Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining online search. With the advent of AI-powered search assistants like ChatGPT, Bard and Siri, our methods of finding and consuming online information have drastically evolved.
Nowadays, users are rapidly transitioning from conventional broad searches to a trend known as “zero-click search” where they’re presented with direct and concise answers to their questions.
Zero-click search challenges traditional search engine optimization (SEO) tactics and demands a new Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) approach.
In this blog, we delve into the following topics:
• What Is an Answer Engine?
• The Two Main Types of Answer Engines
• What Is Answer Engine Optimization?
• AEO vs. SEO: What’s the Difference?
• What Can SEO and AEO Do for Your Business?
What Is an Answer Engine?
An answer engine harnesses the power of AI and natural language processing capabilities to deliver swift and direct answers to user queries.
In traditional search, once you enter a query on search engines like Google and Bing, they respond by providing a list of relevant web pages. On the other hand, answer engines like ChatGPT and Bing AI streamline the search experience by providing immediate answers to specific questions and eliminating the need for clicks and waiting time.
With zero-click search, users no longer have to sift through multiple search results to retrieve answers. Whether you’re searching for weather forecasts, recipes or current events, an answer engine delivers the exact information you need within seconds.
The Two Main Types of Answer Engines
Answer engines fall into two main categories: Generative AI bots and AI-powered voice search assistants.
Generative AI bots, such as ChatGPT and Bard, rely on advanced AI algorithms to deliver human-like responses to queries. Their ability to grasp context enables them to engage in conversations and deliver detailed answers to a wide range of topics.
Moreover, users can offer feedback to these bots, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of their responses. This collaborative process empowers bots to provide more personalized and precise information over time.
AI-powered voice search assistants like Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant leverage voice recognition technology to respond to spoken queries. Users can effortlessly ask questions, receive directions, set reminders and perform tasks solely through voice commands, removing the need for screen interaction.
Notably, 50% of U.S. consumers utilize voice search on a daily basis (UpCity). As these AI-powered search assistants continue to evolve, they seamlessly integrate into various aspects of our lives and shape the future of SEO.
Embracing a digital content strategy that caters to both types of answer engines can drive brand awareness and foster deeper connections with your target audience.
What Is Answer Engine Optimization?
AEO focuses on crafting content that directly answers user queries, making it easily readable and crawlable for AI assistants.
It involves finding out what questions people often ask AI bots and voice assistants and then using that information to inform and structure your digital content strategy. This makes sure your content meets user expectations and enhances your brand credibility.
To boost your content’s quality and value, consider infusing it with your brand’s unique personality, tone and style. Adding unique insights and fresh perspectives can also help your content stand out in a crowded digital space.
Here are actionable steps you can take to enhance your AEO efforts:
1. Perform Keyword and Topic Research
There are several ways to identify the exact questions and keywords your target audience asks.
You can use your Google Search Console dashboard to learn the questions your domain is already ranking for in Google Search. Keyword research tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs are also excellent resources for extracting questions from keyword lists related to your niche. Then, you can use your findings to guide your content optimization strategy.
2. Create Informative About Us and FAQs Pages
Answer engines favor content from reputable sources. A comprehensive and well-written “About Us” page can help boost brand credibility and offer valuable context about your business. When answer engines understand your business, they can better link it to relevant user queries.
Likewise, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page addresses common user queries, enhancing the likelihood of your content being featured as a direct response. By adding these pages to your content optimization strategy, you can connect with ideal prospects and inspire them to take action.
3. Optimize Content for Voice Search
There are several ways to boost your voice search optimization efforts:
• With approximately 58% of consumers using voice search to find local businesses (Demand Sage), prioritizing local SEO becomes crucial. Make sure to optimize your content for “near me” and location-based queries and update your business information across online directories and listings.
• Voice assistants often read Google’s featured snippets aloud as responses to user queries. Securing a spot in the snippets can help enhance your brand credibility • and visibility in voice search results.
• Voice search optimization involves using long-tail keywords in your content. These terms are more specific and conversational in nature. They may include words like “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” “why” and “how.”
4. Build Trust and Credibility
AI assistants are more likely to feature content from trusted sources. Accumulating media mentions, customer reviews and awards enhances brand authority and increases the chances of your content being featured as a response.
AEO vs. SEO: What’s the Difference?
Think of AEO as a subfield of search engine marketing. Both strategies aim to deliver valuable answers to user queries, but they also have notable differences:
Goal
| AEO | Aims to answer user queries with direct, concise responses. |
| SEO | Aims to improve a website’s ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs) for a wide range of queries and keywords. It’s geared towards increasing a website’s organic search traffic. |
Content Format
| AEO | Demands a content optimization strategy that focuses on providing answers in certain formats like featured snippets, knowledge panels or voice responses. |
| SEO | Encompasses various content types, including blog posts, images and videos. It can also involve dynamic content optimization to attract and convert more leads. |
Keyword Focus
| AEO | Targets long-tail keywords and question-based queries to match user intent accurately. |
| SEO | Addresses a wider range of keywords, including short-tail and informational keywords. |
AEO and SEO share common ground and strategies effective for one can often be applied to the other. The key difference is that SEO has a broader scope, touching on various aspects like keyword optimization, link building, dynamic content optimization and technical site improvements. On the other hand, AEO primarily focuses on providing direct and succinct answers.
Despite their differences, the key principles of quality content, user experience and search engine friendliness apply to both strategies.
What Can SEO and AEO Do for Your Business?
• Increased Visibility: SEO and AEO puts your brand in front of consumers actively searching for your products or services. Both strategies can lead to more organic traffic and conversions.
• Greater Trust and Authority: By consistently providing accurate answers, AEO positions your brand as a thought leader in your niche.
• Improved User Engagement: AEO drives visitors to stay longer on your site by providing the information they seek upfront, reducing bounce rates.
Ultimately, both strategies are necessary to strengthen your online presence and drive long-term success. By combining SEO and AEO, you can maximize your reach and discover more opportunities for business growth.
Although AI powered search is gaining traction, businesses shouldn’t overlook the importance of SEO and dynamic content optimization. After all, many users still rely on traditional search engines through desktop and mobile devices. Search engines can also accommodate paid ads, allowing businesses to generate immediate traffic and increase their return on investment (ROI).
Traditional search is meant to complement AI powered search. Users may rely on answer engines for fast and specific queries and then perform broader searches on traditional platforms. As such, neglecting SEO can only lead to missing out on potential audiences.
One thing is clear: People have diverse search habits and unlocking the full potential of both AEO and SEO can help you flourish online.
Navigate the Future of SEO With Thrive’s SEO Consultants
The answer to whether your business should focus more on AEO or SEO isn’t an either/or decision. Instead, strategically combining both approaches can yield the best results.
By working with search engine marketing consultants, you can strike the right balance between AEO and SEO. Partner with Thrive and ensure your digital content strategy translates into greater visibility, leads and conversions.
The digital landscape is never stagnant and neither are our search engine marketing experts. Trust us to constantly stay ahead of new techniques and industry trends. When you partner with our SEO consultants, you can ensure every element of your website appeals to both traditional search engines and AI assistants.
Our search engine marketing consultants specialize in voice search optimization, content strategy and keyword research. By adopting a multi-faceted approach to search, we empower brands to succeed.
Reach out to our search engine marketing experts and equip your brand for the future of SEO.
