AEO: The SEO Strategy Most Doctors Have Never Heard Of
When a patient asks ChatGPT 'Who is the best dermatologist in Miami?' — whose name comes up?
If it's not yours, that's an AEO problem.
What Is AEO?
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of structuring your online content so that AI tools — ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google's AI Overview — surface you as the answer to patient questions.
Unlike traditional SEO which gets you ranked on a page of blue links, AEO gets you spoken or cited directly as the answer.
Why It Matters for Medical Practices
Patients increasingly use AI assistants to research symptoms, find specialists, and compare options before ever visiting a website. Being present in those answers is the new first impression.
How to Start
- Create content that directly answers common patient questions
- Use clear, structured language (not jargon)
- Be consistent — AI systems favor authorities who post regularly
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile