Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the strategic process of structuring and refining digital content so that it can be accurately interpreted, cited, and surfaced by AI-driven answer engines—systems that generate direct, conversational responses instead of traditional search result lists. These include tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews. AEO extends beyond keyword targeting to focus on entity clarity, schema precision, and contextual alignment with how large language models retrieve and synthesize information. The goal is not just to rank, but to be referenced as the answer—ensuring a brand’s facts, products, and expertise are embedded within AI-generated outputs.