How I Optimize Websites for AI Answers, Not Just Google

Search is changing fast. When someone types a question into ChatGPT, Perplexity AI, or Google's AI Overviews, they get a direct answer — not a list of blue links. If your website isn't being cited in those answers, you're essentially invisible to a growing chunk of searchers. This is what Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is about, and it's become a core part of how I approach SEO at Saskatoon Web Designs . Here's what actually works: 1. Write for questions, not just keywords AI engines pull from content that directly answers a specific question. Structure your pages with clear H2/H3 questions and concise answers beneath them — think FAQ-style, but woven naturally into your content. 2. Use structured data (schema markup) Schema helps AI crawlers understand what your content means, not just what it says. At minimum, implement FAQ, Article, and LocalBusiness schema where relevant. 3. Build authority through citations AI models favour content that's already trusted. That means earning back