Keyword Research

Find keywords for both traditional SEO and AI citation optimization using AEO Goal's research tools.

Last updated August 31, 2026

The Keyword Research tool surfaces keyword opportunities for traditional search rankings and, importantly, identifies the question-format keywords that AI engines use when generating answers.

Running keyword research

  1. Go to Research → Keywords.
  2. Enter a seed keyword (e.g. “AI SEO tools”).
  3. Click Research.

AEO Goal returns:

  • Related keywords with estimated search volume
  • Keyword difficulty (0-100, lower = easier to rank)
  • AI answer frequency - how often AI engines generate answers for this keyword
  • SERP features (featured snippet, People Also Ask, etc.)
  • Intent classification (informational, navigational, commercial, transactional)

AI answer frequency

The AI answer frequency metric is unique to AEO Goal. It shows how often AI engines produce a definitive answer (rather than just links) for a given keyword. Keywords with high AI answer frequency are high-priority targets for AEO content.

Question keywords

Switch to the Questions tab to see question-format variations of your seed keyword. These are particularly valuable because:

  • They match how people ask AI engines for information
  • They map directly to tracked prompts you should add
  • They’re often featured snippet and FAQ schema opportunities

Filtering results

Filter the keyword list by:

  • Search volume - minimum monthly searches
  • Difficulty - maximum difficulty score
  • Intent - informational only, commercial only, etc.
  • AI answer frequency - minimum AI answer rate

Saving keywords

Click the + button on any keyword to:

  • Add it to your Rank Tracking list
  • Convert it to a Tracked Prompt (for AEO tracking)
  • Export it to a CSV

Keyword gap

See Keyword Tools for the Keyword Gap tool, which shows keywords your competitors rank for but you don’t.

Frequently asked questions

What is AI answer frequency in keyword research?

AI answer frequency is a metric unique to AEO Goal that shows how often AI engines produce a definitive answer, rather than just links, for a given keyword. Keywords with high AI answer frequency are high-priority targets for AEO content.

What data does AEO Goal return for a keyword?

For each seed keyword, AEO Goal returns related keywords with estimated search volume, keyword difficulty on a 0-100 scale, AI answer frequency, SERP features such as featured snippets and People Also Ask, and intent classification.

Why should I look at question-format keywords?

Question keywords match how people ask AI engines for information, map directly to tracked prompts you should add, and are often featured snippet and FAQ schema opportunities. You can find them under the Questions tab.

What can I do with a keyword after finding it?

Click the plus button on any keyword to add it to your Rank Tracking list, convert it to a Tracked Prompt for AEO tracking, or export it to a CSV.