A working definition
Answer Engine Optimization is the practice of structuring accurate, useful content so that systems which surface direct answers — search features and AI assistants — can understand it.
What it involves
Identifying real customer questions, writing concise answers backed by detail, using consistent terminology, and applying structured data where it truthfully reflects the page.
What it isn't
AEO is not a way to guarantee citations or force your content into AI responses. No legitimate provider can promise that.
How to measure it
Track question coverage, featured answer appearances where reported, and changes in how your business is described — honestly and over time.