S3YED AI Search Optimization (AEO / GEO)
Google's AI features (AI Overviews, AI Mode) use the same crawl, index, and core ranking as classic Search, plus grounding (RAG) and query fan-out (the model generates related sub-queries and pulls pages for each). There is no separate AI ranking system. Good classic SEO IS AI visibility. Source: developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/ai-optimization-guide.
Eligibility checklist (same as Search eligibility)
A page can only surface in AI features if it is:
- Indexed — not blocked by
noindex, in the index, not a duplicate canonicalized away - Crawlable —
robots.txtallows it; JS unblocked so rendered content is visible - Publicly accessible — no login/paywall wall on the content that should rank
- Snippet-eligible — no
nosnippet/max-snippet:0/data-nosnippeton the content you want quoted - Meets Search technical requirements + spam policies (no cloaking, scaled-content abuse)
Note: meeting every requirement does not guarantee crawl, index, or serving.
Content: people-first + unique POV
- Write for humans. Offer a unique point of view, first-hand experience, original data, or expertise the model can't synthesize from everyone else.
- Avoid commodity summaries an LLM could generate itself — those don't earn citation.
- Avoid scaled content abuse (mass keyword/location variations to manipulate).
- No ideal length. Clear headings, sections, short paragraphs. Self-contained answers near the top help, but do not chunk content into tiny fragments.
DEBUNKED — do NOT waste effort on these
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
llms.txt / AI text files / ai.txt |
Google Search ignores them. Zero benefit. |
| Special markdown / "machine-readable AI" copies | Not used. Serve normal HTML. |
| "Chunk" content into micro-pieces for the LLM | No benefit; harms readability. |
| Write copy specifically for generative AI | Write for people; ranking follows. |
| Chase inauthentic "mentions" / brand name-drops | Not a ranking signal; can be spam. |
| Separate "AEO/GEO ranking system" to game | Doesn't exist. Same index + ranking. |
Structured data
Not required for AI features, but still recommended — it powers overall SEO and rich-result eligibility. Use valid schema.org JSON-LD: Organization/LocalBusiness, Product, FAQPage, Article, BreadcrumbList. (See seo-technische-seo.)
Multimodal
High-quality, relevant images/video create more opportunities to appear in AI responses. Follow image/video SEO best practices (descriptive alt text, captions, structured data, fast delivery).
Local / ecommerce
- Google Business Profile feeds local info into AI responses (hours, location, reviews).
- Merchant Center product feeds power product details in AI shopping answers.
- Business Agent enables conversational experiences over your data.
Technical / crawlability
Unblock JS, use semantic human-readable HTML (imperfect HTML is fine), reduce duplicate content, fast + mobile page experience, clear separation of main content vs chrome/nav.
Agentic / UCP (emerging)
AI agents read sites via DOM, accessibility tree, and screenshots. Keep markup accessible and agent-friendly. The Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) for agentic checkout is emerging — track it for ecommerce clients.
Example — commodity vs unique-POV (the difference that earns a citation)
COMMODITY (won't get cited — LLM already knows this):
H1: What is SEO?
"SEO is the practice of optimizing a website to rank higher
in search engines. It includes keywords, backlinks, and
technical optimization."
UNIQUE POV (citable — first-hand, specific, original):
H1: SEO results timeline: what 40 Dutch MKB sites taught us
"Across 40 client sites we launched in 2025, position-1
rankings took a median of 4.5 months. The fastest (6 weeks)
all shared one trait: a LocalBusiness schema + 15+ Google
reviews live at launch. Here is the month-by-month data..."
Quick audit snippet (indexability)
curl -sI https://example.com/page | grep -i 'x-robots-tag' # nosnippet/noindex?
curl -s https://example.com/page | grep -i '<meta name="robots"' # page-level robots
curl -s https://example.com/robots.txt | grep -i 'disallow' # crawl blocks
# Then: Search Console > URL Inspection — confirm "Indexed" + rendered content visible.
Reference files
references/full-site-seo-audit-checklist.md— full-stack SEO audit workflow: source code + live browser + Google guidance cross-reference, with report template and critical checks.
Cross-skill references
seo-technische-seo— crawl/index/schema foundation (prerequisite)seo-landing-page-audit— apply this on landing/conversion pagescoding/seo— umbrella; this is the AI-features layerseo-bezoekersmagneet/seo-keyword-strategie— the same signals AI ranking uses