Soren IQ — AI Search Optimisation FAQ

AI Search Basics

What is AI search?
AI search refers to results generated by artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude. Rather than simply listing website links, these AI tools provide direct, answer-focused responses drawn from online content, structured data, trusted sources, and verified information.

How does AI search work?
AI search engines interpret the context of a user’s question, scan their vast knowledge of recent online data, and deliver concise answers. They rely on well-structured content and signals from schema markup to understand and recommend businesses.

Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) & Visibility

What is Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO)?

Answer Engine Optimisation prepares your website to appear in answers generated by AI-powered searches. It ensures your brand is recommended by giving AI clear, factual content, verified sources, and accurate structured data.

How do you optimise content for AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity?

  • Use structured, easy-to-understand headings and sections

  • Write accurate, answer-focused content that matches user questions

  • Add reputable sources and internal/external links

  • Implement schema markup to clarify your business details

  • Answer questions in the format your audience asks them

What is structured data, and why does it matter for AI search?
Structured data (schema markup) is a type of code that tells AI what your website is about. It clarifies your offerings, locations, team, and reputation, making it more likely that AI will understand and recommend your business.

Does AEO replace traditional SEO?
No — AEO adds a new layer to SEO. While SEO helps you rank in classic search engines, AEO improves your visibility and recommendations in AI-generated answers.

Which kinds of businesses benefit from AEO?
Every business seeking customers via AI-powered search should consider AEO, including:

  • Professional services (lawyers, doctors, accountants)

  • Trades and construction

  • Retail and e-commerce

  • Tech/SaaS companies

  • Local services like gyms, restaurants, and dentists

How can I check if my business appears in AI-powered answers?
Ask AI tools common customer questions about your industry. If your business is missing from their answers, enhancement is needed. Soren IQ offers detailed AI visibility audits for this purpose.

What is schema markup, and how do you add it?
Schema markup is a standardised code that helps search engines and AI understand your business information. Soren IQ implements customised schema on most website platforms, ensuring it’s verified and up-to-date.

How quickly will I see AI visibility improvements after AEO implementation?
Some improvements can appear in as little as a few weeks, while others take longer due to the periodic updates of AI knowledge sources. Both AEO and SEO require ongoing attention.

What else makes AI search engines recommend my business?

  • Verified business listings

  • Positive customer reviews

  • News/media mentions

  • Consistent information everywhere your business is online

How do I get my business to show up in ChatGPT or Bing Copilot answers?

To increase your visibility in AI search results, focus on writing detailed answers to common questions in your industry, use conversational language, and regularly update your site with accurate, trustworthy information. Make sure your business details are available in reputable directories and that your site is submitted to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.

What’s the best way to write content so AI understands and recommends my website?

Write as if you’re talking to a customer: use clear, full sentences, and answer questions directly. Structure your content with headings and bullet points, and use everyday language, not jargon or overly technical terms. Include real examples, statistics, and refer to reputable sources when possible.

How should I phrase my FAQs so they get picked up by AI like ChatGPT?

Use clear, question-based headings (e.g., “How much does your service cost?” or “What makes your product different?”) and provide concise, direct answers underneath. Think about what a real person would actually ask, and make each answer easy to understand.

What keywords do people actually use when searching for my type of business?

Look for long, natural phrases that sound like how people talk (for example, “What’s the best Italian restaurant open now?” instead of just “Italian restaurant”). Tools like Google’s “People also ask” or AnswerThePublic can help you find these kinds of phrases.

How can I make my website friendly for voice search?

Use conversational questions and answers, keep your sentences short and clear, and include location-based details if relevant (“Where can I find a plumber near me?”). Structured FAQ sections work well for both voice and AI searches.

I want my blog posts to show up in AI-generated summaries. Any tips?

Start your posts with a direct answer or summary, use headings to break up sections, and include supporting data or examples. Make sure your content is comprehensive and covers related topics that readers (and AI bots) might ask about.

Should I use technical SEO tricks or focus on my content for AI search?

While having a fast, mobile-friendly site still matters, most AI tools care more about relevant, easy-to-read content. Use simple schema markup for FAQs, business info, and articles, but never sacrifice clarity for complicated tricks.

How can I tell if AI bots are recommending my website?

Check your traffic analytics for referrals from AI platforms, look for mentions of your site in AI answers (try searching your business name on Perplexity or ChatGPT), and set Google Alerts to track when your brand pops up in summaries or answers.

What should I avoid so AI engines don’t ignore my site?

Don’t stuff your pages with keywords, write robotic sentences, or leave your content outdated. Avoid hiding key info in images or PDFs—AI has a much easier time reading plain text in well-structured web pages.

How often should I update my business info and content?

Keep core details (address, hours, contact info) up to date at all times. Regularly refresh your main pages and blog posts—AI engines prefer recommending recent, accurate info over outdated details.

Pricing, Implementation, and Support

How much does AEO cost?
Investment depends on your business’s size and complexity. Most firms see a positive ROI as AI search adoption grows — Soren IQ provides tailored quotes.

Do I need technical knowledge to use AEO?
No — Soren IQ manages the strategy, technical setup, schema, and content optimisation for your current website and team.

Competition & ROI

Are competitors using AEO?
Most have not adopted AEO yet, providing early movers significant advantage. Soren IQ can audit your competition’s AI presence.

How do you measure the success of AEO?
Success is tracked by monitoring how often your business is mentioned or cited in AI searches — across platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity. Monthly reporting makes your progress clear.

Industry-Specific & Marketing Integration

How does AEO adapt to different industries?
AEO strategies are tailored for each industry — e.g., medical practices require different schema than law firms. Soren IQ customises work to your sector’s unique needs.

Does AEO fit with my current marketing?
Yes. AEO works alongside SEO, PPC, and content marketing to open up a new channel for attracting customers. Coordination with existing marketing teams is part of the Soren IQ process.

Future-Proofing & Common Mistakes

Will AEO stay relevant as AI grows more advanced?
Absolutely. As AI evolves, clean data and authoritative content become increasingly important. AEO is a future-proof investment that ensures ongoing visibility as search behavior changes.

What are common AEO mistakes to avoid?

  • Incomplete or incorrect schema markup

  • Mismatched, inconsistent business information

  • Long-winded or unclear answers that don’t match user queries

  • Lack of reputable sources or up-to-date content
    Professional implementation addresses these issues for maximum AI visibility.

If your website isn’t being found or recommended by AI search tools, Soren IQ can help you take the next step.