AI search engines are reshaping how people discover brands.
Whether it’s ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok, or Google’s new AI Overviews, buyers no longer type keywords the same way. They ask full questions. And AI gives them direct answers, often mentioning just a few trusted brands.
If your company isn’t cited in these answers, you’re invisible.
From Google Ranking to AI Ranking
For the last 20 years, the battle was SEO: how to rank on Google.
Today, the real game is AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): how to make sure AI assistants recognize your brand as the right answer.
The difference is simple:
SEO = rank high in search results.
AEO = become part of the AI’s “shortlist” of trusted names.
The Business Impact You Can’t Ignore
AI is selective. Instead of showing 10 blue links, it gives 1 to 3 brand names.
That means:
Winner-takes-all → one mention can generate the majority of leads.
Trust factor → being cited by AI signals authority to customers.
Early mover advantage → most competitors aren’t even thinking about this yet.
If you want your company to be seen tomorrow, you need to act today.
How to Get Your Brand Seen on AI Search Engines
Here’s the roadmap successful brands are following:
1. Map Your Digital Footprint
Audit how your brand appears across the web, Wikipedia, Wikidata, and business listings.
→ See how we did this for Orient Express, #1 in “Best Luxury Train Journeys”
2. Build Entity Authority
Strengthen your brand’s credibility with consistent profiles, trusted backlinks, and mentions in authoritative sources.
→ Case study: Cedars Sinai Connect +62% AI citations in 90 days
3. Optimize for Questions, Not Just Keywords
Shape your content so that AI engines can answer:
Who are the best companies in [your industry]?
Which brand is most trusted for [your service]?
→ Example: How Regent Santa Monica became “the” AI answer
Why this matters now
83% of users already ask ChatGPT or Perplexity instead of Google. Once AI engines pick their preferred brands, it’s hard to displace them. Being first in AI answers creates a competitive advantage.
Why The Hills Agency
We are the first agency fully dedicated to AI and answer optimization.
Our methodology includes:
- AI footprint audits across ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Copilot.
- Custom playbooks combining entity optimization, content creation, backlinks, and schemas.
- AI monitoring dashboards tracking your share of answers.
- Proven track record: luxury, healthcare, SaaS, and hospitality brands ranking at the top of AI responses.
The future of search is AI-driven answers, not blue links. Brands that act now will define how they are seen, cited, and recommended by AI engines. At The Hills Agency, we’re not adapting to the future, we’re building it. We put your brand at the top of AI answers.
F.A.Q
What is AI Search Engine Optimization (AEO)?
AEO optimizes your brand’s visibility in AI-driven search results, like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Bing AI, focusing on how AI interprets and presents information about your company.
What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
GEO ensures your brand is prioritized by generative AI engines. It’s about structuring content, data, and digital presence so AI tools recommend your brand first in relevant queries.
Why should CEOs and marketers care about AI search presence?
AI search is quickly becoming the first point of discovery. If your brand isn’t visible in AI responses, you risk losing credibility and potential leads to competitors.
How quickly can I see results from AEO + GEO strategies?
Brands typically see noticeable improvements in AI visibility within 8–12 weeks, depending on current brand presence and competition in the generative AI space.
Do I need technical knowledge to implement AEO/GEO?
No. Agencies like Hills Agency handle technical audits, AI-friendly content, and strategy execution so you can focus on your business.
Can I track the performance of my AI search presence?
Yes. You’ll get dashboards and reporting showing AI-driven visibility, rankings, and engagement over time.
How does AEO/GEO fit with traditional SEO?
AEO/GEO complements SEO. It positions your brand for AI queries while reinforcing standard search engine rankings.