What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)?
Answer Engine Optimization, often referred to as AEO, is the practice of structuring digital content so AI assistants (like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity) can clearly understand, interpret, and reference it in answers. Unlike traditional search optimization, which focuses on ranking links, AEO focuses on how language models form responses. AI assistants do not browse pages visually or evaluate design; they rely on language, structure, and machine- readable signals to determine meaning.
AEO vs. Traditional SEO
Traditional SEO focuses on ranking pages in search results, whereas AI SEO focuses on how information is interpreted and reused. The two approaches overlap but have different priorities. Keywords and backlinks matter less to AI systems than clarity and structure. AEO sits between these approaches, retaining useful SEO principles while emphasizing interpretability.
Why Sentiment Matters More Than Ranking
A website may rank highly in Google yet be described poorly by AI assistants. This divergence occurs because SEO measures visibility, while AI sentiment measures interpretation. AI sentiment is shaped by clarity, repetition, and external references rather than backlink profiles. If your structure is weak or language inconsistent, AI models may misunderstand your brand, even if you have high traffic.