How should I format content for AI answer engines?
Use question-format headings (H2/H3) that match how people query AI assistants. Start each section with a direct answer in 1–2 sentences, then add supporting detail and data. Use bullet lists for enumerable items. This inverted-pyramid style makes it easy for AI systems to extract and cite your answer.
How many FAQ questions should my website have?
At least 20–30 substantive questions across your key topics. Quality over quantity — each answer needs 3–5 sentences minimum and genuine depth. Group FAQs by category with clear headings. Include FAQPage JSON-LD schema so AI engines parse the Q&A structure directly. Our FAQ has 131 items across 14 categories — that's the kind of coverage that gets cited.
What makes content "original" for AEO purposes?
Proprietary data, first-hand research, expert analysis with author credentials, unique case studies, perspectives you won't find elsewhere. AI engines value original sources because they add new information to the knowledge base. Rephrasing content from other sources adds zero value for AI citation.
Should I create content specifically for AI engines?
Create content for humans first, then structure it for AI extraction. The best AEO content is genuinely useful to readers AND easy for AI to parse. That means clear headings, direct answers, proper schema, and author attribution. Don't create low-quality keyword-stuffed content — AI engines are smart enough to spot it.
How important are author bios and credentials?
Very. AI systems use author info as an authority signal — especially for YMYL topics like health, finance, and legal content. Include names, credentials, professional background, and links to profiles. Add Person schema markup. Anonymous content is at a serious disadvantage for AI citation.
Should I update old content or create new content?
Both — but updating existing high-performing content often yields faster results. Add Q&A headings, FAQ schema, author attribution, and internal links to existing pages. For new content, focus on topics where you have genuine expertise or original data. AI engines value freshness, so update publication dates when you substantially revise content.
How do I write for multiple AI engines simultaneously?
Focus on the universal AEO criteria: structured data, clean HTML, entity clarity, Q&A formatting. These work across all engines. Multi-engine audits reveal engine-specific gaps — Claude weights structured data heavily while ChatGPT prioritizes conversational relevance. Address the common foundation first, then fine-tune for specific engines.
What content length is best for AI visibility?
There's no magic number, but content must fully answer the question. Under 300 words rarely gets cited — too thin. Over 5,000 words can bury key answers. The sweet spot is thorough coverage with clear structure. Use headings to make long content navigable. Put answers in the first paragraph of each section.
How does content freshness affect AI citations?
AI engines prefer recently updated content, especially for time-sensitive queries. ChatGPT inherits Bing recency signals - content updated within 90 days gets a retrieval boost. Add dateModified to your Article schema, update publication dates on substantially revised pages, and maintain a regular publishing cadence to signal ongoing relevance.
What is the ideal FAQ page structure for AI extraction?
Group questions by topic category with clear H2 headings per category. Each question should be an H3 with the answer immediately below. Lead every answer with a direct 1-2 sentence response, then elaborate. Add FAQPage JSON-LD schema matching every visible Q&A pair. Avoid hiding answers behind JavaScript accordions - AI crawlers need the HTML visible in the source.