AEO SEO Checklist: 25 Checks for Agent-Ready Search Visibility
Use this AEO SEO checklist to improve crawlability, AI citations, structured content, internal links, agent readability, and execution-layer readiness.
Updated June 16, 2026
An AEO SEO checklist should cover three layers: classic SEO, AI-answer readability, and agent-ready execution. Start with crawlable pages and useful content, then add extractable answers, structured data, internal links, llms.txt, policies, and action paths that autonomous agents can understand.
Layer 1: SEO foundation#
Google’s SEO documentation still starts with basics: help search engines crawl, index, understand, and show your content. Do not skip that layer.
| Check | Pass condition |
|---|---|
| 1. Crawlability | Important URLs return 200 and are not blocked |
| 2. Indexability | Important pages do not carry noindex |
| 3. Canonicals | Each page has a correct canonical URL |
| 4. Titles | Titles are unique, descriptive, and click-worthy |
| 5. Meta descriptions | Descriptions explain the value of the page |
| 6. H1 | One clear H1 matches the page intent |
| 7. Internal links | Important pages are linked from relevant hubs |
| 8. Sitemap | XML sitemap includes canonical, indexable URLs |
For a full audit flow, use the AEO readiness audit.
Layer 2: AI answer readiness#
AI-answer systems need extractable structure. That does not mean robotic writing. It means clear answers, good headings, and source-backed claims.
| Check | Pass condition |
|---|---|
| 9. Direct answer | The first 80 words answer the main query |
| 10. H2 questions | Sections match real follow-up questions |
| 11. Tables | Comparisons and criteria are structured |
| 12. Definitions | Important terms are defined once and consistently |
| 13. Sources | Claims link to primary or trusted sources |
| 14. FAQs | FAQs answer actual search questions |
| 15. Entity consistency | Names, protocols, products, and concepts are stable |
| 16. Content freshness | Pages show current protocol or market status |
The AI search optimization framework explains this layer in more detail.
Layer 3: Agent Engine Optimization#
Agent Engine Optimization begins when the system can be used, not just read.
| Check | Pass condition |
|---|---|
| 17. llms.txt | Important pages are listed for agent discovery |
| 18. Machine-readable policies | Returns, pricing, eligibility, and limits are clear |
| 19. Product or service data | Agents can compare attributes without guessing |
| 20. Action path | Forms, carts, APIs, or booking steps are stable |
| 21. Auth and permission model | High-risk actions require approval or scoped authority |
| 22. Error states | Failures return useful status and next steps |
| 23. Confirmation states | Completed actions are verifiable |
| 24. Attribution | AI referrals and agent-origin sessions are measured |
| 25. Feedback loop | Agent failures become fixes |
The execution layer and AEO implementation guide cover this layer.
How to use the checklist#
Start with pages already receiving impressions for AEO SEO, Agent Engine Optimization, or related terms. Search Console’s Performance report can show which queries and pages are gaining visibility. Then improve the highest-impression pages before creating new pages.
This order matters:
- Fix the ranking page.
- Add one or two support pages for distinct subtopics.
- Link them together.
- Measure query movement and CTR.
- Expand only when new search intent appears.
FAQ#
Is this checklist for SEO or AEO?#
Both. It starts with SEO because AEO needs discovery, then adds AI-answer and execution-layer checks.
Should every page pass all 25 checks?#
No. Informational pages may not need action endpoints. Transactional and ecommerce pages need more execution-layer checks.
What is the fastest win?#
Improve pages that already have impressions but weak CTR: title, meta description, direct answer, internal links, and FAQ structure.
How often should the checklist be repeated?#
Repeat it after major content changes, protocol updates, product launches, and Search Console query shifts.
Sources#
Primary sources: Google SEO starter guide, Google AI features documentation, and Search Console performance report documentation.