SEO and AEO

SEO helps you get found. AEO helps you capture attention before your competitors do.

Search engine optimization (SEO) helps you appear in the list of search results. SEO determines whether your business will be included in the search results themselves when a buyer is looking for a direct recommendation, a comparison, or the next step.

SEO
AEO

Increases visibility in search results.

Increases visibility in responses that influence purchasing decisions.

Drive traffic to the site.

Builds trust even before the click.

Improves search engine rankings.

Increases the chances of making the shortlist earlier.
Five Principles

You should apply for AEO status when you want to influence demand

AEO isn’t a content project that exists in isolation from your business. When done right, it improves how quickly a buyer recognizes your value, how credible you appear, and how easily the conversation moves forward.

Answer questions that matter

Start with questions that affect the pipeline.

Not all visibility is equally valuable. AEO should focus on questions that generate discussions, demos, and sales opportunities.

  • What Buyers Ask Before a Demo
  • What Do Buyers Compare Before Making a Decision?
  • Where does a competitor gain an advantage?

Make the value easy to understand

AEO rewards clarity and precision.

When services, unique selling points, and outcomes are described in detail, it’s easier for the buyer to understand why you, in particular, should be considered.

  • Clear Service Descriptions
  • Specific target groups
  • Concrete outcomes

Build visibility that makes an impact

One page isn't enough if the entire message is scattered.

When the same core message appears on the website, in case studies, and in expert content, AI can more easily connect you to the right question and the right outcome.

  • Reference Pages
  • Case Contents
  • Expert Opinions
Where to Start

Three Steps to Drive Your AEO Toward Results

Start where visibility has an impact on the bottom line. When you prioritize correctly, AEO supports both demand and sales efforts.

1

Select the questions with high scores

Start with questions related to demo requests, comparisons, or interest in purchasing. That way, your work directly supports the business objective.

2

Fix the pages where buyers form their impressions

Update the pages where AI and buyers look for their first answers. Make the value proposition, your unique selling point, and the next step crystal clear.

3

Track visibility and impact

In addition to visibility, check what happens afterward. Does the right kind of traffic increase, are there more sales discussions, and does the path from the first question to making contact become shorter?

HubSpot AEO Demo

See how AEO can impact demand and demo requests

In this video, you’ll see how HubSpot AEO helps you identify where you’re losing visibility, where competitors are outperforming you, and what steps to take first if your goal is to improve visibility, stronger trust, and more meaningful conversations.