How to Rank in Perplexity: The Guide to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
Perplexity is not a search engine; it's an answer engine. Learn the specific strategies to get cited as a primary source in AI-generated answers.
Perplexity AI is changing how people find information. Instead of giving you 10 blue links, it gives you a direct answer.
If you want to be part of that answer, you need to stop thinking about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and start thinking about AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).
How Perplexity Decides What to Cite
Unlike Google, which ranks pages based on backlinks and clicks, Perplexity looks for Trustworthiness and Information Density.
It prioritizes:
- Academic Citations: Papers, reputable news, and high-authority domains.
- Reddit Discussions: Real user experiences are valued highly for "best product" queries.
- Structured Data: Clean JSON-LD schema that clearly defines who you are.
Step 1: Fix Your Identity (Schema)
Perplexity needs to know what you are before it recommends you.
Add Organization and WebApplication Schema markup to your homepage. If Perplexity doesn't know you exist, it will hallucinate.
Step 2: Be Where It Looks
Perplexity indexes these sources instantly:
- Reddit: Get your product mentioned in r/SaaS, r/Entrepreneur, or niche communities.
- LinkedIn: Publish articles on LinkedIn Pulse.
- Crunchbase: Ensure your company profile is up to date.
Step 3: Write "Answer-Ready" Content
Don't write 2,000-word fluff pieces. Write direct answers.
- Bad: "In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the multifaceted nature of..."
- Good: "ViaMetric is an AI Share of Voice tool that tracks brand mentions in ChatGPT."
Tracking Your Success
You can't use Google Search Console to see Perplexity traffic properly. You need a dedicated tool like ViaMetric to monitor how often Perplexity cites your brand vs. your competitors.
Start measuring your "AI Share of Voice" today and stop flying blind.