If you want your website to show up in more searches, especially when people ask questions or look for quick answers, you need to understand AEO — Answer Engine Optimization — and how to find the right keywords. In this post, I’ll explain what AEO is, why it matters, and how you can use regex in Google Search Console to uncover high-value queries.
What is AEO?
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of optimizing your content to directly answer searcher questions. Unlike traditional SEO, which often focuses on ranking for keywords, AEO focuses on being the answer. The goal is to appear in featured snippets, “People Also Ask” boxes, or other answer-focused placements in search results.
In practical terms, AEO means your content should:
- Provide concise, clear answers.
- Include structured headings and lists.
- Target long-tail queries or question-based searches.
Why Regex in Google Search Console Helps
Google Search Console (GSC) shows you every query that brought people to your site. Regex (regular expressions) lets you filter those queries with precision. By using regex, you can find patterns in searches that indicate AEO opportunities, like questions, comparisons, or long-tail phrases.
Regex Patterns to Find AEO Keywords
1. Question-based searches
People often type questions into Google. These are perfect for AEO content.
(?i)^(who|what|when|where|why|how|does|is|can|should)\b2. Comparisons
Searchers often compare products, services, or solutions.
(?i)\b(vs|versus|difference between|compare|comparison)\b3. Lists and rankings
These indicate searches for recommendations or top choices:
(?i)\b(best|top|most|cheapest|easiest)\b4. Local intent
Queries with location references signal transactional intent in a specific area:
(?i)\bnear me|in [a-z]+|for [a-z]+\b5. Long-tail queries
Longer queries usually indicate high intent and are ideal for detailed answers:
^(\S+\s+){7,}\S+$How to Use These in Google Search Console
- Go to Performance → Queries.
- Click + New → Query → Custom (Regex).
- Paste one of the regex patterns above.
- Apply the filter to see queries matching your target pattern.
- Export the results to analyze impressions, clicks, and CTR.
- Prioritize high-impression, low-CTR queries for new or optimized content.
Practical Tips for AEO Content
- Answer first, expand second: Start with a clear answer, then provide examples, steps, or context.
- Use headings and lists: These help Google recognize structured answers.
- Target long-tail and question queries: They’re easier to rank for and more likely to trigger snippets.
- Iterate based on GSC data: Track which questions drive clicks and adjust your content accordingly.
Optimizing for AEO doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right regex filters in Google Search Console, you can uncover the exact queries your audience is asking and create content that directly answers them — giving your site a better chance to appear in answer-rich search results.
