Query Fan-Out
Query fan-out is the technique where an AI search system breaks a single user question into several related sub-queries, retrieves sources for each, and synthesizes one answer. It means one prompt can pull from many pages.
Why It Matters
Coverage of the sub-questions around a topic increases the chance of being retrieved for at least one of them. Broad, well-organized topical content wins more of these fan-out retrievals than a single narrow page.
Common Mistake
Targeting only the exact head question. If your content ignores the adjacent sub-questions the system generates, it never enters the candidate set for those retrievals.