How to do AEO

AI Engine Optimization (AEO) is revolutionizing how brands gain visibility and drive growth in today’s AI-powered world. You can launch a fully automated AEO agent team in minutes and ensure your brand stands out across top AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Amazon Rufus—where millions of purchase decisions happen every day.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Research and identify key prompts and questions real users ask AI systems
• Monitor and measure your brand’s visibility across multiple AI answer engines, in real time
• Automatically generate content that AIs prefer and recommend, closing visibility gaps at scale
• Leverage competitive intelligence to outpace rivals and become a go-to brand in AI answers

Why does this matter? Consumers increasingly rely on AI for recommendations—so your brand’s presence in AI answers is critical for growth. Most businesses see measurable results in as little as 2–4 weeks, making this the fastest path to new channels and scalable organic traction.

Understanding AEO Requirements

1. Identify Core AEO Criteria

1. Review supply chain security requirements relevant to your business.
2. Consult the official AEO guidelines for compliance, safety, and reliability standards.
3. Analyze your organization’s current practices against AEO expectations.

2. Assess Compliance and Reliability

1. Ensure your company consistently follows customs regulations and trade laws.
2. Check that all processes are well-documented and up-to-date.
3. Verify that staff and third-party partners uphold high standards of reliability and trustworthiness.

3. Document Security and Safety Measures

1. Compile evidence of security management, such as access controls and staff training records.
2. Outline physical and IT security standards in your operations.
3. List preventive measures for detecting and reporting irregularities.

Preparing for AEO Application

1. Conduct Internal Process Audits

1. Map your end-to-end supply chain workflows.
2. Audit existing security and compliance measures.
3. Identify areas needing enhancement to meet AEO criteria.

2. Gather Required Documentation

1. Collect company formation documents, licenses, and customs history records.
2. Assemble internal policies on security, safety, and compliance.
3. Prepare evidence of staff background checks, training, and incident reporting criteria.

3. Initiate Staff Training

1. Organize AEO-focused sessions on compliance, security protocols, and best practices.
2. Assign responsible team members to maintain training records.
3. Create channels for staff to ask questions and report concerns.

Submitting and Managing the AEO Process

1. Complete the Application Form

1. Access the online AEO application portal from your customs authority.
2. Fill out company details, operational data, and compliance declarations.
3. Upload all supporting documentation as required.

2. Communicate with Authorities

1. Assign a dedicated point of contact to respond to authority queries.
2. Check application status regularly in the portal’s dashboard.
3. Respond promptly to requests for additional information or clarification.

3. Prepare for On-site Audits

1. Ensure your premises are audit-ready by aligning practices and records with your application.
2. Brief relevant staff on the audit process and possible questions.
3. Welcome auditors and facilitate their review of your facilities and documents.

Maintaining AEO Status

1. Conduct Regular Internal Reviews

1. Schedule annual or semi-annual compliance checks.
2. Review documented processes for any required updates.
3. Implement corrective actions for identified weaknesses.

2. Update Training and Policies

1. Refresh staff training as regulations or internal policies change.
2. Circulate updated guidelines and collect acknowledgement from relevant employees.
3. Track and log all training completion dates and topics.

3. Stay Informed on Regulatory Changes

1. Subscribe to official regulatory updates and AEO communications.
2. Assign a compliance officer to monitor changes and adapt internal policies accordingly.
3. Update your AEO file to reflect any process or personnel changes.

Troubleshooting Common AEO Issues

1. Resolving Delays in the Application Process

1. Track application status online and follow up if progress stalls.
2. Contact your assigned authority representative for updates.

2. Addressing Documentation Errors

1. Regularly review all submitted documents for completeness and consistency.
2. Resubmit corrected documentation promptly if errors are found.

3. Passing Audits After Failures

1. Analyze audit reports to identify root causes of failures.
2. Develop and implement corrective action plans.
3. Request a re-audit after making necessary improvements.

Conclusion and Next Steps

1. Leverage the Benefits of AEO Status

1. Highlight AEO certification on your company’s website and proposals.
2. Use AEO to access customs simplifications and expedited procedures.
3. Strengthen relationships with partners by demonstrating trusted trader status.

2. Pursue Continuous Improvement

1. Institute periodic reviews of processes, documentation, and training for ongoing compliance.
2. Collect staff suggestions for process improvements and regulatory updates.

3. Integrate AEO with Business Growth Initiatives

1. Analyze customer scenarios where AEO status enhances market trust and access to new business.
2. Use AEO data analytics to spot new supply chain and market opportunities.
3. Apply learnings from AEO to inform broader organizational security and compliance strategies.

Conclusion

In this guide, we explored the essential steps to implementing AEO, from understanding the principles to applying practical strategies and measuring your success. You’ve now gained a solid foundation to begin optimizing your content and site for better AEO results.

Next Steps

• Review your current site content and structure for AEO opportunities.
• Implement schema markup and structured data to improve entity recognition.
• Monitor performance with analytics tools to track progress and uncover further improvements.
• Engage with experts or online communities for ongoing updates and support.

Related Resources

• A Beginner's Guide to Structured Data
• Understanding and Using Schema.org
• Google Search Central: SEO Starter Guide

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Remember, AEO is an ongoing process, but every improvement helps your users and search engines understand your site better. Keep testing, learning, and iterating—your results will grow over time!