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Definition

Prompt Optimization

AI Prompt Optimization

Identifying and targeting the specific queries potential customers use when asking AI for recommendations in your category. The AI equivalent of keyword research.

What is Prompt Optimization?

Prompt optimization is about understanding and targeting the questions your potential customers ask AI platforms. Just as keyword research is fundamental to SEO, prompt identification is fundamental to AEO.

Types of prompts

  • Category discovery - "What's the best [category]?"
  • Use-case specific - "Best [category] for [specific need]?"
  • Comparison - "[Brand A] vs [Brand B]"
  • Problem-solution - "How do I [solve problem]?"
  • Recommendation - "What do you recommend for [scenario]?"

Why it matters

Different prompts yield different recommendations. Your brand might appear for "best CRM" but not "best CRM for startups." Knowing which variations include or exclude you is essential for targeted optimization.

How to approach it

Brainstorm every way a customer might ask AI about your category. Test each across platforms. Document which include your brand. Prioritize high-intent prompts where you're absent. Monitor performance over time.

Related Terms

AEOAI MentionsAI SearchAI VisibilityBrand Mention Tracking

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