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AEO Canon · the reference for answer-engine optimization
AEOCanon

Lesson 1 of 6

Where to Start

Build the foundation you control — readable, answer-first content — then earn authority over time. This is the order that fits a small business.

Learning objectives

  • ▸Sequence the 8 pillars for limited time and budget.
  • ▸Separate the fast on-page wins from the slow authority build.
  • ▸Set realistic expectations for when citations arrive.

The lesson

Read the full lesson →AEO for Small Business: Where to StartStart by making sure AI tools can read your site, then answer your customers' real questions clearly and get mentioned around the web. Small businesses can win in AI search because engines pick the best answer to a question, not the biggest brand — so focused, honest answers beat budget.3 min read

Key takeaways

  • ▸Build what you control first (crawlable, answer-first content); authority compounds over months.
  • ▸Engines cite the best answer to a specific question, not the biggest brand.
  • ▸Foundation pays off in days–weeks; off-site authority takes months.

Knowledge check

Knowledge check

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  1. 1. What should a small business do first in AEO?

  2. 2. Why can a small business win citations despite low authority?