AI search engines don’t work like traditional search.

Instead of returning a list of links, they generate an answer using a mix of:

• Websites

• Knowledge graphs

• Brand entities

• Structured data

• Frequently asked questions

• Verified reviews

• Authoritative sources

And they present ONE result—not ten.

In other words: there’s no second page. If your brand isn’t cited or referenced in that answer, you’re out of the game.

What Is AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)?

AEO = the evolution of SEO.

It’s the process of optimizing your brand and web presence to be the source of answers for AI search tools like:

• ChatGPT (OpenAI)

• Gemini (Google)

• Perplexity

• Claude (Anthropic)

• Copilot (Microsoft)

Instead of just targeting keywords, you’re targeting questions, entities, and answers.

AEO helps you:

• Get cited in AI-generated responses

• Show up when people search with voice or natural language

• Build authority in your niche

• Generate leads from people searching outside Google

Why Businesses Are Losing Leads Without Knowing It

Here’s what most business owners don’t realize:

• People are asking ChatGPT, “Who’s the best plumber in [city]?”

• They’re using Gemini to compare roofing companies

• They’re asking Perplexity who to call for HVAC repair

• And if you’re not in those tools’ data sets—you’re not even considered

It’s not about beating your competitors on Google anymore.
It’s about becoming the answer—everywhere.

How to Rank in AI Search (Step-by-Step)

1. Start With Your Core Questions

What are your customers actually asking?

Example prompts:

• “What’s the best HVAC company near me?”

• “How much does a roof replacement cost in San Diego?”

• “Who installs tankless water heaters in LA?”

• “Top-rated dentist in La Jolla?”

Your goal: be the answer to those questions—on your website and off it.

2. Turn Your Website Into an Answer Hub

Traditional blogs won’t cut it anymore.

Here’s what your site needs:

• FAQ-Rich Pages (each service should answer specific questions)

• Location-Based Content (to appear in local queries like “near me”)

• Clear Entity Info (who you are, what you do, where you are)

• Structured Data Markup (schema that AI can easily parse)

Don’t just write fluff. Write exactly what people ask.

3. Optimize for Entity Recognition

AI search tools use entities (like brand names, locations, and services) to build their knowledge.

What helps:

• Consistent NAP info (Name, Address, Phone)

• Complete Google Business Profile

• Citations on directories (Yelp, Angi, etc.)

• Mentions on third-party websites

• Featured in Q&A, forums, local guides

Want to rank? Make sure your business is recognizable and trustworthy from multiple data sources.

4. Build Authoritative, Structured Content

AI pulls from the clearest, most organized sources.

• Use bullet points

• Use headers (H2s and H3s)

• Include lists, pros/cons, and comparisons

• Include the answer at the top of the page

• Reference other sources when helpful

Don’t just ramble. Make it easy for AI to extract the answer in seconds.

5. Get Cited in the Right Places

If your site isn’t seen as a trustworthy source, AI won’t use you.

Get backlinks and citations from:

• Niche directories

• Local chamber of commerce or business journals

• Trade publications

• Customer reviews on high-authority platforms

• HARO or industry Q&A sites

Think of this as digital reputation building.

6. Create a “Who We Help” Strategy

AI search tools want context.

Who are you best for? Be specific.

• Homeowners in San Diego?

• Commercial buildings in LA?

• Real estate agents looking for staging help?

Write content that makes it crystal clear who you help, where you work, and why you’re the best.

7. Use AI to Train AI (Yes, Really)

You can influence AI’s perception of your business by:

• Asking ChatGPT or Perplexity questions your customers might ask

• Checking how your business shows up (or doesn’t)

• Improving your web content based on gaps

• Feeding ChatGPT your bio or service descriptions to test relevance

This isn’t gaming the system—it’s understanding it.

8. Automate and Track Your AEO Progress

Tracking AEO is different from SEO. It’s not just about keyword rank anymore.

Look at:

• Branded searches in AI tools

• Citations in ChatGPT or Perplexity results

• Increase in “Where did you hear about us?” responses

• Rise in natural-language queries in your CRM or call logs

Bonus: Tools like LionBear.ai can show where you’re winning or missing across AI search engines.

Bonus: What NOT to Do

• Don’t stuff keywords. AI doesn’t care.

• Don’t ignore voice search. It’s how many AI queries start.

• Don’t only focus on Google. The real estate is shifting.

• Don’t rely on old SEO playbooks. This is a different game.

Final Thoughts: Be the Answer or Get Ignored

The game has changed. It’s not about 10 blue links anymore. It’s about being the one trusted answer.

If you want to stay relevant, visible, and competitive in 2025 and beyond, you need to make AEO part of your strategy now.

Want it done for you?
We’ll optimize your website, content, and brand presence to show up across AI search tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.

Book a free strategy call now at lionbearmedia.com/book-id-call/