AEO & AI Search Strategy: Position Your Business as the Top Answer on
ChatGPT, Gemini & more
Don’t just rank in the search results. Own the conversation.
As search moves from a list of links to a series of AI answers, your brand needs to be more than a website. It needs to be an authority.
At Qualified Leads, we integrate a sophisticated AEO & AI Search Strategy into your marketing system. This ensures that when your customers ask the world’s leading AI engines for a solution, your business is positioned as a primary, authoritative recommendation.
What's the difference between AEO & GEO?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI search, these terms are frequently used interchangeably, and for good reason.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) focuses on structuring your content so it acts as the perfect, direct answer to the questions AI assistants are asked.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the broader technical methodology that ensures AI models synthesize and trust that information in the first place. They are sister strategies.
While this page dives deep into answering the AI, our overarching campaigns always tackle both so your brand dominates the AI dialogue
IN Q4 2025
Our Clients
averaged
703 Leads
resulting in
$418,000
in revenue
Act Now!
The AI Search Opportunity
Most digital agencies are slow to move. While your competitors are still fighting for traditional organic rankings, you have the opportunity to take the lead in the market. AI search engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity are the new gatekeepers of lead generation.
By embracing an AEO & AI Search Strategy now, you secure the best possible territory for your brand. If you are not an answer the AI provides, you risk becoming invisible to the modern buyer. We provide the strategy to ensure you are not left behind.
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Our Answer First Methodology
We do not optimize for bots. We optimize for Revenue. Our strategy is built on the same sales to marketing feedback loop that defines every Qualified Leads service.
Intent to Pipeline Mapping:
We do not guess what customers ask. We use your CRM and pipeline data to identify the high intent questions that lead to closed deals.
Entity Authority Building:
We utilize advanced technical Schema and structured data to help LLMs recognize your brand as a trusted industry leader.
Direct Answer Optimization:
We create bespoke campaign landing pages where we restructure your content into Direct Answer modules. This technical layout increases the likelihood that AI crawlers will extract, credit, and recommend your business.
Multi Channel Synchronization:
AEO does not live in a silo. We sync your AI visibility with your Google Ads, SEO, and Social efforts for a resilient lead engine.
Get Conversational
How AI Recommends Your Brand
The way customers find solutions is changing. AI engines do not just provide links; they provide recommendations based on perceived authority and data.
Our AEO & AI Search Strategy is designed to position your business as the definitive answer for the questions your prospects are asking right now.
EXAMPLE STRATEGY
AEO & AI Search Are Just One Part
of a Data-Driven Ecosystem
An effective AEO & AI Search Strategy is most powerful when fueled by your entire marketing infrastructure. We unify your AI visibility with paid channels like Google Ads, Meta, and LinkedIn, supported by a foundation of robust SEO and bespoke landing pages. This ensures a seamless transition from an AI citation to a converted lead.
Our approach leverages the same lead magnets, analytics, and reporting that define all our partnerships. We track exactly how AI engines contribute to your pipeline, using those insights to turn the trend of AI search into a predictable and scalable driver of business success.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Everything You Need To Know About
AEO & AI Search
What is AEO?
AEO stands for Answer Engine Optimization. It is the process of optimizing web content to be the primary answer provided by AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
What is GEO?
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is a strategy used to increase the visibility of a brand within generative search engines. It involves a combination of technical schema, authoritative citations, and structured data that allows AI models to synthesize and recommend a specific business.
What is the difference between SEO and AEO?
The main difference is the end goal. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) aims to drive traffic to a website via a search results page. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) aims to have a brand’s information synthesized into an AI-generated response, often becoming the direct recommendation given to the user.
What are Google AI Overviews (AIO)?
Google AI Overviews (formerly SGE) are AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of Google search results. They provide a synthesized answer to a query by pulling data from multiple sources. Our strategy helps position your content as a primary source for these summaries.
How does AI search impact lead generation?
AI search changes lead generation by acting as a filter. Instead of a prospect browsing five websites, the AI recommends the one it trusts most. This means businesses must shift from “being found” to “being recommended” by the AI models their prospects use.
What is a Direct Answer Module?
A Direct Answer Module is a piece of content specifically structured to satisfy an AI crawler. It typically consists of a clear question followed by a concise, factual answer. This format increases the likelihood that an AI will extract and credit your brand in its response.
Why is Schema markup important for AEO?
Schema markup is a standardized code that helps AI engines understand the context of your data. By using Schema, you provide a clear “map” of your business, services, and expertise, making it easier for Large Language Models to verify your brand as a trusted authority.
What is LLM Optimization?
LLM Optimization refers to the practice of ensuring Large Language Models (like GPT-4 or Gemini) have accurate and positive data about a brand. This is achieved through wide-scale digital PR, authoritative citations, and consistent technical data across the web.
How do AI search engines verify information?
AI engines verify information by cross-referencing multiple “Sources of Truth.” They look for consistent data across your website, social profiles, and third-party citations. Our strategy ensures your brand data is synchronized to build this necessary trust.
What is the future of search marketing?
The future of search marketing is a multi-channel approach that combines traditional search, paid media, and AI optimization. As users move away from clicking links and toward asking questions, brands must adapt to provide answers across every digital touchpoint.
20 – 80
2-6
OUR APPROACH
We choose for our team members to handle less clients, allowing them to immerse themselves in that business.
Ads Only
Ads, Landing Pages, Creative, Analytics and more
OUR APPROACH
We take responsibility for every element of a campaign. After all, the best ads in the world won’t work if you send them to the wrong place.
Traditional Agency
Marketing Jargon
Business English
OUR APPROACH
Our reporting is tailored to each client to ensure we’re focused on the metrics, objectives and tangible results that matter to them.
Cookie Cutter &
Set & Forget
Bespoke &
Constantly Iterating
OUR APPROACH
Campaign environments change daily. To keep up, we’re constantly iterating, seizing every opportunity, for daily enhancements.
Outsourced &
Delegated
to Juniors
Dedicated
Senior Marketer
OUR APPROACH
The person you speak with is the person developing and implementing your strategy, rather than a junior you’ve never met.
5-40%
0%
OUR APPROACH
A percentage of ad spend results in a misalignment of incentives. If we advise you to scale, it’s because it’s right for you.
DIGITAL MARKETING PARTNERS
A Unique Approach to
AEO & AI Search Strategy
If you feel your brand is becoming less visible in a world of AI answers, it is likely because you are using a traditional agency, not a forward-thinking digital marketing partner.
Qualified Leads was intentionally designed to do things differently, with fundamentals that put its client’s objectives first. This model is how we ensure success from our AEO & AI Search Strategy, as well as the other channels that make up our multi-channel strategies.
Lead Generation Experts Across:
INDUSTRIES
Proven Lead Generation
Our team specialises in generating not just leads, but qualified leads, and have done so in the following industries:
- Construction
- Consumer Finance
- Consultancy
- Corporate Training
- Data Science
- Digital Transformation
- Education
- Engineering
- Entertainment
- Equipment Hire
- Events
- Factoring & Receivables
- Financial Services
- Fit Outs
- FMCG
- Franchise Sales
- Fundraising
- Hospitality
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- Legal Services
- Luxury Travel
- Managed Funds
- Managed Services
- Manufacturing
- Mechanics
- Medical Supplies
- Mortgages
- Not for Profits
- Outdoor Living
- Pharmaceuticals
- Professional Services
- Project Management
- Real Estate
- Retail
- Safety Equipment
- Software
- Solar
- Tourism
- Utilities
- Veterinary Supplies
- Waste Management
- Water Management
- Wholesale
We’ve successfully generated leads in:
IS QL RIGHT FOR MY BUSINESS?
Invest 15 minutes to
Explore Your Potential
If you’re serious about wanting to increase the quantity and quality of your leads, schedule a quick Zoom conversation.
Lead Generation Quiz
- Interactive PDF
- Printable Worksheet
- Grade your business’ lead generation
- See how you rank for your industry
- Receive quick-win recommendations
COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
Lead Generation
Self Assessment
Grade your business’ lead generation
See how you rank for your industry
Receive quick-win recommendations
COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCES
Downloadables
Lead Generation Plan
- Interactive PDF
- Printable Worksheet
- Reverse engineer your lead requirements
- Validate your sales capacity and scalability
- Identify and prioritise channels
Questions to Ask Your Digital Marketer
- Interactive PDF
- Printable Worksheet
- Cut through standardised reports and marketing jargon
- Align your marketing goals to your company goals
- Establish accountability and transparency
Lead Generation Review
- Interactive PDF
- Printable Worksheet
- Quantify your ROI
- Reverse engineer target acquisition cost
- Assess sales and marketing synergies
Buyer's Journey Marketing Worksheet
- Interactive PDF
- Printable Worksheet
- Understand the different stages
- Prioritise the right channels for each stage
- Ensure your messaging is right for each stage
Maximise Your Leads from Events & Expos
- Interactive PDF
- Printable Worksheet
- Plan a marketing strategy to complement your expo
- Map out and delegate tasks over an eight-week window
- Improve lead capture at the event for greater conversion
WHO SHOULD YOU WORK WITH?
Questions to Ask When Doing
Digital Marketing Due Diligence
Who will be implementing the work on my account?
Are they a senior digital marketer, or is it going to be delegated offshore?
Even worse, will it be delegated to a junior that knows nothing about your business?
Make sure that your campaigns are being managed by a senior digital marketer that has a detailed knowledge of your business, your customers, your unique selling points, your sales process and (most importantly) your goals.
Are they experienced in lead generation?
Most digital marketers come from e-commerce or brand awareness and treat lead generation as an afterthought.
Is the company you’re considering a “jack of all trades, master of none”?
In today’s competitive landscape, you will lose out if you try to compete with specialist lead generation marketers with a “part-timer.”
Will I meet my account manager before I commit?
Most digital marketing agencies will run a bait-and-switch from a smooth-talking salesperson to an underwhelming account manager.
If you don’t get to meet and assess your account manager before you sign, there’s probably a reason.
So be sure to insist that your eventual account manager is involved in the early conversations and strategic proposal, after all, they’re the ones responsible for delivering it.
How much attention will my account get?
Simply ask, “how many other accounts does my account manager handle?” and do the math.
Is that enough of a focus to understand your business and achieve the results you need?
Are landing pages included?
If not, your campaigns will always underperform.
Ads will be sent to pages not designed for conversion. To use an analogy, you’ll end up paying for “shoppers wanting toys” and end up dropping them in the middle of a huge mall, hopeful that they’ll find there way to the eventual “toy store” they need.
On top of the low conversion rates, you’ll also find yourself in a never ending blame game whereby the marketer will shift the blame to your website. That will likely result in unforeseen costs and time delays as your website developer will have to fix issues that would not be have been relevant if the marker took ownership themselves over the landing page.
Is creative included?
Same as above.
Creative should be constantly iterated and aligned with the ads, landing pages and messaging.
If the company doesn’t take ownership of creative, progress will be slow and coordination will be painful.
Who handles tracking and integrations to the CRM?
This can get expensive and cause major delays if it has to go through a third party.
A good digital marketer will own this as tracking and integrations are essential for campaign success. They know that to get the right type of leads, they need visibility over how leads progress through the CRM.
What are the goals of the lead generation strategy?
The answer is not “leads”.
The answer is (and should always be) “qualified leads that result in sales”.
For bonus points, a good digital marketer will take the time to understand your product financials and ensure that the strategy can achieve a good return on investment.
This is something Qualified Leads prides itself on, with every proposed strategy including a dynamic ROI model. This allows both parties to make an informed decision as to whether to proceed.
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
Next Steps
Schedule a call
If you’re serious about investing in quality lead generation, then the next step is to schedule a quick call with Qualified Leads.
It’s an obligation free chat via Zoom. We’ll look to understand more about your company and goals.
On that call we’ll be able to tell you whether or not we’re a potential good fit, and we’ll talk you through what the next steps would look like, as we work towards presenting a strategy for your consideration.
Compare different digital marketing companies and/or your current provider?
We’re proudly transparent about the key questions above because asking them upfront will help prevent good businesses from losing time and money on an ineffective marketing relationship.
So we fully encourage any business to talk with multiple providers as it will very quickly give context.
We know that those same questions showcase how the Qualified Leads model outperforms other digital marketing companies, because we designed our company to address those industry shortfalls.
We also have a fantastic complimentary resource on this topic. We encourage you to download it: Questions to Ask Your Digital Marketer.
Explore our Blogs
You can also learn more from our numerous lead generation blogs that cover a range of topics.
They do so in genuine business English, not marketing jargon.
We cover topics related to all the key lead generation channels (Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Meta Ads etc) as well as best practices and things to consider relating to creative, tracking, integrations, CRMs, sales, strategy and reporting.
Assess Your current strategy
If you’re currently running lead generation campaigns, or have in the past, a great place to start is by assessing that strategy.
We’ve broken down the 9 Steps to Successful Lead Generation to give clarity to what is often considered a dark art.
We’ve also built a Self Assessment tool that allows businesses to grade themselves based on those 9 Steps and see how they rank compared to other businesses in their industry and country.
Download our complimentary resources
We’ve built a range of complimentary resources that you can download and apply immediately to your business.
These include downloadable worksheets such as:
- Lead Generation Plan
- Lead Generation Review
- Questions to Ask Your Digital Marketing Partner
- Buyers’ Journey Marketing Worksheet
- Events & Expos Marketing Plan
Stay up to date with the latest trends & opportunities
We’re constantly monitoring the latest trends from digital marketing and lead generation experts around the globe.
We curate the hottest insights and share them with our community via our social media channels:
Follow us on these channels to receive curated content from the world’s lead generation and digital marketing thought leaders, such as: Stacked Marketer, Neil Patel, Search Engine Land, Wordstream, Jon Loomer, Adspresso, Demand Curve, PPC Hero, Search Engine Journal and more.
