AEO content brief template

By the Variask team · Updated

In short

An AEO content brief is a one page plan for a piece of content that should be quoted by AI engines. It starts from the exact question buyers ask, records what AI says today, and sets the direct answer, structure, facts and sources the page needs.

The template

Copy it or download it as a text file. Free to use and adapt.

How to use it

  1. 1Pick one buyer question where AI names competitors and not you.
  2. 2Check what each AI engine says today and which sources it cites.
  3. 3Write the direct answer first, in 40 to 60 words.
  4. 4Plan H2 sections that each answer one follow up question.
  5. 5Tick every must have before you publish.
  6. 6Track the question every week after publishing.

Why briefs for AI are different

A classic SEO brief starts from a keyword and a word count. An AEO brief starts from a question and what AI already says. It plans for the parts AI lifts into answers: a direct opening, clear sections, tables, specific facts and trusted sources.

Questions

Common questions

Long enough to answer the question and its follow ups fully, usually 1,000 to 2,000 words for a guide. The direct answer at the top matters more than the length.

Yes. Copy it, download it or adapt it for your team or clients.

Go further

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Templates

More templates

AI visibility auditMonthly AI search reportllms.txt examples