AEO Discoverability Analysis

Zero-Click Search Landscape

Understanding the current state of zero-click searches and AI-driven answer surfaces to inform BCLDB's AEO strategy.

AEO Implementation Checklist

Actionable checklist for implementing Answer Engine Optimization across bcliquorstores.com.

1. Content Structure Optimization

• Position key answers in first 100-200 words

  Place direct, concise answers at the top of each content piece before expanding with details. Featured snippets typically pull from early content.

  Quick Win High Impact
• Use 40-60 word answer paragraphs

  Featured snippets are typically 40-60 words. Structure answers to fit this format while remaining complete and useful.

  Quick Win High Impact
• Implement proper heading hierarchy (H2 for questions, H3 for sub-topics)

  Use H2 tags for main questions and H3 tags for related sub-topics. This structure helps Google pull list-type featured snippets.

  Quick Win Medium Impact
• Use bullet points, numbered lists, and tables

  Structured formats are easily parsed by search engines and frequently featured in snippets. Ideal for step-by-step guides, comparisons, and lists.

  Quick Win High Impact
• Create dedicated FAQ sections on key pages

  Add FAQ sections to product category pages, store pages, and educational content. These directly target "People Also Ask" opportunities.

  Quick Win High Impact

2. Schema Markup Implementation

• Implement FAQPage schema on FAQ sections

  Add FAQPage structured data to all FAQ content. This enables FAQ rich results in search and feeds AI Overview content.

  Quick Win High Impact
• Add HowTo schema for recipe/guide content

  Apply HowTo schema to cocktail recipes, serving guides, and step-by-step content. Enables how-to rich results on mobile.

  Long-term High Impact
• Implement LiquorStore LocalBusiness schema

  Use the specific LiquorStore schema type (subtype of Store) on all store location pages with hours, address, and contact info.

  Quick Win Medium Impact
• Add Recipe schema for cocktail content

  Implement Recipe structured data for all cocktail recipes including ingredients, steps, and prep time. Enables recipe rich results.

  Long-term High Impact
• Implement Product schema on product pages

  Add Product schema with price, availability, and rating information to product detail pages for rich product results.

  Long-term Medium Impact
• Use server-side rendering for schema (not JavaScript injection)

  AI crawlers miss JavaScript-injected structured data. Ensure schema is rendered server-side or in static HTML.

  Long-term High Impact

3. Content Creation for AEO

• Structure content for featured snippets

  Format beginner guides, comparisons, and how-tos with clear headers, concise 40-60 word answer paragraphs, and bulleted lists that can be extracted by search engines.

  Quick Win High Impact
• Include direct answers at the top of each page

  Place a concise, definitive answer within the first 100 words of content pages. AI systems and featured snippets prioritize content that answers queries immediately.

  Quick Win High Impact
• Use question-based H2/H3 headers

  Structure content with headers that match common search queries (e.g., "How long does wine last after opening?"). This increases featured snippet eligibility.

  Quick Win High Impact
• Create comparison tables for X vs Y content

  Use HTML tables for comparison content (bourbon vs scotch, ale vs lager). Table snippets are highly visible in search results and AI summaries.

  Long-term High Impact
• Add step numbering to how-to content

  Use numbered lists for processes (cocktail recipes, serving guides). Numbered steps are frequently pulled into featured snippets and voice search results.

  Quick Win High Impact

4. Technical AEO Requirements

• Ensure fast page load times (<3 seconds)

  Page speed is a ranking factor and affects crawlability. Fast pages are more likely to be included in AI summaries.

  Quick Win Medium Impact
• Make content crawlable (avoid JavaScript-only rendering)

  AI crawlers and search engines need to access content directly. Avoid hiding content behind JavaScript interactions.

  Long-term High Impact
• Validate structured data with Rich Results Test

  Test all schema implementations using Google's Rich Results Test and Schema.org Validator before deployment.

  Quick Win Medium Impact
• Convert TASTE Magazine content to indexable HTML

  The flipbook format is not crawlable. Republish valuable magazine articles as standard web pages with proper structure.

  Long-term High Impact

5. Monitoring & Measurement

• Track featured snippet appearances

  Use Semrush, Ahrefs, or Moz to monitor featured snippet wins. Track which content earns snippets and optimize accordingly.

  Quick Win Medium Impact
• Monitor "People Also Ask" appearances

  Track which questions trigger PAA boxes featuring BCLDB content. Expand coverage of related questions.

  Quick Win Medium Impact
• Create AI platform monitoring system

  Manually query ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews with target questions. Document when BCLDB appears as a source.

  Long-term Medium Impact
• Watch for high impressions / low clicks in GSC

  Queries with high impressions but low CTR may indicate featured snippet appearances. Use this data to validate AEO success.

  Quick Win Medium Impact

Schema Markup Examples

Ready-to-implement structured data examples for BCLDB's key content types.

FAQPage Schema

Use this format for FAQ sections on product pages, help pages, and educational content.

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [{
    "@type": "Question",
    "name": "How long does wine last after opening?",
    "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "An opened bottle of wine typically lasts 3-5 days when properly sealed and refrigerated. Light white wines last 1-2 days, while fortified wines like sherry or port can last 3-5 weeks."
    }
  }, {
    "@type": "Question",
    "name": "What is the legal drinking age in BC?",
    "acceptedAnswer": {
      "@type": "Answer",
      "text": "The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years old. Valid government-issued photo ID with birthdate is required for purchase."
    }
  }]
}
</script>

LiquorStore LocalBusiness Schema

Apply this to individual store location pages.

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "LiquorStore",
  "name": "BC Liquor Store - Cambie Signature",
  "image": "https://bcliquorstores.com/images/stores/cambie.jpg",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "streetAddress": "5555 Cambie Street",
    "addressLocality": "Vancouver",
    "addressRegion": "BC",
    "postalCode": "V5Z 3A3",
    "addressCountry": "CA"
  },
  "geo": {
    "@type": "GeoCoordinates",
    "latitude": "49.2277",
    "longitude": "-123.1156"
  },
  "telephone": "+1-604-660-4576",
  "openingHoursSpecification": [{
    "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification",
    "dayOfWeek": ["Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday"],
    "opens": "09:30",
    "closes": "21:00"
  }],
  "priceRange": "$$"
}
</script>

Recipe Schema (for Cocktails)

Use for cocktail recipes to enable recipe rich results.

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Recipe",
  "name": "Classic Margarita",
  "description": "A refreshing tequila cocktail with lime and triple sec.",
  "prepTime": "PT5M",
  "totalTime": "PT5M",
  "recipeYield": "1 cocktail",
  "recipeIngredient": [
    "2 oz tequila",
    "1 oz fresh lime juice",
    "1 oz triple sec",
    "Salt for rim",
    "Lime wedge for garnish"
  ],
  "recipeInstructions": [{
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Rim a glass with salt using a lime wedge."
  }, {
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to a shaker with ice."
  }, {
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Shake for 15 seconds until cold."
  }, {
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with lime."
  }]
}
</script>

High-Signal Questions Mapping

Questions with high featured snippet potential organized by category. Full data available in accompanying CSV.

Wine Questions (Highest Volume)

Beer Questions

Spirits Questions

BC-Specific Questions

Party Planning Questions

Quick Wins vs. Long-Term Initiatives

Prioritized action items organized by implementation effort and timeline.

Recommended Implementation Timeline

Week 1-2: Foundation (Quick Wins)

• Expand FAQ page with 15-20 high-signal questions
• Implement FAQPage schema on FAQ content
• Restructure top 10 pages with answer-first format
• Create "Legal Drinking Age in BC" authoritative content
• Set up featured snippet tracking in SEO tools

Week 3-4: Schema & Structure

• Implement LiquorStore schema on all store pages
• Add serving temperature tables to relevant pages
• Create wine storage guide with structured format
• Validate all schema with Rich Results Test

Month 2-3: Content Development

• Launch /learn education hub with cornerstone guides
• Develop first 20 cocktail recipes with Recipe schema
• Create BC wine regions overview guide
• Build party drink calculator (minimum viable version)

Month 4-6: Expansion & Optimization

• Complete cocktail recipe library (50+ recipes)
• Develop comparison content series
• Convert top TASTE Magazine articles to web format
• Implement Product schema on product pages
• Establish AI platform monitoring routine

AEO Success Metrics

Key Performance Indicators

Current AI Citations Baseline

BC Liquor Stores' current visibility across AI platforms (as of January 2026):

Resources & References

AEO Best Practices Sources

• Codelevate: AEO Comprehensive Guide 2026
• CXL: AEO Guide 2025
• HubSpot: AEO Best Practices
• Digital Elevator: AEO Strategic Framework

Schema Documentation

• Google: FAQPage Structured Data
• Google: LocalBusiness Structured Data
• Schema.org: LiquorStore Type
• Google Rich Results Test

Zero-Click Search Research

• Semrush: AI Overviews Study 2025
• ALM Corp: Zero-Click SEO Strategy 2026