Answer Engine Optimization
AEO.dev is your comprehensive knowledge base for Answer Engine Optimization. As AI-powered search engines transform how people find information, optimizing your content for these systems is no longer optional—it's essential.
The Landscape is Changing
Marketing teams face two major disruptions: organic traffic from Google is declining (with predictions of 50% decrease by 2028), and new AI search platforms are emerging with ChatGPT now among the top 10 websites globally.
The Numbers
- 60% of searches are now zero-click
- 75% of problem-solving queries show AI responses
- 4 billion monthly ChatGPT visits
- Up to 40% traffic drops from AI Overviews
The Growth
- Google traffic: Flat (0%)
- ChatGPT: 5-15% MoM growth
- Perplexity: 17-24% MoM growth
- AI market: 24-36% annual growth
Proven Optimization Methods
Research testing over 10,000 search prompts identified which methods most improve AI visibility:
Quotes & Statistics
Adding citations, quotes, and statistics can improve visibility by 30-40%. AI systems prioritize citable, evidence-backed content.
Wikipedia Presence
Wikipedia has 5x weight in training data and accounts for ~10% of AI citations. Build eligibility and leverage this critical platform.
Reddit Engagement
Reddit is the #1 cited domain in AI search (~32% of citations). Reddit content is licensed for LLM training. Authentic participation matters.
Technical Foundation
Schema.org markup, llms.txt, and proper crawler access ensure AI systems can find and understand your content.
AI Search Platforms
Understand how each platform works and optimize accordingly:
ChatGPT Search
- ~4 billion monthly visits
- Uses Bing index for web results
- ~50% of queries trigger search
- Strong growth trajectory
Google AI Overviews
- 30% of searches show AIOs
- 75% of problem-solving queries
- E-E-A-T signals matter
- Correlates with traditional SEO
Perplexity AI
- Research-focused platform
- Strong citation integration
- 17-24% MoM growth
- Academic content performs well
Claude & Others
- Internal knowledge focus
- MCP protocol for integrations
- Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek
- Long-term brand positioning
Traditional SEO Still Matters
Research found a strong correlation (~0.65) between Google page 1 rankings and LLM brand mentions. Your SEO work directly supports your AEO efforts.
Continue investing in traditional SEO while adding AEO-specific strategies. The two disciplines complement each other.
Measuring Success
Track the right metrics to measure AEO progress:
Visibility Metrics
- Brand mention frequency
- Citation link count
- Response position
- Share of voice vs competitors
Traffic Metrics
- AI referral traffic
- Traffic by AI platform
- Conversion rates from AI
- Growth over time
Guides
Why AEO Matters
Understand the market disruption: 50% traffic decline predictions, AI search growth, and why early adoption is critical.
Optimization Strategies
Comprehensive guide to quotes, statistics, Wikipedia, Reddit, PR, and content optimization methods.
Measuring AEO Success
Track brand visibility, citation rates, and AI referral traffic. Set up analytics and monitor your progress.
AEO Checklist
Complete implementation checklist covering entities, technical SEO, content, PR, community, and measurement.
Core Features
AI Search Deep Dive
Understand ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews—how they work, differ, and what drives visibility.
Quotes & Statistics
Research shows 30-40% visibility improvement with proper citations. Learn how to implement effectively.
Wikipedia Strategy
Wikipedia has 5x weight in training data and ~10% of AI citations. Learn how to build eligibility.
Reddit Strategy
Reddit is the #1 cited domain in AI search (~32% of citations). Build authentic presence effectively.