core
Synthesized answer
The composite answer an AI engine writes by weaving together retrieved sources — the unit of AEO output.
Definition
A synthesized answer is the final paragraph an AI engine generates by combining facts, claims, and citations from retrieved sources. Unlike a SERP listing (which is just a link), the synthesized answer is generated text with embedded citations. Your goal in AEO: have your page contribute to (be cited within) the synthesized answer for target queries.
Example
User asks 'what is AEO?'. Perplexity retrieves 5 pages, writes a 4-sentence answer citing [1][2][3][4][5] from those pages. If your page is [3], you got cited.How to optimize
Optimize for being one of the 3–5 cited sources. Direct, factual, sourced content with clear authority signals. Don't try to game the synthesis itself — focus on retrieval.