Thanks to AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, we’re now living in a zero-click search landscape. The days of relying solely on organic rankings and click-through rates are fading fast. Instead, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) has emerged as a powerful strategy for brands that want to be discovered even when no one clicks on a link.
This “zero-click” era is unfolding because search engines don’t simply rank websites anymore. In 2025, they are answering questions directly in search results based on what they consider to be reputable website content.
At Northnet Media, we’ve been preparing for this shift for some time. And we’re seeing real results: more than 30 keyphrases across our SEO client base are now indexed in Google’s AI Overviews, thanks to our strategic use of Topic Research and well-structured content.
Are you ready to be part of the answers instead of being buried beneath them? Let’s take a look at the AEO strategy and how to get your business included.
What is Answer Engine Optimization?
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the process of structuring your content so it can be understood and cited by AI tools that deliver summarized answers to users.
Unlike traditional SEO, which focuses on ranking high in SERPs and earning clicks, AEO is about:
- Understanding how LLMs (large language models) parse content
- Aligning with conversational queries rather than just keywords
- Becoming a trusted source that AI can quote, summarize, or cite
With millions now turning to tools like ChatGPT before even opening Google, AEO is the most future-focused SEO tactic in your toolkit.
Why AEO Matters
Let’s break down what’s driving the surge in AEO:
Zero-Click Behaviour: Users are getting their answers before they ever reach a website.
AI Search Growth: Platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are becoming go-to sources for research, shopping decisions, and service comparisons.
AI Overviews in Google: Google is now blending AI-driven summaries right into search results, pulling snippets from structured, authoritative content.
This means you can no longer rely on being “Page One” to be discovered. Instead, you need to be part of the summary.
And the good news? You don’t have to rank #1 to get cited.
Structured, useful content that answers specific questions is what AI tools prioritize. So, whether you love or hate the idea of AI, the truth is that this has levelled the playing field – small businesses now finally have a chance to be mentioned in the same “breath” as large corporations.
What We’re Seeing: AEO in Action at Northnet
We’ve quietly tested and refined our AEO approach through ongoing SEO work for our clients. By using SEMrush Topic Research tools and prioritizing question-based blog content, we’ve noticed:
- Faster indexing in AI Overviews
- Higher visibility and traffic on long-tail question content
- More company inclusions appearing in Perplexity and ChatGPT
We now have 30+ keyphrases across active SEO clients cited in AI-generated summaries — and that number is growing.
Want to see what AEO could do for your rankings and visibility? Talk to our team today.
How To Optimize For Answers:
1. Focus on Real User Questions
Use long-tail, question-based keywords that real people ask AI. Pull these from:
- SEMrush Topic Research
- People Also Ask boxes
- Reddit, Quora, and support chat data
Use headers that ask the question directly.
2. Structure for AI Understanding
LLMs prefer clear formatting. Make it easy to extract answers by:
- Using headings and bullet points
- Breaking content into short, skimmable sections
- Utilizing FAQ schema, HowTo schema, and Article schema
3. Deliver Authoritative, E-E-A-T-Rich Content
AI tools prioritize content that demonstrates:
- Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness
- Clear author bios and credentials
- Citations and external references
4. Update Regularly
Freshness matters in AI-generated answers. Revisit top-performing blogs and:
- Add current data or references
- Expand answers to address emerging changes
5. Build Topical Authority with Clusters
Don’t just answer once. Build out full content clusters:
- One pillar post (e.g. “Answer Engine Optimization Guide”)
- Multiple support pieces (e.g. “How to Format FAQs for AEO”, “What Schema Does Google Use in AI Overviews?”)
Future-Proof Your SEO with Northnet
Search isn’t just about clicks anymore, it’s about being the answer. While many marketers are still catching up to the shift, we’ve already built these strategies into our SEO workflows. And the results speak for themselves.
If you want to increase brand visibility, get cited in AI tools, and stay ahead of your competitors, Answer Engine Optimization is where to focus.
And if you want a partner who already knows how to get there? Let’s talk. We can build a future-ready SEO strategy together. Book a call today to get started.