Is SEO dead? Long live AEO!

The new answer to everything

In today’s digital landscape, quick and precise answers aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) is the strategy that brings those answers front and centre, giving businesses a clear advantage. While traditional SEO aims to rank content across search engines, AEO zeroes in on answering specific questions directly, capitalising on users’ growing expectations for instant information. With voice search and smart assistants becoming mainstream, the time to embrace AEO is now.

What is AEO, and why should it matter to you?

AEO is all about creating content that gets to the heart of what users are asking—fast. Unlike SEO, which casts a wide net, AEO focuses on aligning content with specific user questions, improving visibility for voice search, mobile users, and quick “featured snippet” answers.Here’s why it matters:

  • 73% of users will leave a site if they can’t find answers quickly.
  • 65% of searches are now zero-click, meaning users get their answer directly in search results.
  • By 2025, voice search will account for an estimated 50% of online searches. That’s a huge shift toward conversational, query-specific content.

How to approach AEO for maximum impact

  1. Dive into user intent

Understanding what your users want and why they’re searching is essential for AEO. It’s not just about keywords; it’s about providing answers. Use tools like Google’s People Also Ask feature to uncover top questions in your field, and craft your content to address them head-on.

  1. Use structured data to stand out

Structured data helps search engines interpret and prioritise your content. Sites with structured data are 20-30% more likely to earn that coveted “position zero” as a featured snippet. It’s a small investment of time that can yield big results.

  1. Optimise for voice and conversational searches

As 27% of the global population now uses voice search on mobile, the need for conversational content has never been greater. Make sure your content addresses natural, question-based searches. For instance, instead of focusing solely on AEO strategies, answer questions like “How can I improve my AEO?” It’s these subtle shifts that meet users where they are.

  1. Create high-quality, in-depth content

When it comes to AEO, it’s quality over quantity. While longer content performs 68% better in organic search (HubSpot), it’s crucial that information is structured and easy to scan. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make your answers easy to find.

  1. Prioritise speed and mobile optimisation

In a mobile-first world, page load speed and mobile-friendliness are crucial. 53% of users will abandon a site if it takes more than three seconds to load (Google). Fast-loading, mobile-optimised content not only improves user experience but also increases your chances of appearing in voice and answer-driven searches.

AEO: The future of digital search

As more users turn to voice and zero-click answers, AEO is more than a new tactic—it’s the future of search strategy. At Miramar, we’re all about helping our clients stay ahead of the curve. With AEO, you’re not just meeting today’s expectations; you’re setting the stage for future success.

Let’s talk about how Answer Engine Optimisation can give your brand the edge in a world that’s constantly evolving.

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