Glossary

Answer engine optimization (AEO)

Optimization for answer engines that return synthesized responses rather than only blue links.

Definition

AEO targets surfaces like ChatGPT search, Perplexity, and AI overviews where the product is an answer, not a ten-blue-link SERP. Success looks like mentions, recommendations, and citations on buyer-intent prompts.

In practice

  • Use precise language on public pages so assistants and crawlers share the same meaning
  • Pair definitions with crawlable HTML, metadata, and intentional robots policy
  • Measure outcomes (mentions, citations, pillar scores) after you change signals

Related guide: Answer engine optimization (AEO).

See also

Next step

Browse the glossary index, read what is AI visibility?, or measure your site.

Related

FAQ

What is Answer engine optimization (AEO)?

Optimization for answer engines that return synthesized responses rather than only blue links.

Why does Answer engine optimization (AEO) matter for AI visibility?

AEO targets surfaces like ChatGPT search, Perplexity, and AI overviews where the product is an answer, not a ten-blue-link SERP. Success looks like mentions, recommendations, and citations on buyer-intent prompts.

How can BatSignal help?

BatSignal measures crawl access, content readiness, ChatGPT presence, and related signals so teams can improve AI visibility with evidence—not guesswork.