Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Course

Twelve lessons running one hour twenty-six minutes across four modules plus an introduction, taught entirely by Sam Oh, VP of Marketing at Ahrefs. It is the most frictionless offering we found, requiring no sign-up and no account of any kind. The curriculum is structured as a working method rather than a tour. Module one explains how AI search engines work and how ranking differs between Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT and Perplexity. Module two covers brand gap analysis and keyword plus prompt research. Module three is execution, covering content optimization for AI engines, a three-tier framework for earning AI citations through brand mentions, YouTube SEO for AI search, and a technical lesson on robots.txt, GPTBot and llms.txt. Module four covers tracking AI traffic in GA4 and Ahrefs Web Analytics, and ends with an action plan checklist. There is no certificate. Ahrefs Brand Radar features in the measurement content and is a paid product.

Depth is the highest among free vendor AI courses because it spans mechanics, strategy, execution, technical and measurement in a coherent arc. Currency is top because it addresses llms.txt, GPTBot and cross-engine ranking differences. Instructor authority is high given Sam Oh's track record and sole ownership of the material. Practical application is strong thanks to the checklist and reproducible technical steps, held back only by paid measurement tooling. Value for money is maximal as it is free with no sign-up. Support scores lowest possible as there is no community, assessment or contact.

Sam Oh. VP of Marketing at Ahrefs and the long-running presenter of the Ahrefs YouTube channel, where he has produced SEO tutorial content for years to a large audience.

Named as sole instructor on the course page. He is among the most widely watched SEO video educators, and the Ahrefs Academy catalogue lists him as VP of Marketing and as a lead presenter.