Struggling to rank on AI search engines? It could be because your website isn’t showing up for query fan-out searches. In our new blog, we took a look at query fan-out searches, and how they differ from a traditional search. Read more below!
What Is a Query Fan-Out Search?
A query fan-out search takes a user query, collects (or “fans out”) information from various related queries, before combining the responses to generate an answer. Unlike a traditional search, which looks to direct the user to a website for their answer, a query fan-out looks to give a response on the results page. The term became popularized after Google released its AI Mode feature, which utilizes “query fan-outs” for searches, in 2025.
How Do AI-Powered Systems Use Query Fan-Outs?
Nearly all of the top AI-powered systems use query fan-outs, though their execution may vary. For Google, the company’s AI feature aggregates a variety of related searches prior to delivering a response. With ChatGPT, the search engine looks for related searches from other search providers (including Google), and with Grok, instead of looking through related searches, it’ll restate the query and only generate “focused searches.”
Why Does a Query Fan-Out Matter For Your Website?
By understanding how AI-powered systems work, you’ll be able to create GEO-friendly content that actually ranks.
What Kind of Content Ranks Well for Query Fan-Out Searches?
- Content that covers a variety of information related to the topic, which is similar to how query fan-out searches work.
- Content that’s written in chunks, with each new “chunk” covering a new topic.
- Uses credible sources and written in an authoritative voice.
(To learn more about how to structure your content for AI-powered systems, click here.)
How to Get Your Website’s Content Ready for Query Fan-Out Searches?
- Select a topic, and related sub-queries. Sub-queries can include restating the query in a different way, exploring related questions to the query, or expanding to a related query.
- Structure your content in “chunks.”
- Focus less on keywords and more on intent.
- Use EEAT standards.
Need More Help Trying to Get Your Content to Rank in AI-Powered Systems? Contact Boston Web Marketing Today!
Boston Web Marketing can help your website start ranking on AI search engines today. As a top-rated digital marketing company, our team is trained on the ins-and-outs of SEO and GEO. To learn more about our services, or to receive a free website consultation, contact us on our website or call us at 857.349.5062. We’ll be in touch soon.