Hi there—Trish here. If you’ve been wondering what all the buzz is about with “Answer Engine Optimization” or AEO, you’re not alone. I’m hearing this question more and more from clients who are watching the way people search evolve right before our eyes.
Let me break it down in plain terms: If SEO helps your website show up in Google, AEO helps your business become the answer in AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, Google’s SGE, and even voice assistants like Siri or Alexa.
And yes—you absolutely need both.
In a Hurry? TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) Here’s the Bottom Line:
– AEO helps your content appear in AI-generated answers, not just search listings.
– 27% of U.S. users already turn to ChatGPT instead of Google for certain types of searches.
– SEO still matters. But it’s not enough by itself anymore.
– The most effective brands are using both SEO and AEO together—and they’re doing it now.
Why Are Businesses Talking About AEO?
We’re in a major shift in how people look for information. Traditional search engines like Google still dominate—but AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) are changing expectations.
People no longer want to dig through pages of links. They want a direct answer.
And if your content is optimized for that? You show up as the answer.
Why Should You Start AEO Now?
Because the game has already changed.
The sooner your business adapts, the more likely you are to show up in AI-generated carousels, voice results, and zero-click search experiences.
AEO takes time—it’s not a switch you flip. It’s a strategy that builds visibility, credibility, and trust in emerging search engines and AI platforms.
So if you’re wondering when to start: it’s now. Or you’ll be playing catch-up later.
Do We Still Need SEO? 1000x YES.
Here’s the truth I tell every client: SEO is not going anywhere.
SEO is what allows search engines to find, understand, and rank your content. It’s your foundation.
But now, we need to go beyond that—because people aren’t always clicking anymore. They’re just asking AI for the answer. That’s where AEO picks up the slack.
Can SEO and AEO Work Together?
Absolutely—and honestly, they should.
Here’s how I think about it:
SEO helps you rank. AEO helps you answer. The smartest digital strategies combine both to maximize reach and trust.
What Happens If You Ignore AEO?
You miss out—on visibility, traffic, leads, and growth.
Your competitors who start now? They’ll be the ones showing up in voice search, ChatGPT responses, and Google’s SGE panels.
Even worse? You’ll still be spending money on SEO—while AI search tools pull answers from someone else.
Is Now the Time to Implement AEO?
Look, I get it—AEO is new, and change can be overwhelming. But this one’s important.
AEO isn’t a replacement for SEO—it’s the next layer.
And if you want your business to show up everywhere people are searching, you need both.
Let’s build you a plan that keeps your business ahead—not behind.
Want to Know How You Rank in AI Search?
Let me and the team at Moxie360 Marketing run a quick AEO/SEO audit for you. We’ll show you exactly where you stand—and how to show up as the answer.
