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AEO Canon · the reference for answer-engine optimization
AEOCanon
Intermediate6 lessons · ~3h · Practitioner tier

Writing for Answer Engines

Write passages AI will quote — answer-first, evidenced, right-sized, and structured for extraction. A Practitioner-tier course that turns the writing-craft cluster into a repeatable workflow and earns a stackable Tier 2 badge.

By Burke Atkerson, Founder & Principal AEO Strategist
Start the course — Lesson 1 →

What you'll learn

  • ✓Write self-contained passages engines can lift.
  • ✓Lead every section with the answer.
  • ✓Use question-shaped headings that match real queries.
  • ✓Right-size passages to the citable sweet spot.
  • ✓Back claims with evidence that raises visibility.

Syllabus

  1. Write Content AI Will QuoteEngines quote passages, not pages. This lesson is the craft of writing the quotable passage.Reuses: How to Write Content AI Will Quote
  2. The Answer-First SentenceThe highest-leverage move in AEO is leading with the answer. This lesson teaches the pattern and the one-line test.Reuses: How to Write an Answer-First Sentence
  3. Question-Shaped HeadingsAI queries are questions; headings that mirror them win the match. This lesson converts labels into real questions.Reuses: How to Use Question-Shaped Headings
  4. Right-Sizing PassagesCitable passages cluster around 120 to 180 words. This lesson sizes answers to be complete but liftable.Reuses: How Long Should a Passage Be for AI Citation?
  5. Evidence That Gets CitedThe Princeton GEO study proved evidence raises visibility. This lesson adds stats, quotes, and sources that get you cited.Reuses: How to Add Statistics, Quotes & Citations That Get You Cited
  6. Turn a Page Into a Q&A LibraryDecompose a page into standalone question-and-answer pairs, each independently citable. This lesson multiplies citation opportunities.Reuses: How to Turn One Page Into a Q&A Library

Practitioner tier · Tier 2 Certificate

Finish all 6 lessons to earn your Tier 2 Certificate.

Complete every lesson and pass the knowledge checks to claim a shareable Tier 2 Certificate — proof you've mastered Writing for Answer Engines. Practitioner certificates stack toward full AEO mastery.

Begin Lesson 1 →