Generative Engine Optimization

Use Question-Format Headers — Step-by-Step Guide

Rewrite H2 headers as questions matching search queries. AI systems pattern-match headers to user prompts for citation selection.

Easy High Impact 30 min per page Online Local Hybrid
Pro Tip

Not every heading should be a question. Aim for 40-60% of your H2s to be question-format. Mix in action-oriented headings ("How to Set Up...") and definitive statements ("The Best Approach Is...") for natural variety.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

List all your current H2 headings

Use the HeadingsMap Chrome extension or manually go through your top pages. Create a spreadsheet: Page URL | Current H2 | Suggested Question-Format H2 | Matching PAA Question. Focus on your top 10-20 traffic pages first.

2

Research "People Also Ask" for your target keywords

Search your primary keyword in Google. Click through the "People Also Ask" boxes — each click reveals more questions. Tools like AlsoAsked.com visualize the full PAA tree. These are the exact questions your audience asks.

3

Rewrite H2s as questions (e.g., "What Is X?" instead of "X Overview")

Transform descriptive headings into question-format: "SEO Benefits" becomes "What Are the Benefits of SEO?". "Pricing" becomes "How Much Does [Service] Cost?". Match the phrasing of real PAA questions for best results.

4

Ensure the answer follows immediately after the heading

The first 1-2 sentences after the question-format H2 must directly answer the question. Don't add preamble or context first. AI systems extract these Q&A pairs as self-contained information chunks. The answer should work without reading anything else on the page.

5

Verify the improvement in both featured snippet and AI citation rates

After implementing question headers, monitor: featured snippet acquisitions in Ahrefs, CTR changes in Search Console, and manually test queries in ChatGPT and Perplexity to see if your content is cited. Allow 4-6 weeks for results.

Video Tutorial

AI Prompt

Convert these section headers to question format for AI optimization:

Current headers:
[LIST YOUR H2 HEADERS]

Page topic: [TOPIC]
Target keywords: [KEYWORDS]

For each header:
1. Rewrite as a natural question that matches how people search
2. Check it against "People Also Ask" queries for this topic
3. Ensure the first 2-3 sentences after the header directly answer the question
4. Keep the question specific and search-intent aligned

Also suggest 3-5 additional question-headers I should add to improve coverage.

Tools & Resources

AlsoAskedAnswerThePublic

Learn More

People Also Ask Optimization — AhrefsarticleFeatured Snippets and Questions — Semrusharticle

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