexity.ai acts like an AI meta-search, often citing multiple sources (it loves Reddit, citing it ~47% of the time!). To get featured, you’ll want to rank in normal search or be discussed on Reddit/Quora. Perplexity and similar tools often pull from the top Bing/Google results, so traditional SEO + presence in communities applies. Make sure any content you want highlighted is titled clearly (as Perplexity shows titles in citations) and hosted on fast, accessible sites. |
Voice Assistants (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant) | Voice search is an extension of answer engines – these assistants pull answers from featured snippets, knowledge graphs, or partner data. Optimise for voice by using conversational Q&A content (which you’re doing with AEO) and implementing Speakable schema for important textual answers. Also, keep your local business data updated, as Siri/Alexa rely on sources like Apple Maps, Yelp, etc., for local answers. |
Emerging AI Platforms (Meta AI, Apple GPT, etc.) | New players like Meta’s AI or Apple’s rumoured search tools are on the rise. The best strategy here is broad coverage: maintain a good presence on major social networks and business directories (for Meta’s data) and follow best practices for technical SEO (as Apple will likely emphasise page speed, user privacy, and content quality). Stay agile and ready to adapt content for any new platform’s nuances. |
The overall theme: meet your audience wherever the AI systems are looking. By broadening your off-site footprint – from reviews to forums to news sites – you increase the chances that when an AI combs through data to answer a question, it finds your brand and content in the mix. Remember the stat above: Google’s AI pulls 21% of info from Reddit, 18.8% from YouTube, 14.3% from Quora. That’s over 50% from user-driven content. Don’t ignore those channels.
Also, monitor your brand reputation closely. AEO has a strong reputation management component – if the consensus of online chatter (forums, reviews, articles) is negative about your brand, an AI might phrase answers in a way that leaves you out or even cautions against you. Encourage and amplify positive stories and address negative ones to shape that narrative.
Step 5: Monitor, Measure, and Refine (Stay Agile)
Finally, treat AEO as an ongoing process. Just like traditional SEO, you’ll need to monitor performance and continuously optimise as things change.
Track Your AI Visibility: Currently, measuring “rank #1 in AI search” is a bit abstract – there isn’t a simple Google rank to check. Instead, track mentions and citations. For instance, regularly ask ChatGPT and other tools questions relevant to your business: Does your brand get mentioned? If you have access to Bing Chat (which shows sources), see if your site comes up. Tools are emerging for this purpose – e.g., some companies use AEO monitoring platforms like Profound or HubSpot’s AEO Grader to quantify their share-of-voice in AI answers. You can also use SEO tools to see if you’re capturing featured snippets or People Also Ask results (as proxies for AI answers).
Analyse Traffic & Conversion Trends: You might notice your organic website traffic from search engines fluctuating without a clear SEO cause – this could be due to AI answers taking some clicks. For example, some sites have reported lower traffic but stable or higher conversions, meaning users got answers via AI and later visited directly to convert. Keep an eye on metrics like direct traffic or brand searches as well. If your brand is mentioned by an AI, users may seek you out later. Tools like Google Search Console can show if your pages have high impressions but low clicks (meaning Google showed your info in an overview/snippet).
Gather User Feedback: If customers mention “Oh, I asked Alexa, and it recommended you” or “I saw on ChatGPT that your tool is top-rated,” take note. These anecdotes, while not quantitative, signal that your AEO efforts are working. You might even poll new customers on how they found you – some may say via an AI assistant.
Iterate Based on Data: As you monitor, adjust your strategy:
If certain important queries still don’t feature you, consider creating new content targeted at those or improving the depth/structure of existing content.
If you notice an AI citing a particular site or phrase often (maybe an industry stat or definition), you might incorporate similar trusted facts or wording (don’t copy, but understand what the AI finds authoritative).
Double down on what works: If your newly published comparison guide got picked up in a few AI responses, consider creating more comparison-style content for other product lines or topics – the AI has “tasted” your content and found it useful.
Pivot from what doesn’t: If a type of content isn’t getting traction (say, long narrative blog posts with no clear answer section), reshape it into a Q&A or more structured format.
Stay Informed: AI search is evolving fast. Keep up with industry news on how AI answers are changing. For instance, if Google or OpenAI release updates that affect how sources are cited (or if new players like Apple launch something), be ready to adapt. Join SEO/AEO communities or newsletters. In 2026, being an early mover is an edge – many companies are just waking up to AEO, so staying knowledgeable can keep you ahead.
Remember that AEO results might take time. Unlike traditional SEO where you might see ranking changes in weeks, AI systems might not incorporate new info immediately or could need model updates to reflect changes. Patience and consistency are key. Keep refining content and strengthening your brand’s digital presence, and over time your “answer authority” will grow.
GAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about AEO
Below we answer some common questions (GAQs) that businesses have about Answer Engine Optimisation and ranking in AI-driven searches:
Q1: How do I get my business to show up in AI answers?
A: Focus on being the best and most relevant answer for questions in your domain. This means publishing high-quality, question-driven content on your site (with clear answers and supporting details) and also building your authority across the web. Use FAQ sections, guides, and how-tos that directly answer common customer queries. Implement schema markup (so Google’s AI can easily extract your Q&A). Off-site, get your business mentioned on authoritative platforms – for example, a mention in a Wikipedia article, in a popular Reddit thread, or in news coverage. AI engines pick up on those signals of trust. In short, write the content that answers the question better than anyone else and make sure it’s visible and well-referenced online. Over time, as AI models and search engines see that your answer satisfies users (and that credible sources talk about you), they’ll start including your business in their synthesised answers.
Q2: What platforms should I focus on besides Google?A: In the world of AEO, Google is just one piece of the puzzle (albeit a big one). You should also pay attention to:
Bing and Microsoft’s ecosystem – Bing’s AI chat (integrated with Windows Copilot and Office) is gaining users. Ensure your content is optimised for Bing SEO and that you’re on Bing Places for Business.
ChatGPT and other AI chatbots – While you can’t “SEO” ChatGPT in the traditional sense, you can ensure your brand is present in the sources it trusts. That means Wikipedia, high-quality content on your own site, and being talked about on platforms like Reddit or Quora. Also, keep your content updated, since ChatGPT plugins or the browsing feature will fetch current info.
Perplexity, Neeva (if active), DuckDuckGo Instant Answers – These AI-driven search alternatives often pull from Wikipedia, Reddit, and StackExchange. So contributing to those communities and having a Wikipedia presence helps.
Voice Assistants (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant) – These are answer engines too! Optimise for voice by having concise answers and make sure your business info (address, hours, etc.) is up to date on Apple Maps, Yelp, and other sources voice assistants use.
Emerging platforms – Keep an eye on Meta (Facebook) AI search experiences and Apple’s potential search AI. It’s wise to maintain good Facebook/Instagram business info and engage on those platforms, as well as ensure your site adheres to technical best practices that any AI would need (fast, structured, clean data).In summary, diversify your AEO efforts. Don’t just chase Google – ensure your brand’s content and data are everywhere the new generation of AI search tools might look.
Q3: How do reviews and Reddit affect AI search visibility?
A: They both play a surprisingly big role. Reviews (on Google, Yelp, Amazon, industry sites) are full of user-generated content that AI can learn from. High average ratings and keywords from reviews (e.g. “reliable,” “affordable,” “quality support”) might be reflected in how an AI describes your business. For instance, Google’s AI might say “X is a popular choice, praised for its customer service” if it sees that trend in reviews. So, a strong review profile not only boosts trust for human searchers but also feeds positive signals to AI.
Reddit, on the other hand, has become a go-to knowledge source for many AI systems. Reddit discussions are often candid and detailed, which AI models like to draw on for “human-like” insight. In fact, recent analyses found that Reddit is one of the most frequently cited sources in AI-generated answers (e.g., nearly 21% of Google’s AI overview citations, and almost half of Perplexity’s came from Reddit threads). If people on Reddit are recommending a product or sharing detailed experiences, AI may incorporate that information. For your business, this means being present in Reddit conversations can help – either via an official company account providing help in relevant subreddits, or by simply offering products/services so good that users naturally recommend them. Also, keep an eye on Reddit for any discussions about your brand; addressing issues or misinformation there can prevent negative narratives from seeping into AI answers. In essence, glowing reviews and positive Reddit buzz make it more likely an AI will view your brand favorably and include it as a top answer.
Q4: Can I optimize my content for ChatGPT?A: You can’t SEO ChatGPT in the traditional way (there’s no concept of ranking on page 1 of ChatGPT), but you can influence what ChatGPT “knows” or finds about your business. Here’s how:
Contribute to ChatGPT’s knowledge sources: ChatGPT’s training data includes a lot of web content up to a certain date (for GPT-4 it includes data up to 2021-2023, plus it can use Bing search for newer info). To ensure ChatGPT has your info, create content on high-authority sites. For example, a well-referenced Wikipedia page about your company ensures ChatGPT knows key facts. If you’re mentioned in major news articles or industry publications, that info gets into its training data or is easily found via search.
Offer clear, factual information on your site: If someone asks ChatGPT about your business or product, the AI might look for a concise description. Having an “About” page with a straightforward summary of who you are and what you do will help. Similarly, maintain an FAQ page – even if ChatGPT was trained on it, those Q&As could be directly used in its answers.
Utilise ChatGPT Plugins or API (if applicable): For advanced users – OpenAI allows custom plugins or retrieval via their API. If you have the resources, you could create a ChatGPT plugin that surfaces your content (e.g., an “FAQ plugin” for your site). This is more technical and not necessary for most, but it’s an option for directly injecting your data into ChatGPT’s answer generation.
Monitor and Correct: Try asking ChatGPT about your business. If it gives incorrect info, that’s an opportunity: correct it on public forums or your own content. While you can’t directly edit ChatGPT’s memory, providing the correct info on well-indexed pages means future versions or the browsing mode will pull the accurate content. In short, optimising for ChatGPT is about widespread content presence and accuracy. You want to be part of the data soup that ChatGPT draws from. By being active on the platforms it uses (web, Wikipedia, forums) and keeping your own site informative, you increase the chances ChatGPT will “answer” with your content or at least mention your brand when relevant.
Embrace the Answer Engine Era
Search is changing – fast. We’re moving from a world where users sift through a list of links to a world where users get an answer in one go. For businesses, this is a massive opportunity if you’re prepared. By adopting an AEO mindset, you ensure that when AI engines answer questions in your niche, you are part of the story. Whether it’s a shopper asking Bing Chat for the best winter jacket, a homeowner asking Google’s AI about “basement waterproofing tips,” or an executive asking ChatGPT for software recommendations, you want your brand to surface as a trusted answer.
Implement the steps outlined above: research the questions, craft answer-driven content, mark it up for AI consumption, broaden your presence to every platform that matters, and keep monitoring and adapting. The businesses that do this will not only earn top visibility in AI searches but also gain the trust and mindshare of an audience that values quick, authoritative answers.
Call to Action: Are you ready to rank #1 in the world of AI-driven search? AEO can sound technical, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Concept Fusion, we specialise in forward-thinking SEO and AEO strategies that get our clients featured in AI-generated answers. Contact us to learn how we can help your brand become the go-to answer in your industry – and ensure you stay ahead in this new era of search. Let’s fuse cutting-edge strategy with your business goals, and keep your brand on the winning side of the AI revolution. Here’s to being the answer in 2026 and beyond!
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