When we launched Content Optimization, we addressed a critical problem: helping brands update their existing published content to better perform in AI search. Today, we're bringing that same power to every stage of content creation.

Content Optimization now accepts direct text input and file uploads alongside URL analysis, so you can optimize for Answer Engines for all of your content, published or not.

Why pre-publication optimization changes everything

The traditional content workflow has always been linear: create, publish, then optimize based on performance data. But in the age of Answer Engines, waiting until after publication means missing critical opportunities.

Answer Engines evaluate content differently from search engines. They prioritize structure, clarity, and citability from the moment they first encounter your content. If your content doesn't match these patterns on day one, you're already behind competitors who got it right from the start.

That's why we expanded Content Optimization to work with content in any format, at any stage.

How the expanded Content Optimization works

With our latest update, you now have three ways to optimize:

URL Analysis: Paste a link to any published content for comprehensive AEO analysis

Direct Text Input: Copy and paste draft content directly into Profound for instant optimization recommendations

File Upload: Upload documents in common formats to analyze content before it hits your CMS

Each method delivers the same powerful analysis:

  • Gap analysis against top-cited content in your category
  • Specific structural improvements for Answer Engine visibility
  • Competitive benchmarking against pages currently winning AI citations
  • Actionable recommendations you can implement immediately

Optimize at every stage of content creation

This expansion transforms Content Optimization from a post-publication tool into an integral part of your content creation process:

During ideation: Leverage Profound's content creation workflow to create a first draft of content based on what's currently performing well.

In draft stage: Paste your work-in-progress content to get optimization suggestions while you're still shaping the narrative.

Before publication: Run a final optimization check on your completed content to ensure it's Answer Engine-ready from day one.

After publication: Continue using URL analysis to monitor and improve live content based on actual performance.

The complete AEO toolkit grows stronger

This expansion strengthens the connection between our core features:

Use Prompt Volumes to identify what your audience is asking AI about your category.

Generate new content with Workflows using our proven templates.

Now, optimize that content with Content Optimization before it ever goes live.

Track your success in Answer Engine Insights across all major answer engines.

Together, these features create an end-to-end workflow that ensures every piece of content, whether brand new or years old, is positioned to earn AI citations.

Start optimizing smarter, earlier

Content Optimization with text and file upload support is live in your Profound dashboard right now. Visit the Actions page, choose your input method, and start getting optimization recommendations in minutes.

Try it with your next blog post draft. Upload it before you publish, implement our recommendations, and watch how much faster you start earning AI citations compared to the optimize-after-publication approach.

If you're not already using Profound to win in Answer Engines, contact our sales team for a demo.