Optimize FAQ for AI Citations
Best practices for writing FAQ answers that AI engines cite. Length, structure, keywords, and concrete examples.
Why FAQ is Critical for AEO
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is the most cited content type by AI engines. The reason is simple: FAQ is structured as question-answer, which matches exactly how users search in ChatGPT and Perplexity.
Data from our analyses: Websites with optimized FAQ get 3-7x more AI citations than those without FAQ. Properly written FAQ dramatically increases AI visibility.
The Magic Length: 40-80 Words
Our research and testing clearly shows: FAQ answers of 40-80 words get cited most often by AI engines. Shorter answers (under 40 words) feel insufficient. Longer answers (over 80 words) get cut off or ignored.
| Answer Length | AI Citability | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40 words | 🟡 Low | Too short – AI perceives as incomplete |
| 40-80 words | 🟢 High | Optimal length for AI citations |
| Over 80 words | 🔴 Very low | Too long – AI cuts off or skips |
Structure: Start with the Answer
AI engines want the answer directly. No introduction, no background – just the answer first. Any context comes after.
❌ Bad structure (introduction first):
"Answer Engine Optimization is a field that has emerged in recent years as AI-driven search engines have become popular. It's about optimizing websites to appear in AI answers..."
✅ Good structure (answer first, 55 words):
"AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is optimization to appear in AI-driven answers from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini. It involves structured data (Schema.org), concise FAQ answers (40-80 words), and semantic HTML. The goal is to be cited as a source when AI engines answer user questions."
Keywords: Natural Integration
Include keywords in both question and answer, but naturally. AI engines are trained to detect keyword stuffing.
Checklist for keywords in FAQ:
- ✅ Question contains the main keyword (e.g., "What is AEO?")
- ✅ Answer repeats the keyword naturally 1-2 times
- ✅ Related terms are included (e.g., "AI search", "ChatGPT")
- ❌ Avoid unnatural repetitions ("AEO AEO AEO...")
Format: Lists and Structure
AI engines love structured content. When relevant, use lists, steps, or categories in the answer.
Example: FAQ answer with list (68 words):
Question: Which Schema.org types are needed for AEO?
"For AEO, four Schema.org types are recommended: 1) Organization (company information and logo), 2) FAQPage (questions and answers, critical for AI citations), 3) HowTo (step-by-step guides), and 4) Article (blog posts and insights). FAQPage is most important because AI engines prioritize structured question-answer pairs when citing."
FAQPage Schema – Technical Implementation
For maximum AEO effect, FAQ needs both visible HTML content AND structured FAQPage schema. Both are required.
Complete FAQ implementation:
<!-- HTML (visible to users) -->
<div class="faq-item">
<h3>What is AEO?</h3>
<p>AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is optimization to appear in AI-driven answers from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini...</p>
</div>
<!-- JSON-LD (structured data for AI) -->
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is AEO?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is optimization to appear in AI-driven answers from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini. It involves structured data (Schema.org), concise FAQ answers (40-80 words), and semantic HTML. The goal is to be cited as a source when AI engines answer user questions."
}
}]
}
</script>Important: HTML and JSON-LD must match exactly. Discrepancies confuse AI engines and reduce citations.
Testing: How to Test FAQ Optimization
Once you've written FAQ, it's time to test. Here's how:
- Count words: Verify that each answer is 40-80 words (use online word counter)
- Validate schema: Use Schema.org Validator
- Test in AI engines: Search the question in ChatGPT/Perplexity – does your company get cited?
- Read aloud: Does the answer sound natural when you read it aloud?
💡 Pro tip:
Save all FAQ questions in Google Sheets and run wordcount formula: =LEN(A1)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(A1," ",""))+1. This gives word count for batch checking all answers.
Common FAQ Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Too long answers (150+ words)
AI engines cut off or skip long answers entirely. Stick strictly to 40-80 words.
❌ Fluff and sales language
AI engines want facts, not marketing. Write objectively and informatively.
❌ HTML-schema mismatch
If HTML and JSON-LD don't match exactly, AI trustworthiness decreases drastically.
Next Steps
Now you can write FAQ answers that AI engines cite. Choose your next step: