AEO (AI Search Optimization)
Get chosen by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. A new optimization for the AI era, different from traditional SEO.
What is AEO (AI Search Optimization)?
“Tell me a company that can do X”—more and more people are asking ChatGPT and Perplexity this question.
In traditional Google search, 10 links were displayed for users to choose from. AI search is different. AI selects and presents one “answer.” If you’re not chosen, you might as well not exist.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is optimization to become the answer AI chooses.
SEO vs AEO
| SEO | AEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Google search rankings | AI search citations/recommendations |
| Goal | Top position in search results | Included in AI’s answer |
| Display | User chooses from 10 links | AI presents one answer |
| Criteria | Keywords, backlinks, domain authority | Trustworthiness, citability, structured data |
| User Behavior | Click to visit | May complete with AI answer |
Why AEO Matters
Changing Search Behavior
- Google search click-through rates declining year over year (zero-click searches increasing)
- Rapid growth of ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews usage
- Younger generations increasingly get information from AI assistants
AI Search Characteristics
- Binary outcome: either you get cited, or you don’t
- No concept of “second place”—you’re chosen or you’re not
- Once recognized by AI, you may be repeatedly recommended
The Japan Problem
Ask AI “What Japanese companies can do X?” and Japanese companies don’t come up. English-language information is prioritized, and Japanese SMEs are invisible to AI.
Our Approach
1. Current State Diagnosis
We diagnose how your company is recognized across major AI search engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, Claude). We clarify whether you’re “visible” or “invisible.”
2. Content Optimization
We restructure content to be easily cited by AI:
- Structured Data Implementation: Schema.org markup so AI understands information correctly
- FAQ Format: “What is X?” “How to do X?”—formats AI can easily answer
- E-E-A-T Enhancement: Demonstrate expertise, authority, trustworthiness to give AI reasons to cite you
3. Multilingual Expansion
Japanese-only content is less likely to be in global AI training data. We prepare English content so you’re recognized by AI worldwide.
4. Continuous Monitoring
AI answers constantly change. Our proprietary tool “Sighted” monitors your AI search visibility in real-time. When things change, we respond immediately.
Service Areas
| Area | Support |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Survey and report on recognition across major AI search engines |
| Content Strategy | Content design for AI citation |
| Technical Implementation | Structured data, metadata, site structure optimization |
| Multilingual | Content development in English and other languages |
| Monitoring | Continuous visibility tracking with Sighted |
| Improvement Cycle | Ongoing optimization as AI evolves |
Typical AEO Implementation
Diagnosis (2 weeks) → Current AI search visibility assessment
Strategy (2 weeks) → Prioritization and planning
Implementation (1-2mo) → Content and technical optimization
Monitoring → Continuous tracking with SightedWho This Is For
- AI doesn’t recognize your company correctly when searched
- Competitors appear but you don’t
- Want to increase inquiries from overseas
- Feel traditional SEO alone isn’t enough
- Want AI to correctly understand your technology and strengths
Integration with Sighted
AEO effectiveness is measured using our proprietary monitoring tool “Sighted”. We visualize your AI search visibility in real-time and run continuous improvement cycles.
Contact Us
Feel free to reach out about “not being found by AI.” We’ll start by diagnosing your current state in AI search.