As Google launches AI Overviews and search engines increasingly integrate large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, the concept of search engine optimization is undergoing a revolution. Now, the goal of SEOs is not only to show up on traditional search results pages, but also to have these AI models quote, synthesize and include direct answers for users. This is the era of AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), also known as LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization), and sometimes GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).
AEO is not a new tactic, but an evolution of traditional SEO. It requires a mindset shift from targeting keywords to creating “citable” content. To do this, Tan Phat Digital has compiled 6 core principles to help you optimize each article, ensuring the content is not only attractive to readers but also highly appreciated by AI models.
1. Avoid Using "If" Phrases at the Beginning of Sentences
Large language models are designed to provide solid and reliable answers. When synthesizing information, they often prioritize affirmative, direct content. Starting a sentence with the word "if" will create an ambiguity, a hypothetical condition, making your content less "true" in the eyes of AI.
For example:
Not optimized: If you want to increase traffic to your website, focus on on-page SEO.
Optimized: To increase traffic to website, you need to focus on on-page SEO.
The phrase "if you want" reduces the directness and power of the statement. A positive statement like "To do this, you need..." is not only clearer to readers, but also creates a strong signal to algorithms that this is a valuable guide or advice worth citing. This small change demonstrates Expertise and Authenticity in your content, two core elements of Google's E-E-A-T principles.
2. Using Many Semantic Keywords
Google has long since stopped relying on counting the number of keyword occurrences. Instead, new algorithms can understand the topic of an article through semantic keywords and related entities. This is an important step forward since Google introduced the Knowledge Graph and the Hummingbird algorithm.
Instead of just repeating the main keyword, you should include keywords, concepts, and entities that are closely related to the topic in the article.
For example:
When writing about "Benefits of coffee", you should not only mention the word "benefits" but also include other terms such as:
Types of coffee: espresso, cappuccino, latte.
Compounds: caffeine, antioxidants, polyphenols.
Characteristics: bitter taste, acidity, aroma.
Effects on the body: cardiovascular, metabolism, cognitive function knowledge.
Using details relevant to the topic helps the article become in-depth and comprehensive. When an AI model scans this content, it will recognize the richness and understand that your article is not just about one aspect but covers the entire topic, thereby increasing the likelihood of being cited in aggregated answers.
3. Focus on Content, Not Keywords
This is the most important principle. Old SEO methods such as inserting keywords at the beginning, middle, end of the article or following a certain keyword density have become outdated. Today's search engines don't read keywords; they read user intent.
When determining content for an article, ask yourself: "What is the ultimate intent of the person searching for this keyword?". Then, build an outline that revolves around thoroughly addressing that purpose.
For example:
When writing an article about "benefits of coffee", your outline should focus on:
Health benefits:Improve memory, increase energy, prevent disease.
Mental benefits: Reduce stress, increase concentration, improve mood.
Social benefits: Helps connect, create morning habits.
Scientific studies: Cite reputable studies on the effects of coffee.
After writing, read it again and ask yourself: "If I was looking for this information, did this article satisfy all my questions?". The ultimate goal is to create "great content" regardless of how many times the main keyword appears. It is comprehensiveness and effective problem solving that will be the deciding factor in rankings on both Google Search and AI tools.
4. Explain Ambiguous Words Clearly
AI models work on algorithms that convert words into vectors (vector embeddings) to understand context. They don't read your entire post the way humans do. Therefore, vague words like "those obstacles", "do that", or "the above factors" can confuse the AI and not understand exactly what the content is referring to.
To avoid this, always explain ambiguous words clearly, especially plural nouns.
Optimal example:
Instead of: "You will encounter many obstacles ngại."
Hãy viết: "Bạn sẽ gặp phải nhiều trở ngại, chẳng hạn như thiếu kinh phí, sự phản đối từ phía lãnh đạo, và hạn chế về thời gian."
Thay vì: "Việc tối ưu content phải tuân thủ các nguyên tắc đó."
Hãy viết: "Việc tối ưu content phải tuân thủ các nguyên tắc như sử dụng từ khóa ngữ nghĩa, tránh ngôn vague words and provide concrete evidence."
Explicitly listing examples or using the word "or" for synonyms (e.g., "convert or transform") will help the AI understand your intent accurately. This clarity and transparency is a key factor in making your content "citable".
5. Maintain Contextual Consistency
A website should have an overarching theme. Likewise, each article should have a central topic. Including irrelevant information will dilute the content, causing distraction for both readers and search engines, including AI.
For example:
If your article is about "sustainable coffee growing", only mention issues such as organic farming methods, water resource management, and economic benefits for farmers.
Avoid mentioning unrelated topics:"how to make delicious coffee at home" or "how to run a coffee shop without losing money".
Contextual consistency helps search engines and AI classify your content correctly. An article that is highly focused on a topic will be considered more specialized than a rambling article, thereby increasing the likelihood of being ranked highly and cited in general answers.
6. Evidence-Based Statements
In an era of misinformation, Google and its AI models are increasingly prioritizing content that is evidence-based, fact-based, and highly authentic. This is core to building Trust with both users and algorithms.
Always use claims that are directly based on scientific evidence, historical facts, or verifiable data.
For example:
"Vitamin C boosts immunity."
"The Earth orbits the Sun sky."
"Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level."
"Barack Obama was elected 44th president of the United States."
These statements are indisputable and perfect for AI to quote. Additionally, you should make it a habit to insert links to sources of evidence (e.g., scientific studies, government websites, reputable organizations). This not only makes your articles more trustworthy, but also supports the information checking process of AI algorithms.
The future of SEO is not a keyword war, but a race to become the most trustworthy source of information. Large language models are changing the way we interact with information, and to succeed, we must adapt by creating "quotable" content.
Applying the 6 core principles above will help you overcome old methods and build a solid content strategy for the AI era. By focusing on clarity, depth, consistency and authenticity, you not only optimize for Google but also optimize for users themselves, and that is the only guide to sustainable success.
If you are looking for a professional partner to build and implement a content strategy suitable for the AI era, contact Tan Phat Digital now. We are always ready to support you on your path to website and brand development.
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