Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of getting AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude to mention, cite, and recommend your business when potential customers ask questions. It’s not a distant trend — it’s already reshaping how buyers discover and choose vendors. ChatGPT alone now has over 800 million weekly active users, and roughly 58-60% of Google searches end without a single click because AI answers the question before anyone scrolls.