AI Search Optimization Agency: How to Choose the Right Partner
When choosing a GEO agency, evaluate: (1) AI engine expertise and coverage, (2) case studies with measurable results, (3) tools and methodology transparency, (4) pricing clarity, and (5) integration with your existing marketing stack. The GEO agency market is young and variable in quality. According to Gartner, 40% of businesses report dissatisfaction with their first GEO agency choice, often due to misaligned expectations or capability gaps.
Key Takeaways
- • Verify AI engine coverage (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, etc.)
- • Request case studies with specific metrics
- • Understand their tools and methodology
- • Ensure pricing transparency before committing
- • Watch for red flags: guarantees, vague metrics, no case studies
Evaluation Criteria #
- 1AI engine expertise: Which engines do they specialize in?
- 2Case studies: Proven results with similar businesses
- 3Methodology: Clear process and tools
- 4Pricing: Transparent, predictable costs
- 5Integration: Works with your existing stack
Red Flags #
- Guarantees: No agency can guarantee specific AI citations
- Vague metrics: “Improved visibility” without specifics
- No case studies: Lack of proven results
- Single-engine focus: Only optimizing for one AI
- No tools transparency: Won't share what platforms they use
Questions to Ask #
- Which AI engines do you optimize for?
- What tools do you use for tracking and analysis?
- Can you share case studies from similar clients?
- What metrics will you report on?
- What's your typical timeline for results?
- How do you integrate with our existing SEO efforts?
DIY Alternative #
Consider DIY GEO before hiring an agency:
- GEO-Lens: Free content analysis
- SeenOS.ai: Free visibility tracking (beta)
- Learning resources: Extensive guides available
Conclusion #
Choosing the right GEO agency requires careful evaluation of expertise, case studies, methodology, and pricing. Watch for red flags like guarantees or vague metrics. Consider DIY with free tools before committing to agency spend.
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Product Manager at Seenos.ai. Pioneer in AEO research since 2024, exploring the convergence of SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Led multiple AI-powered content optimization projects that achieved 300%+ citation increases in ChatGPT and Perplexity.