AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)
A-E-O
In one sentence
AEO is the practice of preparing pages for citation by AI engines (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini). The mechanics differ from SEO: engines extract 30-700 token snippets and quote them verbatim, so single-source-of-truth definitions and structured data dominate.
In more detail
The AEO playbook centres on: machine-readable identity (schema.org), single canonical definitions (no near-duplicates), Speakable markup for voice, FAQPage for "what is X" snippets, verified-buyer review flags, and a clean llms.txt that gives agents a content map. Idukki's AEO Scorecard rates 42 signals across 7 categories.
Not the same as
SEO
SEO optimises for blue links in a ranked list. AEO optimises for being cited inside a composed answer.
Read more on this
AI search
Answer Engine Optimisation: the 2026 playbook for ecommerce
AEO gets you cited inside ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity and Gemini, not just ranked. Covers JSON-LD, llms.txt, conversational PDPs, evidence and citation tracking.
AI search
The 42-signal AEO scorecard: rate any PDP for citation-readiness in 10 minutes
Score any PDP for AI-citation readiness in 10 minutes: 42 signals, 7 categories, each scored 0/1/2. The median DTC PDP sits at ~38% of max. Includes a CSV download.
See it working on a live store.
Real storefronts using the thing this page defines.
