AEO Dictionary

AI Search

AI Search encompasses a spectrum of modern technologies and platforms, including Google's AI Overviews, dedicated AI-powered search engines like Perplexity, and conversational AI assistants such as ChatGPT & Gemini. These systems unite their ability to understand natural language, synthesize information from multiple sources, and provide contextual, conversational answers to users natural language questions. That is why they are now being called Answer Engines instead of Search Engines.

Why It Matters

Optimization for AI Search (often referred to as AEO) focuses on maximizing a brands influence over AI answers. To do this content a brand must ensure that their content strategy follow AI Ranking Factors to ensure content is referenced, cited, or paraphrased accurately and positively.

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FAQ

What platforms are considered AI Search?

Google's AI Overviews, Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude, and Bing Copilot are the primary examples.

How is AI Search different from traditional search?

Traditional search lists links; AI search synthesizes a direct answer from multiple sources.

Does AI Search drive traffic?

Yes, but the behavior is different. It drives higher-intent traffic from users who have already received a preliminary answer.

Other terms related to

AEO