What is AEO and how is it different from SEO?
SEO optimises content to rank in traditional Google search results. AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) optimises content to be cited directly by AI search engines — ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews and Microsoft Copilot. Both are now required for full organic visibility. AEO involves adding FAQPage schema, writing direct-answer content, strengthening E-E-A-T signals and creating an llms.txt file at your domain root.
What is E-E-A-T and why does Google use it for ranking?
E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authority and Trust — the four dimensions Google uses to assess page quality. Experience means first-hand knowledge of the subject. Expertise is demonstrated subject-matter knowledge. Authority is your reputation in your field. Trust covers site credibility signals like HTTPS, contact information and a visible privacy policy. Pages that score well across all four consistently rank higher and survive Google quality updates better.
How do I learn SEO for free?
The most effective way to learn SEO for free is to combine hands-on tools with structured learning. AIPageSEO's Learning Hub at aipageseo.com/learning-hub.html offers free tutorials, how-to guides and case studies covering technical SEO, Core Web Vitals, E-E-A-T, schema markup and AEO. The platform also includes a free AI SEO assistant that answers any question in depth with specific steps and examples.
What is an llms.txt file and does my site need one?
An llms.txt file is a plain-text file placed at your domain root that describes your site's content, key pages and areas of expertise to AI crawlers. It helps ChatGPT, Perplexity and other AI engines understand, categorise and cite your content accurately. Most websites benefit from adding one — AIPageSEO's LLMs.txt Generator creates a correctly formatted file from your site content automatically.
What is the fastest way to improve Google rankings?
The fastest ranking improvements come from fixing critical technical issues: missing title tags, incorrect canonical tags, failing Core Web Vitals and broken internal links. These are changes Google processes quickly — often within days of re-crawling. After critical issues, adding FAQPage schema and strengthening E-E-A-T signals deliver the next biggest improvements. Run a free site audit at aipageseo.com/audit-tools.html to find your specific issues ranked by impact.
What causes a ranking drop after a Google update?
Ranking drops after a Google update are most commonly caused by E-E-A-T quality signal failures — weak author credentials, thin content, poor trust signals — or Core Web Vitals failures. Less commonly, accidental noindex tags or broken canonical tags applied during a site change can cause sudden drops. Run AIPageSEO's Site Audit and E-E-A-T Checker immediately after any significant ranking drop to identify the specific cause.