What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)?
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is optimizing for AI-generated answers — ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity — when users ask in natural language instead of typing keywords. AEO overlaps Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and LLM SEO: the shared goal is recommendation and recall in model outputs, not position in a ranked list. Measuring AEO means testing whether models name your brand on realistic buyer prompts and how prominently — what AskLLM audits measure directly.
Why AEO matters for B2B brands
B2B buyers increasingly start with an AI assistant rather than a search page. AEO tells you whether those assistants recommend you during first-pass research — before an RFP or demo request. Strong SEO and brand awareness can coexist with zero AI visibility without it.