An Answer Engine is a search system providing direct answers rather than links. Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Google AI Overviews are answer engines. AEO specifically optimizes for these systems.
What is an Answer Engine?
An answer engine provides direct responses to questions rather than a list of links - the evolution from 'search' to 'find'.
Types
- AI Assistants: ChatGPT, Claude
- AI Search: Perplexity, You.com
- Hybrid: Google AI Overview, Bing Chat
AEO Focus
In answer engines, being the direct answer is crucial. Authority determines who gets cited.