The Ultimate Guide to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)

How to Get Your Business Recommended by ChatGPT and AI Chatbots

Written in simple English for everyone | Updated October 2025

What You'll Learn

What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)?

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of making your website and content easy for AI chatbots to find, understand, and recommend to their users.

Think of it this way: When someone asks ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity a question, these AI tools search the internet and give an answer. AEO helps make sure your business is part of that answer.

Simple Example

Someone asks ChatGPT: "What's the best accountant in Manchester for small businesses?"

With good AEO: ChatGPT recommends your accounting firm by name.

Without AEO: ChatGPT mentions your competitors instead, or gives general advice without naming anyone.

Important note: "AEO" can mean two different things. In customs and international shipping, AEO means "Authorised Economic Operator" - that's completely different. When we talk about AEO in marketing, we always mean "Answer Engine Optimization."

Why AEO Matters for Your Business

More and more people are using AI chatbots instead of Google to find information. Here's why that matters:

  • People trust AI recommendations: When ChatGPT suggests your business, it feels like getting advice from a smart friend.
  • AI gives direct answers: Users don't have to click through 10 websites. They get your name right away.
  • Less competition: Most businesses don't know about AEO yet. You can get ahead early.
  • Better quality leads: People who find you through AI are usually ready to buy or contact you.
  • 24/7 recommendations: AI chatbots work all day, every day, recommending your business even while you sleep.

60%

of people now use AI chatbots to research products and services before buying

If AI chatbots don't know about your business, you're invisible to a huge number of potential customers.

How AI Chatbots Work (Simple Explanation)

Understanding how AI chatbots work helps you get better results. Here's the basic process:

Step 1: Someone Asks a Question

A person types a question into ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity. Example: "Best Italian restaurant in Birmingham."

Step 2: The AI Searches

The AI looks through billions of web pages it has read and understood.

Step 3: The AI Decides What's Trustworthy

The AI picks information from websites it considers helpful and reliable.

Step 4: The AI Writes an Answer

The AI creates a response in natural language, often mentioning specific businesses by name.

Your goal with AEO: Make your website one of the trusted sources the AI chooses in Step 3.

AEO vs SEO: What's the Difference?

You've probably heard of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). AEO is similar but different in important ways.

Factor SEO (Traditional) AEO (New)
Focus Google search results AI chatbot recommendations
Goal Get clicks to your website Get mentioned by name
What matters most Keywords, backlinks, page speed Clear answers, trustworthiness, structured data
User behavior People click through many results People get one direct answer
Competition Very competitive Less competitive (for now)

Important: You need both SEO and AEO. They work together. Good SEO makes it easier for AI to find your content. Good AEO makes sure AI recommends you.

What Makes AI Recommend Your Business

AI chatbots look for specific things when deciding which businesses to recommend. Here are the most important factors:

1. Clear, Direct Answers

AI loves content that answers questions directly and simply. Don't make readers dig for information.

Good: "We charge £50 per hour for bookkeeping."

Bad: "Our pricing structure is flexible and depends on various factors..."

2. Expertise and Trust

AI recommends businesses that seem knowledgeable and trustworthy. Show your qualifications, experience, and customer reviews.

3. Fresh, Updated Content

AI prefers recent information. Update your website regularly with new blog posts, case studies, or news.

4. Structured Data

This is code that helps AI understand what your content means. It's like giving AI a helpful label for each piece of information.

(Don't worry - we'll explain how to do this in simple terms later.)

5. Natural Language

Write like you talk. AI understands conversational language better than stiff corporate speak.

6. Specific Location Information

If you serve a specific area, say so clearly. "We serve Birmingham and the West Midlands" is better than "We serve the UK."

7. Real Examples and Evidence

Case studies, testimonials, and specific results help AI see you're legitimate and effective.

Getting Started with AEO: Simple 7-Step Plan

Here's exactly what to do, in order. Start with Step 1 and work your way through.

Step 1: Test Where You Are Now

Ask ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity questions related to your business. Do they mention you? Write down what you find.

Action: Spend 15 minutes testing 5-10 questions. Take screenshots.

Step 2: Let AI Find Your Website

Make sure AI chatbots can access your website. Check your "robots.txt" file (a file that tells AI what it can read).

Action: Ask your web developer to allow all AI crawlers. Or use our free checker at AEO-REX.com

Step 3: Add Clear Business Information

Make sure your website clearly states: What you do, Where you're located, Who you serve, How to contact you.

Action: Add an "About" page with this information in simple sentences.

Step 4: Write FAQ Content

Create a page answering common questions about your industry. Use real questions customers ask you.

Action: Write answers to 10 common questions. Keep each answer under 100 words.

Step 5: Add Customer Reviews

Display real customer testimonials on your website. AI trusts businesses with social proof.

Action: Add 5-10 customer reviews to your homepage or testimonials page.

Step 6: Create Helpful Content

Write blog posts or guides that answer questions your customers have. Focus on being helpful, not salesy.

Action: Write one 1,000-word helpful article per month.

Step 7: Test Again and Track Progress

Every week, test the same questions from Step 1. Track whether you're getting mentioned more often.

Action: Set a Monday calendar reminder to test for 15 minutes.

Timeline: You should see first results in 4-8 weeks. It takes time for AI to re-read your website and update its knowledge.

How to Write Content AI Loves

The way you write matters. Here's how to write content that AI chatbots understand and recommend:

Use Simple Words

Write like you're explaining something to a friend. Avoid jargon and technical terms unless your audience expects them.

Instead of: "We facilitate synergistic solutions..."

Say: "We help teams work better together."

Answer Questions Directly

Put the answer at the beginning, then explain more if needed.

Good: "Yes, we work with small businesses. Our minimum project is £500."

Bad: "Well, it depends on many factors, but generally speaking, we have experience across various business sizes..."

Use Numbers and Specifics

AI likes concrete facts more than vague claims.

Good: "We've helped 47 law firms increase their client inquiries by an average of 35%."

Bad: "We've helped many businesses get better results."

Use Question Headings

Turn your headings into questions people actually ask.

Good heading: "How much does SEO cost for a small business?"

Weak heading: "Pricing Information"

Keep Paragraphs Short

AI processes short paragraphs better. Aim for 2-3 sentences per paragraph.

Include Local Information

Mention your city, region, and the areas you serve. Be specific.

"We're based in Leeds and serve businesses across Yorkshire."

Update Regularly

Add the current year to your content. Update statistics. Add new examples. This shows AI your information is current.

Simple Technical Setup

Don't worry - you don't need to be technical. Here's what matters most, explained simply:

✓ Allow AI Crawlers

What it means: Your website has a file called "robots.txt" that tells AI whether it can read your pages.

What to do: Make sure it says "Allow" for AI crawlers like GPTBot, Claude-Web, and PerplexityBot.

How to do it: Ask your web developer, or use our free checker at AEO-REX.com

✓ Add Structured Data

What it means: Special code that labels your business information so AI understands it.

What to do: Add "technical code that helps AI understand your business" for your business name, address, phone number, and services.

How to do it: Use free tools like Google's Structured Data Markup Helper, or hire an AEO specialist (like us!).

✓ Make Your Site Mobile-Friendly

What it means: Your website looks good and works well on phones.

Why it matters: AI prefers websites that work well for everyone.

How to test: Open your website on your phone. Can you read everything easily?

✓ Use Clear Page Titles

What it means: The title that appears in the browser tab.

Good example: "Manchester Accountants for Small Businesses | Smith & Co"

Bad example: "Home | Smith & Co"

✓ Add Alt Text to Images

What it means: Text that describes what's in each image on your website.

Why it matters: AI can't "see" images, so it reads the alt text instead.

How to do it: When you upload an image, write a short description of what it shows.

Need help? Most of this is simple for a web developer. If you don't have one, we can help set this up for you at AEO-REX.

How to Track Your Results

Here's how to measure if your AEO work is paying off:

Method 1: Manual Testing (Easiest)

Every Monday, ask ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity the same 5-10 questions about your industry. Track how often they mention you.

Example questions:

  • "Best [your service] in [your city]"
  • "Who should I hire for [your service]?"
  • "Recommended [your industry] companies in [your area]"

Keep a simple spreadsheet with dates and yes/no for whether you were mentioned.

Method 2: Track Website Traffic

Check if you're getting more visitors from AI sources. Look in Google Analytics for unusual traffic patterns or new referral sources.

Method 3: Ask New Customers

When someone contacts you, ask: "How did you hear about us?" If they say "ChatGPT recommended you" or "I asked an AI," that's AEO working!

Method 4: Use AEO Tracking Tools

Specialized tools can automatically test AI chatbots for you. At AEO-REX, we offer this as part of our service.

What to Expect (Realistic Timeline)

  • Weeks 1-4: No mentions yet (AI is still learning about your changes)
  • Weeks 5-8: First occasional mentions (1-3 out of 10 tests)
  • Weeks 9-12: Growing consistency (5-7 out of 10 tests)
  • Month 4+: Regular mentions (8-10 out of 10 tests)

Important: This is a long-term strategy. Don't expect overnight results. But once you're established, AI keeps recommending you for months and years.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the biggest mistakes businesses make with AEO, and how to avoid them:

❌ Mistake 1: Blocking AI Crawlers

Many websites accidentally tell AI chatbots "don't read my site" through their robots.txt file.

Fix: Check your robots.txt file and make sure it allows AI crawlers.

❌ Mistake 2: Writing for Yourself, Not Users

Using industry jargon and corporate speak that confuses readers (and AI).

Fix: Write like you're talking to a friend. Use simple words.

❌ Mistake 3: Hiding Important Information

Making visitors hunt for basic info like pricing, location, or services.

Fix: Put key information front and center on every relevant page.

❌ Mistake 4: Never Updating Content

Having a website with copyright "© 2018" and no new content since then.

Fix: Add one new blog post or update per month minimum.

❌ Mistake 5: Ignoring Mobile Users

Having a website that looks terrible on phones.

Fix: Test your site on your phone. If it's hard to read, fix it.

❌ Mistake 6: Expecting Instant Results

Giving up after 2 weeks because "it's not working."

Fix: Give it 8-12 weeks minimum. Track progress weekly.

❌ Mistake 7: Copying Competitors Word-for-Word

AI recognizes duplicate content and won't recommend you if you just copy others.

Fix: Write original content based on your real experience.

Real Examples: Businesses Winning with AEO

Here are real examples of businesses getting recommended by AI chatbots:

Example 1: Local Law Firm

Business: Small employment law firm in Bristol

What they did:

  • Added detailed FAQ page answering 50 common employment law questions
  • Updated their "About" page with clear location and expertise information
  • Published one case study per month showing real results

Results after 10 weeks:

  • ChatGPT mentioned them in 7 out of 10 employment law queries about Bristol
  • Got 3 new clients who specifically said "ChatGPT recommended you"
  • Now consistently appears in Perplexity answers about employment law

Example 2: Marketing Agency

Business: Digital marketing agency in London

What they did:

  • Created comprehensive guides on specific topics (SEO for restaurants, social media for gyms, etc.)
  • Added structured data showing their services and pricing
  • Included real metrics from client campaigns

Results after 12 weeks:

  • Claude AI regularly mentions them for industry-specific marketing questions
  • Perplexity cites their blog posts as sources
  • 20% of new inquiries now mention finding them through AI

Example 3: Accounting Firm

Business: Small business accountants in Manchester

What they did:

  • Fixed robots.txt to allow AI crawlers (it was blocking them)
  • Added clear pricing tiers to their website
  • Created simple guides explaining tax concepts in plain English

Results after 8 weeks:

  • Started appearing in ChatGPT responses about Manchester accountants
  • Got first "ChatGPT sent me" client inquiry
  • Now testing at 4 out of 10 mentions (up from 0)

Helpful Tools

Here are tools that make AEO easier:

Free AI Visibility Checker

Test whether AI chatbots can access your website.

Where to get it: AEO-REX.com (our free tool)

Google's Structured Data Markup Helper

Helps you add structured data to your website without coding.

Where to get it: Search "Google Structured Data Markup Helper"

Answer The Public

Shows you what questions people ask about your topic.

Where to get it: answerthepublic.com

Hemingway Editor

Checks if your writing is simple and clear.

Where to get it: hemingwayapp.com

Mobile-Friendly Test

Checks if your website works well on phones.

Where to get it: Google "mobile friendly test"

The Future of AEO

AEO is becoming more important every month. Here's what's coming:

More People Using AI for Search

By 2026, experts predict 50% of searches will happen through AI chatbots instead of Google. If you're not prepared, you'll lose half your potential customers.

AI Getting Smarter About Local

AI chatbots are getting better at understanding "near me" and local recommendations. Local businesses will benefit most.

Voice Search Integration

People asking Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant questions will get answers from AI. Your AEO work helps you show up in voice results too.

AI Shopping Recommendations

AI chatbots will start helping people buy products directly. Being AI-recommended will be like having a salesperson working for you 24/7.

Bottom line: The businesses that invest in AEO now will dominate their industries in 2-3 years. Those who wait will struggle to catch up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does AEO take to work?

Most businesses see first results in 6-8 weeks, with consistent mentions by 12 weeks. It's slower than paid advertising but lasts much longer.

Is AEO expensive?

No. Most of AEO is writing good content and making simple technical changes. Many businesses do it themselves using tools like AEO-REX (starting free at £0/month). Pro plans with AI tracking and automation start at £99/month.

Can I do AEO myself or do I need an expert?

You can do basic AEO yourself using this guide. For technical setup and faster results, an AEO specialist helps. Think of it like decorating - you can paint yourself, but hiring a professional gets better results faster.

What if my competitor is already using AEO?

Good! That proves it works in your industry. There's room for multiple businesses to get recommended. Focus on being more helpful and specific than your competitor.

Does AEO work for all industries?

Yes. Any business that people ask questions about can benefit. Professional services (lawyers, accountants, consultants) tend to see the fastest results.

Will AEO replace SEO?

No. You need both. SEO helps people find you on Google. AEO helps AI chatbots recommend you. They work together.

What happens if AI gives wrong information about my business?

Make sure your website has clear, accurate information. AI learns from what's on your site. If something is wrong, update your website and the AI will eventually update too.

How often should I update my content for AEO?

At minimum, add one new page or blog post per month. Update existing pages every 3-6 months with fresh examples and current dates.

Ready to Get Started with AEO?

You have two options:

Do It Yourself

Use this guide and start implementing AEO today. It's free and most small businesses can do the basics themselves.

Try Our Free AI Visibility Checker

Get Expert Help

We'll handle everything for you - technical setup, content creation, and monthly tracking. Get results faster.

Talk to an AEO Specialist

Questions? Email us at shanazbegum@aeo-rex.com