Have you noticed tools like ChatGPT or Gemini don't just list links anymore? They now give you full answers because AI has changed the way people search and find information.

Today, when someone asks a question, AI decides what content deserves to be part of the answer.

This shift is huge for marketers, especially in B2B, where decisions are data-driven and credibility matters. The right content now needs to speak not only to people but also to AI systems that filter what people see.

So, how do you do this?

That's where answer engine optimization (AEO) comes in. AEO helps your press releases, blogs, and other owned content get noticed, understood, and featured by AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.

B2B marketers need to understand what AEO really means, why it's critical for modern marketing visibility, and how to format your press releases so they're easier for both humans and AI to find and trust.

What Is AEO?

AEO is the next evolution of SEO. Instead of optimizing links on a search results page, you're optimizing to be the answer.

AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini don't just list sources. They summarize, cite, and explain. That means your content needs to be structured, clear, and credible enough to be quoted as the answer.

In other words…

Traditional SEO = Be on page one.

AEO = Be the answer.

And the great thing is, press releases already follow the AEO pattern—they're structured, original, authoritative, and timestamped. That's why they consistently perform well in AI-powered search, and especially in industries like tech, finance, and healthcare where accuracy and timing are everything.

How To Optimize Your Press Releases for AEO

You don't need to reinvent your workflow—just make it smarter.

Here's how to do it.

Write Headlines That Sound Like Real Questions

AI search tools love headlines that sound like real questions because that's how people actually search. It helps your press release align with the way engines like ChatGPT and Gemini think.

Instead of: "ACME Launches Next-Gen Cloud Security Platform"

Try: "How ACME's New Cloud Security Platform Protects Financial Data in Real Time"

Start With the Facts

Your first paragraph should immediately identify who, what, when, where, and why.

Skip the fluff and keep it factual. Clear, structured writing helps both AI and humans instantly understand your story.

Add Multimedia and Metadata

AI tools interpret visuals through captions and alt text, so clearly label every image, video, and chart.

Instead of: "company image"

Try: "CEO Jane Smith announcing AI product launch at CES 2025."

These small details make your content easier for AI to classify and cite.

Use Names, Numbers, and Dates

AI models rely on signals like names, numbers, and dates to understand context and trustworthiness. Include specific details like "Q3 2025 earnings report" or "partnership with Delta Health Systems."

This detail tells AI your press release is real, verifiable, and relevant.

Keep It Fresh

Add an "As of [date]" line and keep schema dates current. AI ranks newer, updated content higher, so even small updates can make a difference.

Publish Through Trusted Channels

Press releases published on verified wire services like GlobeNewswire by Notified get a credibility boost.

AI recognizes trusted domains and consistent formats as reliable, helping your news surface faster and rank higher in both AI and traditional search.

Your AEO-Ready Press Release Checklist

Want to make sure your next press release gets discovered by both humans and AI? Here's your AEO-ready press release checklist.

Headline

• Keep it short and clear (40–70 characters)
• Use an action verb and include your primary keyword or entity name
• Phrase it like a natural-language statement or question

Subhead (Optional, but Recommended)

• Add secondary keywords, data, or context
• Write in sentence case, not title case

Dateline

• Format as: CITY, State — Month Day, Year (e.g., NEW YORK — Oct. 15, 2025)
• This format helps AI recognize time and location signals

Summary or Lead Paragraph

• Cover the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why
• Keep it to three sentences max
• Avoid filler language; focus on clarity and facts

Body Content

• Use short paragraphs (two to three sentences each)
• Add bolded subheads and bullet points for structure
• Include links and supporting stats to improve relevance

Quotes

• Attribute clearly (e.g., "Amazing quote," said Name, Title)
• Use one quote per paragraph to boost readability and human connection
• Add emotional or expert insight, not corporate jargon

Multimedia

• Always include at least one image or video
• Use descriptive file names (e.g., Company-Launch-New-Product.jpg)
• Add captions and keyword-rich alt text
• Keep visuals high-resolution (minimum of 1,200 by 630 pixels)

Metadata

• Include key fields: author, publisher, date published, tags
• Add schema markup (JSON-LD) when publishing on your site
• Use GlobeNewswire's built-in release summary and tags for AI visibility

Boilerplates

• Use two to four sentences to describe your company
• Include your URL, keywords, and industry context

Contact Info

• Add name, title, email, and phone number
• These details ensure verification for journalists and AI trust models

Be the Answer, Not Just a Result

In the age of AI search, the best content doesn't just rank—it gets read aloud, summarized, and cited by the very tools people trust most.

By applying AEO principles to your press releases, you're not only helping algorithms understand your story; you're also helping your audience find it faster.

So before you hit publish, don't just think SEO. Think AEO. Think answers.