Legacy SEO is on its last legs. With Google, ChatGPT, and other AI tools transforming how industrial buyers find answers, the game has changed. Today, your content must be optimized for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) … meaning it needs to be structured, scannable, and directly usable by machines and humans alike. This guide gives you a practical, repeatable template to create content that wins in this new environment.
Section 1: Define the User Intent First
- Identify the primary question your content answers (e.g., "What is vibration analysis?")
- Determine the searcher’s intent: Informational, Transactional, Navigational
- Use tools like AnswerThePublic, SEMrush, or Google’s People Also Ask for input ("People Also Ask" (PAA) is a Google Search feature that displays a box of related questions and answers when a user searches for something.)
Section 2: Write a Direct Answer Early
- Provide a 1–3 sentence definition or answer in the first 100 words
- Use simple, specific language (Grade 8–10 readability)
- Example: “Vibration analysis is a technique used in predictive maintenance to identify mechanical faults before failure occurs.”
Section 3: Expand with Clear Subheads and Logical Flow
- Use H2s and H3s to segment your content (e.g., Benefits, Use Cases, How It Works)
- Keep paragraphs short (2–4 sentences)
- Include bulleted lists, tables, or process diagrams when possible
Section 4: Add FAQs and Supporting Questions
- Add 2–5 common follow-up questions your buyers might ask
- Structure each as a question with a clear, concise answer below
- Example: “How often should vibration analysis be performed?”
Section 5: Structure the Page for AI Readability
- Use schema markup (FAQ, How-To, Product) if publishing on your web site
- Use ALT text on images, proper heading tags, and short meta descriptions
- Link to reputable external sources and related internal pages
Section 6: Close with a CTA That Builds Trust
- Offer a helpful resource (e.g., checklist, whitepaper)
- Avoid pushy sales language — aim to guide, not sell
- Example CTA: “Want a free vibration analysis checklist? Download it here.”
Conclusion: Answer Engine Optimization isn’t a future strategy — it’s a NOW strategy. Use this framework to make every piece of content a helpful, high-performing asset in the eyes of both AI tools and your human buyers.
Copy and paste this outline into your favorite notes app or word processor. Or, ask ChatGPT to draft content using this outline — then refine with your own insights.
Stay sharp. Stay answer-worthy.
Want help applying this framework to your content strategy? The Repp Group specializes in making mid-size B2B content not just visible, but valuable. Contact me for a free AEO content audit.
