How to Optimise Your HubSpot Blog for AEO

When users ask questions online, they now read AI-generated answers before clicking any links. Google's AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity pull information directly from websites and display it at the top of results. If your HubSpot blog isn't structured for these systems to extract and cite, you're losing visibility.

Answer engine optimisation (AEO) makes your content easy for large language models to read, extract, and cite. This guide shows you how to optimise your HubSpot blog for AEO across two areas: structural build and content layout.

Part 1: Structural build optimisation

Structural changes improve how search engines and large language models crawl and extract information from your HubSpot Blog.

Add a clickable table of contents

A table of contents signals to large language models what the page covers and provides clear jump links to sections. Place this near the top of your blog, after the introduction. In HubSpot, use a table of contents module that automatically generates links based on your H2 and H3 headings.

Include an FAQ section

FAQ sections are structured question-and-answer pairs that large language models extract easily. Place your FAQ near the bottom of your HubSpot blog, after the main content but before the final call to action. Use clear questions as H3 headings and answer each in 1-3 sentences directly below.

Want to take your AEO further? Test your content with our AEO grading tool to identify what needs fixing and track improvements.

Follow SEO fundamentals

AEO relies on strong SEO foundations. Ensure your HubSpot blog follows these rules:

• Use HTTPS
• Ensure fast page load times (under 3 seconds)
• Make your blog mobile-friendly
• Use clean, descriptive URLs
• Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console
• Fix broken links and redirects

Use proper H tag hierarchy

Search engines and large language models rely on heading structure. Your HubSpot blog must follow logical heading order: H1 for the main title (one per page), H2 for major sections, H3 for subsections, and H4 for further detail. Never skip levels.

Part 2: Content layout optimisation

Once the structural build is sorted, focus on how you write and format content. AEO-friendly content is scannable, concise, and structured for extraction.

Use question-based H2 headings

Rewrite your H2 headings as direct questions that match what users type into search bars.

Before: "Understanding the process"
After: "How does the installation process work?"

Question-based headings signal to large language models exactly what information follows.

Answer the question immediately

Answer your heading's question in the first 1-2 sentences. Don't build up to it or tell a story first.

Example:

How long does implementation take?

Most implementations take 4-6 weeks from kickoff to go-live. The timeline depends on team size, data migration requirements, and customisation needs.

Break content into scannable chunks

Long paragraphs reduce readability, so break content into sections of 2-4 sentences per paragraph. Use bullet points, numbered lists, and tables for processes, features, or comparisons. Keep each list item concise.

Apply E-E-A-T principles

E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) helps large language models determine which sources to cite. To demonstrate E-E-A-T:

• Add author bylines with credentials
• Link to reputable sources
• Update publish and revision dates
• Include case studies or examples
• Cite data with attribution

Remove fluff and filler

Cut introductory phrases, redundant explanations, and unnecessary adjectives. Every sentence should serve a purpose.

Before: "In today's modern business landscape, it's become increasingly important for companies to really think about how they can optimise their digital presence."
After: "Businesses must optimise their digital presence to remain visible in AI-powered search."

Use simple, direct language

Complex sentences and jargon reduce clarity. Write at a reading level that's accessible to your audience. Use short sentences, active voice, and familiar words. Aim for a reading level between Grade 8-10.

Add structured data (Schema markup)

Structured data helps large language models understand what your content represents. HubSpot allows schema markup through custom HTML modules. Focus on Article, FAQ, Author, and Organisation schema.

Measuring AEO success

Monitor these metrics to track AEO performance:

• Appearances in Google AI Overviews
• Featured snippet wins
• Zero-click search visibility
• Organic traffic from AI-related queries

Use Google Search Console and HubSpot's analytics to measure impact.

Start optimising your HubSpot blog for AEO today

AI is reshaping search, and blogs that aren't structured for answer engine optimisation will lose visibility. HubSpot blog users have full control over both structure and content, making it straightforward to implement these changes.

Start with your highest-traffic pages. Add a table of contents, rewrite headings as questions, and answer them directly.

If you need support optimising your HubSpot blog for AEO, our team can help. Explore our AEO services to see how we help businesses stay visible in AI-powered search.