User-first AEO across the funnel: Why your audience — not algorithms — should guide your strategy

In the webinar "SEO to AEO: Navigating the Future of Search," Eli Schwartz and Guy Yalif discuss the concept of answer engine optimization (AEO) and its implications for marketers, designers, and developers. Emphasizing a user-first approach, they argue that AEO should focus on understanding and meeting audience needs at each stage of their journey, rather than trying to game algorithms or optimize for specific AI models. Eli Schwartz advises against tailoring strategies to fit specific language models, as these systems aim to mimic human behavior, suggesting instead that content should be optimized for human users. This involves auditing content through a user-centric lens, ensuring it addresses real questions and supports user goals. Additionally, it's crucial for designers and developers to structure websites around user intent, prioritizing user experience over keyword density, to create a more effective and relevant online presence.