AI Search Optimization (AEO / GEO) — Get Your Brand Cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity & Google AI
AI Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is how brands get recommended inside ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews — not just ranked on Google. We build the entity signals, schema, and citation surface that make AI models pick you.
Outcomes you can expect
- Show up in ChatGPT and Perplexity answers for your category and city
- Earn citations in Google AI Overviews alongside (or instead of) blue-link results
- Entity-rich content that AI models trust — schema, FAQ, llms.txt, knowledge graph signals
- Third-party citation strategy: directories, listicles, Reddit, HARO, podcasts
- Quarterly AI visibility tracking so you can prove progress to leadership
Why traditional SEO isn't enough anymore
ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews are now answering 30%+ of commercial queries before users ever click a link. They don't just read Google rankings — they weight entity clarity, schema, FAQ structure, llms.txt, and how often your brand is mentioned across independent third-party sources. Ranking #1 on Google no longer guarantees an AI recommendation.
Our AEO / GEO framework
We run a 4-pillar program on every client: (1) on-site entity and schema infrastructure — Organization, LocalBusiness, Service, FAQPage, Article, llms.txt; (2) prompt-shaped content — pages that directly answer the questions buyers type into AI chat; (3) third-party citation building — Clutch, GoodFirms, niche directories, Reddit, Quora, podcasts, HARO; (4) measurement via AI visibility tracking tools and prompt monitoring.
How fast can you appear in AI answers?
We typically see first ChatGPT and Perplexity citations within 4–8 weeks of shipping the on-site AEO infrastructure. Google AI Overviews follow on 6–12 week cycles. Brand-level recommendation (showing up unprompted as a top option) usually takes 3–6 months of sustained citation building.
Who this is for
Bay Area SMBs that want to defend and grow market share as AI answers replace traditional search clicks; agencies that need an AEO partner to white label; SaaS and professional services brands whose buyers are already using ChatGPT to shortlist vendors.
Frequently asked
What is AEO and how is it different from SEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) targets Google's blue-link results. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization, also called GEO — Generative Engine Optimization) targets the answers generated by ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. The signals overlap but are not identical — AEO weights entity clarity, schema, third-party mentions, and content that directly answers questions, while SEO weights links and Google-specific signals.
How do I know if my brand is showing up in ChatGPT?
Run 20–50 prompts a buyer would type ('best marketing agency in [city]', 'white label SEO providers', '[your service] vs [competitor]') across ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. Track whether your brand is mentioned, ranked, or linked. We provide this audit as part of every engagement.
What's llms.txt and do I need it?
llms.txt is an emerging standard (proposed at llmstxt.org) — a markdown file at your site root that gives AI crawlers a curated map of your most important pages. ChatGPT, Perplexity, and others increasingly read it. We publish one for every client and keep it in sync with the sitemap.
What does AI search optimization cost?
Standalone AEO engagements run $2,500–$8,000/month depending on company size and citation goals. Bundled into a fractional CMO or full-funnel program, it's typically included at no additional cost.
Will AEO replace Google SEO?
Not in the next 3 years. Google still drives the majority of intent-driven traffic. But AI answer engines are taking 15–30% of upper-funnel research queries today and growing fast. Brands that ignore AEO are ceding the discovery layer of search.
Ready to build the systems behind growth?
Book a complimentary 15-minute strategy call. We'll discuss your goals, current marketing, and where technology can unlock the next stage of growth.