What is Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO)?
Answer Engine Optimisation is the practice of restructuring content so that AI engines — ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude — can extract and cite it in direct-answer responses. It covers question targeting, answer-first page structure, FAQ and HowTo schema, and citation rate monitoring.
How is AEO different from SEO?
SEO optimises content for search engine ranking signals — keywords, backlinks, and crawlability. AEO optimises content for AI citation signals — direct answers in the first sentence, structured Q&A markup, and buyer decision query targeting. The two disciplines overlap but require different structural choices.
How long does it take to see results?
Pages restructured in answer-first format and marked up with FAQPage schema typically begin appearing in AI engine responses within 30 to 60 days of implementation. Citation rate across 20 tracked queries is measurable within 90 days.
Do we need to rebuild our website?
No. AEO strategy works on your existing pages. The restructure involves rewriting section openings and shortening paragraphs — not rebuilding site architecture. Schema is added via JSON-LD in the page head and requires no structural site changes.
Which AI engines does the programme target?
The programme targets ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot, and six additional AI-powered answer surfaces. Citation tracking covers 12 engines in total.
What does AEO strategy cost?
⚠️ OWNER TO FILL — prices in GBP. Suggested framing: "The AEO strategy programme starts at £[X] for the audit and restructure phase. Ongoing monthly tracking is available from £[X] per month."
Can our internal team maintain AEO content after the programme?
Yes. The AEO content brief template we deliver is designed for internal teams. It includes the question, required answer structure, schema template, and citability checklist. Most teams can produce AEO-ready content independently after one handover session.
Is AEO relevant for professional services firms specifically?
AEO is particularly high-impact for UK professional services — law, accountancy, consulting, financial services — because buyers in these categories research providers in AI engines before making contact. A firm that appears in those AI responses before competitors gains a material first-mover advantage.