Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) - How to Optimise for Google AI Overviews
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Jan 4, 2026
Search dynamics are shifting with AI overviews escalating in Google results. Daniel Rowles delves into Answer Engine Optimisation, presenting a practical framework to enhance visibility. He shares five tested techniques focusing on clarity and credibility, while addressing the importance of question-led content. Discover how inverted pyramid writing aligns with current search behaviors and why structured data is a game changer. Gain insights into digital PR's role in building online reputation and the significance of multimodal content in attracting clicks.
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insights INSIGHT
AI Overviews Reshape Search
AI overviews now appear in over 60% of Google results and are changing user behavior significantly.
This makes search a probability system that adapts constantly rather than a fixed algorithm to be 'solved'.
insights INSIGHT
Focus On Overlapping SEO Fundamentals
AEO overlaps heavily with traditional SEO, so focusing on overlapping fundamentals is efficient while models evolve.
Treat LLM-driven results as experimental and prioritize tactics that also aid classic organic search.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Question-First, Inverted Pyramid Copy
Answer specific, question-led queries using the inverted pyramid: start with the direct answer then add how and why details.
Put the core answer in the first paragraph and use H1 as the question and H2s for clear breakdowns.
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Search is changing fast. With AI overviews now appearing in the majority of Google results, the rules of visibility are being rewritten in real time. In this episode, Daniel Rowles explores what answer engine optimisation actually means in practice, and how marketers can adapt without chasing myths, hacks, or constantly shifting theories. Drawing on real testing from Target Internet over the past year, this episode cuts through the noise around GEO, AEO, and SEO to focus on what genuinely works. The result is a practical framework for improving visibility both in traditional organic search and within AI-powered results, particularly Google's AI overviews. If you are worried about falling click-through rates, changing user behaviour, or how large language models decide what to reference, this episode provides clear, grounded guidance. Rather than treating AI search as a black box to be cracked, Daniel reframes it as a probability system influenced by clarity, credibility, and consistency. The five techniques covered here are designed to future-proof your content strategy while still delivering value to real users today. In This Episode Why the industry cannot agree on GEO vs AEO, and why the distinction matters less than you think What current data tells us about AI overviews, click-through rates, and changing search behaviour How question-led content aligns with the way people now search using AI Why inverted pyramid writing is suddenly more important than ever How digital PR and brand mentions influence entity reputation in AI systems The growing role of advocacy, reviews, and online sentiment in visibility Why multimodal content is becoming a core ranking signal, not a nice-to-have How schema markup removes ambiguity for search engines and large language models Where to focus your effort while Google's AI results are still evolving rapidly Key Takeaways Answer engine optimisation overlaps heavily with traditional SEO, so doubling down on fundamentals is still smart Clear, direct answers to specific questions improve your chances of being referenced by AI Brand visibility is no longer just about links, but about being mentioned in the right contexts Positive sentiment and third-party validation increasingly influence AI recommendations Publishing content in multiple formats strengthens your overall search footprint Structured data helps machines understand your content, and humans engage with it more easily 📥 Access the show notes, tools, and links at: https://targetinternet.com/resources/answer-engine-optimisation-aeo-how-to-optimise-for-google-ai-overviews
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