Search is shifting from long lists of links to direct answers. With AI-driven answer engines becoming the default way people find information, the question is no longer “Can people find your site?” but “Will your content be chosen as the answer?”
To be cited, content needs to be structured, credible, and easy for AI systems to parse. Among many formats, four consistently stand out for Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO):
FAQs, knowledge bases, and glossary pages
Bite-sized, conversational blog posts
Long-form guides broken into answerable sections
Video and audio transcripts for voice assistants
Align with how people ask questions.
Provide self-contained answers that can be lifted directly into AI-generated responses.
Signal clarity and authority through structure and schema.
Use natural-language headings: frame each H2/H3 as a direct question.
Lead with a concise, 40–60 word answer, then expand with context.
Keep each block independent — one question, one answer.
Use lists or tables rather than long paragraphs where possible.
Knowledge bases: Problem → Step-by-step solution → Extra detail → Related links.
Glossaries: Short definitions, usually two sentences (definition + context), organised alphabetically with cross-links.
Apply schema (FAQPage, HowTo, TechArticle) to signal structure.
Ensure semantic HTML and fast load times.
Consider multi-format FAQ clusters (text + video + diagrams + tables) for richer results.
AI prefers compact, direct content that answers a single problem clearly.
Readers engage more with focused, skimmable posts.
Keep posts 500–900 words; tackle one question at a time.
Start with a Quick Answer box in 2–3 sentences.
Use bullets, simple tables, and short paragraphs (2–4 lines).
Add a mini-FAQ (3–5 natural-language questions) at the end.
Neutral, straightforward, and conversational.
Avoid promotional or clickbaity tone; aim for clarity and trust.
Use synonyms and related terms to cover variations in phrasing.
Answer engines don’t cite entire guides — they extract from sections.
A segmented guide provides multiple opportunities for inclusion.
Structure guides into predictable, self-contained sections such as:
Definition (40–60 words) – snippet-ready.
Why it matters – short bullets on outcomes.
How it works – numbered steps.
Examples or templates – tables or bullet points.
Common pitfalls – concise, neutral list.
Mini-FAQ – 4–6 questions in natural language.
Phrase subheadings as questions.
Keep each section standalone, with its own complete answer.
Use tables for comparisons or structured data.
Time-stamp key facts and update regularly.
Voice platforms rely heavily on clean transcripts with clear cues.
Transcripts provide additional entry points for AI citation.
Publish with a summary (3–5 bullets) at the top.
Add key moments with timestamps (e.g., 00:45 – What is AEO?).
Structure transcripts with speaker labels and question-led headings.
Provide short, edited sentences for readability.
Use VideoObject/AudioObject schema.
Include full transcripts on-page with captions and alt text.
Optimise file names and descriptions for clarity.
No matter the format, content for AEO should follow these rules:
Headings = questions users actually ask.
Answer first in 40–60 words, then elaborate.
Chunk content so each section makes sense alone.
Prefer lists, steps, and tables over dense prose.
Apply schema wherever it fits.
Add Quick Answer / TL;DR labels for clarity.
Provide author bios, dates, and citations to signal trust.
Prioritise accessibility (captions, alt text) and performance (fast load, mobile-first).
Natural-language H2/H3s phrased as questions.
Direct 40–60 word answers at the start of each section.
Dense content broken into lists, steps, or tables.
TL;DR or Quick Answer included.
Schema validated for FAQs, HowTo, Article, Video.
Facts time-stamped and sources cited.
Accessibility and mobile performance verified.
Internal links connecting FAQs, guides, and glossaries.
Answer engines reward clarity, credibility, and structure. By focusing on these four formats — FAQs, bite-sized posts, long-form guides, and transcripts — and applying consistent technical best practices, your content becomes far more likely to be surfaced and cited in AI-driven search results.
In an environment where users expect answers, not options, the brands that succeed will be those that structure their knowledge in a way that works for both people and machines.