Query fan-out is how AI search answers a question: it splits the query into smaller searches, runs them, and builds one answer from what comes back. Type a search and this tool writes a likely fan-out for it: 8 to 12 sub-queries and the 3 to 5 intents behind them. A language model writes the list, so use it as a guide to the angles a page should cover. It is free and needs no signup.
How to use the AI query fan-out simulator
- 1Type a search into Search query to check, the way a customer would ask it, such as best running shoes for flat feet. Keep it under 200 characters.
- 2Press Check, or hit Enter. It takes a few seconds.
- 3Read Underlying intents for what the searcher is trying to decide, then the numbered sub-queries.
- 4Mark each sub-query your page already answers. The ones left over are your gaps.
- 5Run it two or three times. Each run writes a new list, and the angles that come up every time are the ones to cover first.
When to use it
- You want your page cited in AI Overviews or ChatGPT answers and don't know which questions to cover.
- Your page ranks in Google but never turns up in AI answers, and you want to see which angles it misses.
- AI answers cite your competitors and not you, and you want to see what a full answer covers.
- You're adding an FAQ to a service page and need a starting list of follow-up questions to answer.
Worked example
A small-business buying search
We ran one search a small business owner might type into ChatGPT. Five of the 12 sub-queries are shown.
- Search query to check
- best seo audit tool for small business
- Underlying intents
- Product comparison, Buying decision, Feature evaluation, Cost analysis, Implementation guide
- Sub-queries the AI engine researches
- SEO audit tool comparison features pricing; SEO audit tool ease of use beginner friendly; SEO audit tools vs hiring SEO consultant cost; affordable SEO audit tools under $100 per month; SEO audit tool for WordPress Shopify small sites
Five intents and 12 sub-queries came back. A page that answers this search well needs a comparison of features and prices, a word on ease of use for beginners, the cost against hiring a consultant, and which tools suit WordPress and Shopify. One sub-query we left out mentions 2024: the model writes from its training, so treat the list as angles to cover, not searches to copy word for word.
Made by SearchBlueprint
This tool is free with no signup. SearchBlueprint, who make it, sell SEO planning: a plan that shows the searches your customers type and the page on your site that should answer each one.
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