Keyword stuffing is an outdated SEO tactic that is ineffective for AEO. The original GEO academic paper (arXiv '23) proved that answer engines prioritize verifiable evidence, and that keyword stuffing actually performs worse than making no edits at all.
Core Stats
"Making content quotable and evidence-rich nets visibility; keyword stuffing performs worse."
- Authors of GEO paper
Why Keyword Stuffing Fails in AEO
In traditional SEO, keyword density was once a key signal. In the new era of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), that same tactic is not only ineffective—it's counterproductive. The foundational GEO academic paper provides the data to prove it.
Answer Engines Prioritize Evidence, Not Keywords
Unlike search engines that rank documents based on relevance signals, answer engines synthesize information to provide a direct answer. Their goal is to find the most accurate, trustworthy information. Keyword repetition is a poor signal for trustworthiness and is ignored in favor of verifiable evidence.
What to Focus on Instead: Evidence Density
Instead of keyword density, AEO focuses on evidence density. This means enriching your content with verifiable proof points that an AI can easily extract and cite.
- Citations: Link to authoritative sources like academic studies, industry reports, and official documentation.
- Statistics: Use hard numbers to support your claims.
- Quotes: Include verbatim quotes from recognized experts.
Experimental Proof: The Negative Impact of Keyword Stuffing
The GEO paper tested keyword stuffing against non-adversarial edits. The results were unambiguous:
| Tactic | Impact on Visibility |
|---|---|
| Evidence Enrichment (e.g., adding quotes/stats) | High Positive Lift (up to ≈40%) |
| Keyword Stuffing | Negative Lift |
The study concluded that keyword stuffing can make your content perform worse than making no edits at all, as it signals low quality to the answer engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do instead of keyword stuffing?
Focus on evidence density. The GEO paper proved that adding citations, statistics, and quotes are effective, non-adversarial tactics that significantly boost visibility.
Do keywords still matter at all?
Yes, for establishing topic relevance. Your primary keyword should appear naturally in your H1 and lead paragraph, but the focus must be on answering the user's query with evidence, not repeating terms.
Can keyword stuffing hurt my AEO performance?
Yes. The GEO paper measured its impact as a 'Negative Lift,' meaning it can make your content less likely to be cited than if you had done nothing at all.