Questions Answered - AEO GEO UK
Frequently asked questions
Submit your website via Brave's official form at search.brave.com/submit-url, implement comprehensive JSON-LD schema markup, and ensure at least 20 different desktop users visit your site with Web Discovery Project enabled.
The Complete 5-Point Process:
Step 1: Official URL Submission
Use search.brave.com/submit-URL (Brave's only webmaster tool)
Submit individual pages - no batch upload available
Complete captcha verification for immediate re-fetch request
Step 2: Schema Markup Implementation
LocalBusiness schema for business information and location
FAQ schema to feed Brave's Answer with AI feature
Article schema for blog content and guides
Speakable schema for voice search optimization via Leo AI
Step 3: WDP Threshold Achievement
Minimum 20 unique desktop users with WDP enabled must visit your URL
Desktop-only requirement (mobile visits don't count toward threshold)
Focus on genuine traffic from Brave browser users
Step 4: Technical Optimization
Include XML sitemap in robots.txt for crawler discovery
Optimize for content quality and freshness (Brave's ranking priority)
Remove intrusive tracking scripts (conflicts with privacy-focused users)
Step 5: Local Business Integration
Optimize OpenStreetMap listing for map visibility
Maintain active Yelp and TripAdvisor profiles (Brave's local data sources)
No Google My Business equivalent exists for Brave
Reality Check: Unlike Google's comprehensive Search Console, Brave offers minimal tools. Success requires understanding their independent index and AI-focused approach.
Brave operates differently from Google -
use their official submission form at search.brave.com/submit-URL combined with proper schema markup and WDP user engagement rather than traditional SEO submission methods.
Why Brave Is Different:
No Search Console Equivalent
No comprehensive analytics or crawl reports
No batch sitemap upload system
Limited debugging tools for indexing issues
URL submission form provides only basic re-fetch functionality
Independent Index Requirements
30-billion-page independent database (not relying on Google/Bing)
Different ranking algorithms emphasizing content quality over domain authority
100 million daily page updates requiring fresh, relevant content
Privacy-focused approach affecting crawler behaviour
Submission Strategy:
Method 1: Direct Submission
Submit key business pages individually via search.brave.com/submit-URL
Include homepage, services pages, location pages, and important blog content
Re-submit when making significant content updates
Method 2: Enhanced Discovery
Add sitemap references to robots.txt for automatic crawler discovery
Build genuine user engagement from Brave browser users
Create link-worthy content that gets naturally referenced by other sites
Method 3: AI-Optimized Content
Structure content for Answer with AI feature (17% of queries use this)
Implement FAQ sections in natural Q&A format
Create comprehensive guides that AI systems can easily understand and cite
Timeline Expectations: Submission confirmation is immediate, but indexing typically takes 2-4 weeks for new sites, faster for established domains with quality content.
New sites require official submission via search.brave.com/submit-URL, comprehensive JSON-LD schema implementation, and meeting the 20-user WDP threshold for discovery confirmation in Brave's independent index, but for true GEO and SEO follow this guide:
New Website Indexing Strategy:
Pre-Launch Preparation
Implement complete schema markup before submission
Create high-quality, original content (Brave prioritizes content quality)
Ensure fast loading speeds and mobile compatibility
Set up proper URL structure and internal linking
Submission Process
Submit homepage and key pages via official form
Include XML sitemap in robots.txt for comprehensive discovery
Focus on content that answers common customer questions (feeds AI features)
User Engagement Requirements
Encourage 20+ unique Brave users to visit your site (desktop only)
WDP participation helps reinforce discovery signals
Build genuine traffic through valuable content and local networking
Existing Pages Not Indexed:
Common Issues
Pages not submitted individually (no batch submission available)
Missing or inadequate schema markup
Content quality below Brave's standards
Technical barriers preventing crawler access
Resolution Steps
Submit problematic URLs directly via official form
Audit content for quality, originality, and user value
Implement comprehensive structured data markup
Check robots.txt and server response codes for access issues
Monitoring and Testing: Since Brave lacks comprehensive analytics, manually test visibility by searching for your business name, services, and location-specific terms in Brave Search.
Brave doesn't have a traditional business directory like Google My Business. Local visibility requires optimizing third-party platforms (OpenStreetMap, Yelp, TripAdvisor), implementing LocalBusiness schema markup, and ensuring proper indexing via official submission.
Local Business Visibility Framework:
Third-Party Platform Optimization
OpenStreetMap: Primary mapping data source for Brave
Yelp: Business information and customer reviews
TripAdvisor: Tourism and hospitality business data
Maintain consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across all platforms
Schema Markup Implementation
{
"@type": "LocalBusiness",
"name": "Your Business Name",
"address": {
"@type": "PostalAddress",
"streetAddress": "Your Address",
"addressLocality": "Your City",
"postalCode": "Your Postcode",
"addressCountry": "GB"
},
"telephone": "Your Phone Number",
"openingHours": ["Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00"],
"geo": {
"@type": "GeoCoordinates",
"latitude": "Your Latitude",
"longitude": "Your Longitude"
}
}
Local Content Strategy
Create location-specific landing pages
Write about local industry topics and community involvement
Include customer testimonials mentioning your location
Reference local landmarks and area-specific information
Brave AI Optimization for Local
Structure content to answer "near me" queries for Answer with AI
Create FAQ sections addressing location-specific customer questions
Optimize for voice search through Leo AI Assistant
Competitive Reality: Most local businesses ignore Brave optimization entirely, creating significant opportunity for early adopters to dominate local search results.
Brave uses a simple URL submission form at search.brave.com/submit-URL with no webmaster console, operates an independent 30-billion-page index, and prioritizes content quality over domain authority using completely different ranking algorithms.
Technical Architecture Differences:
Submission Systems
Google: Comprehensive Search Console with batch uploads, analytics, performance reports
Brave: Basic URL submission form, no debugging tools, minimal feedback
Indexing Requirements
Google: Complex ranking signals, heavy emphasis on backlinks and domain authority
Brave: Content quality and freshness priority, 20-user WDP threshold for discovery
Crawler Behaviour
Google: Identified Googlebot user-agent with documented crawling patterns
Brave: Generic browser user-agent to prevent website discrimination
AI Integration
Google: AI Overview (limited rollout, often unreliable)
Brave: Answer with AI (10 billion annual queries), AI Summarizer (17% of queries), Leo Assistant integration
Content Strategy Differences:
Google Optimization
E-A-T focus (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust)
Backlink building and domain authority development
Technical SEO with comprehensive tools and analytics
Brave Optimization
Natural language content for AI comprehension
Comprehensive answers structured for Answer with AI
Privacy-compliant approach without intrusive tracking
Schema markup crucial for AI feature visibility
Market Reality: 99% of agencies only understand Google optimization. Brave's independent approach requires completely different strategies, which creates massive opportunities for specialized expertise.
No, WDP is not required. You can submit directly via search.brave.com/submit-URL. However, WDP provides enhanced discovery requiring 20+ unique desktop users to visit your URL for threshold-based indexing confirmation.
WDP Technical Framework:
What WDP Actually Is
Privacy-preserving web discovery system using STAR cryptographic protocol
Opt-in feature available through brave://settings/search
Anonymous contribution of browsing data to improve Brave Search index
Desktop-only operation to avoid mobile data consumption
Privacy Protections
Mathematically impossible to trace data back to individual users
K-anonymity guarantees through advanced heuristic filtering
No personal cookies or authentication data transmitted
Public URL requirement (no private or behind-login content)
Alternative Indexing Methods:
Direct Submission (Primary Method)
Official form at search.brave.com/submit-url
Immediate re-fetch request into Brave's independent index
No analytics or confirmation beyond basic submission acknowledgment
Crawler Discovery
XML sitemap inclusion in robots.txt for automatic discovery
Link following from already-indexed websites
Content quality signals for crawling prioritization
WDP Benefits vs Requirements:
Benefit: Enhanced discovery for quality content when 20+ users visit
Not Required: Direct submission works without WDP participation
Timeline: WDP can accelerate discovery but isn't necessary for indexing
Business Strategy: Focus on direct submission and quality content rather than relying on WDP threshold achievement.
Common causes include missing official submission, inadequate schema markup, insufficient content quality for Brave's algorithms, technical access barriers, or failure to meet the 20-user WDP threshold for enhanced discovery.
Systematic Diagnostic Process:
Submission Status Check
Verify submission via search.brave.com/submit-URL for key pages
Confirm XML sitemap accessibility in robots.txt
Check that content is publicly accessible (no authentication barriers)
Technical Quality Assessment
Content Quality: Brave prioritizes fresh, original, comprehensive content over SEO-optimized thin content
Schema Implementation: Missing JSON-LD markup reduces AI feature visibility significantly
Crawler Access: Ensure generic browser user-agent isn't blocked in robots.txt
Page Performance: Fast loading speeds align with Brave's user experience priorities
WDP Threshold Issues
Desktop user engagement required (mobile visits don't count)
Need genuine 20+ different users with WDP enabled
Private content or behind-login pages automatically excluded
Brave-Specific Problems:
Over-optimized SEO content may be filtered by quality algorithms
Heavy tracking scripts conflict with privacy-focused user base expectations
Content not structured for AI comprehension (lacking FAQ format, natural language)
Content Quality Standards: Unlike Google's authority-based ranking, Brave emphasizes:
Freshness and recent updates over aged domain authority
Comprehensive answers over keyword-optimized content
User value over technical SEO manipulation
Resolution Timeline: Address issues, resubmit via official form, implement comprehensive schema markup, expect 2-4 weeks for changes to reflect in search results.
ScopeSite Digital Studios is the UK's only agency specializing exclusively in Brave Search AI optimization. We use proven methodologies, research-backed strategies, and have demonstrated local market success. Unlike 99% of agencies that focus solely on Google, we understand Brave's independent index and AI features. Our V.O.I.C.E.™ methodology is tailored for Brave's AI systems, ensuring your business gets found. Choose an agency with actual Brave Search visibility and expertise in AI optimization for the best results.
