Answer Engine Optimization versus Search Engine Optimization
AEO versus SEO
AEO vs SEO
*AEO can be listed as Answer Engine Optimization or AI Engine Optimization.
“By now, you should know that clicks from answer engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity convert at almost 8X higher than Google.” Stated by Alden Do Rosario, CEO of CustomGPT.ai and his research. https://medium.com/@aldendorosario/focus-on-bing-not-google-for-aeo-here-is-why-42d5ab325e5a
Why Your Business Needs to Think Beyond Google Rankings
Let’s play a quick game.
When was the last time you typed a full question into Google (or Bing, or even ChatGPT)?
Chances are, it was today.
Welcome to the era of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), a shift in digital strategy that puts answers over algorithms, relevance over rankings, and precision over page views.
For years, businesses have invested in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to get found online. But in 2025, visibility alone isn’t enough. Your audience wants instant answers, not endless scrolling. And that’s where AEO comes in.
SEO vs AEO: What’s the Difference?
SEO is about visibility. You optimize your website, content, keywords, and backlinks to rank higher in search results. The goal? Drive traffic to your site.
AEO, on the other hand, is about relevance and response. It's optimizing content to be selected by AI tools, search assistants, and voice devices to directly answer a user’s question, often without even needing them to visit your site.
Why AEO Matters in the Age of AI
Search is evolving. More people are turning to:
AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity to get direct answers
Featured snippets in search engines that show answers without a click
If your content isn’t structured to answer questions clearly, you’re invisible in these experiences even if you rank #1 on Google.
Real-World Examples for SMBs
If you’re a CPA firm:
Instead of a blog post titled “Understanding Section 179 Deduction”, try “What is Section 179 and how does it help small businesses save on taxes?”—and answer that directly and clearly.
If you run a manufacturing company:
Create a FAQ section answering common buyer questions like “What materials work best for aerospace tooling?” or “How long does custom fabrication take?”—not just content about your capabilities.
If you’re in professional services:
Structure your service pages to include Q&A sections, use bullet points for clear takeaways, and add schema markup so Google and AI tools can understand your content faster.
How to Shift Toward AEO
Think in questions and answers.
Use tools like Answer the Public, ChatGPT, or Google’s People Also Ask to uncover what your audience is searching for.Structure your content for clarity.
Use headers, lists, short paragraphs, and schema markup.Optimize for voice and conversational search.
Write how people speak, not like a textbook.Test it.
Ask AI tools your top customer questions. Does your content show up? If not, it’s time to rethink how you’re writing.
SEO helps people find you. AEO helps people trust you.
In a world of instant answers, being the right answer matters more than being everywhere.
The work you are doing in SEO does assist in your being found in AEO it is not a replacement. With ChatGPT deep integration with Bing make sure your SEO provider is optimizing for Bing as well.
OpenAI adds more integration to the Team account
OpenAI launched some exciting updates to ChatGPT Team, making it easier to bring your organization’s knowledge into ChatGPT, reason across data and code, and generate more precise visuals. Here’s what’s new:
Deep research can now use GitHub and SharePoint content as sources.
In addition to deep research, you can now connect ChatGPT to your organization’s Google Drive to add relevant context into any conversation in real time.
2025 AI Adventures
New events are added weekly. Since our community spans over 32 states, we’re making it easier than ever for you to join the conversation from anywhere. These virtual sessions are designed to be interactive and packed with real use cases you can apply immediately.
June
June 10-12 Cincy AI Week https://www.cincyaiweek.com/
Over 1000 attendees last year and 150 speakers. Use discount code CincyAI50.
June 17 CincyAI from 3-5 EST at UC Digital Futures building. Free to attend. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cincyai-for-humans-tickets-1234879430619?aff=oddtdtcreator
June 20 from 9-12 EST. Introduction to AI in partnership with Max Technical Training. This is a virtual live class led by Kendra Ramirez. Several hands on exercises in class. This class is eligible for Tech Cred which is reimbursed by the State of Ohio. Reimbursement process is easy. https://maxtrain.com/artificial-intelligence/general-artificial-intelligence-and-business-applications/introduction-to-ai/
I love answering your AI questions. Feel free to message me.
Where AI and inspiration collide!
Kendra Ramirez
KendraRamirez.com
We provide AI Speaking and Training, AI Readiness Assessments, AI Strategy, AI roadmap and implementation, and AI Coaching for small to mid-size businesses and nonprofits.
**For those new to my work, I have been in tech my whole career. Over 15 years of running my digital agency (website, social media, and lead generation) and 7 years of helping businesses navigate AI. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of leading over 100 training and speaking sessions, empowering businesses to embrace the transformative potential of AI. My passion lies in simplifying complex technologies to help organizations grow, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
I am so excited that you are on this journey with me! Thank you! 🤗
I have been writing weekly about AI here for over two years. You can search all of my enewsletters here if you are looking to brush up on a certain topic. kendratech.substack.com