Short answer: AEO is optimizing content for AI answer engines like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity — beyond traditional SEO.
AEO targets large language model retrieval. Where SEO optimizes for Google's ranking algorithm, AEO optimizes for being cited as a source by ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and other AI assistants. Best practices: clear Q&A formatting, JSON-LD schema, unique data points, structured comparisons, definitive statements.