How to Choose an AEO Agency: 12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring in 2026

You're ready to invest in AEO. You know AI citations drive high-intent traffic and your competitors are already getting recommended by ChatGPT.

But when you search "AEO agency," you find:

• Full-service marketing agencies that added "AEO" to their services last month
• Offshore SEO agencies rebranding as "AI optimization experts"
• Freelancers claiming they can get you cited in 2 weeks
• Agencies charging $15,000/month with vague deliverables

How do you choose the right partner?

The wrong AEO agency wastes 6-12 months and $20,000-$60,000 with zero results. The right agency gets you cited within 8-12 weeks and delivers 3-5x ROI.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• When to hire an AEO agency vs doing it yourself
• The 12 critical questions to ask before signing a contract
• Red flags that signal an incompetent or dishonest agency
• What to expect in pricing, timelines, and deliverables
• How to evaluate agency case studies and proof of results
• Service models: retainer vs project-based vs hourly
• How to ensure your AEO agency integrates with existing SEO

Let's find you the right AEO partner.

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Do You Need to Hire an AEO Agency? (Self-Assessment)

Before evaluating agencies, determine if you actually need one.

You Should Hire an AEO Agency If:

✅ You've tried DIY for 3+ months with zero results

• You've implemented schema markup and published content
• But you're getting zero AI citations after 12+ weeks
• You don't know what's wrong or how to fix it

✅ You lack technical expertise

• Schema markup implementation confuses you
• You don't know JSON-LD from HTML
• You're unsure how to validate schema

✅ Your team is at capacity

• No one has 10-15 hours/week for AEO
• Content creation is already a bottleneck
• Authority building isn't happening

✅ You're in a competitive industry

• Competitors are already getting AI citations
• You're losing market share to AI-referred traffic
• You need to catch up fast

✅ You need faster results

• DIY timeline is 12-20 weeks for first citations
• Agency timeline is 6-10 weeks (experience accelerates)
• Time-to-market matters for your business

✅ Your revenue justifies the investment

• $500K+ annual revenue: ROI typically 3-5x
• $1M+ annual revenue: Professional AEO is a no-brainer
• $5M+ annual revenue: You should have hired an agency already

You Can DIY If:

🏠 You have time and resources

• 10-15 hours/week available for AEO
• Content team can produce 2-4 posts monthly
• Someone technical can handle schema markup

🏠 You're willing to learn

• Comfortable reading documentation and guides
• Can troubleshoot when things don't work
• Patient with 12-20 week timelines

🏠 You're in a less competitive niche

• Few competitors getting AI citations
• Long-tail, specific queries (easier to rank)
• Smaller market with less pressure

🏠 Budget is tight

• Revenue under $300K annually
• Can't justify $2,500-$5,000/month investment yet
• Willing to trade time for money

Reality check: Most businesses that try DIY eventually hire an agency after 3-6 months. If you're on the fence, start DIY but set a 12-week deadline—if you have zero citations by then, hire professionals.

Our troubleshooting guide helps diagnose DIY issues.

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The 12 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Use these questions to evaluate any AEO agency:

Question 1: "Show me 3 clients you've gotten AI citations for."

Why this matters: Anyone can claim AEO expertise. Proof separates real agencies from charlatans.

What to look for:

• Specific client names (with permission) or anonymized case studies
• Before/after citation data (0% → X% citation rate)
• Screenshots of AI citations showing the client
• Timeframe: How long did it take?
• Starting point: Did client have existing authority or start from zero?

Red flags:

• "We're too new to have case studies" (don't be their guinea pig)
• "Our clients are under NDA" (convenient excuse)
• Only SEO case studies, no AI citation proof
• Vague claims without data ("increased visibility")

What Spider AI provides:

• Client case studies with measurable citation rates
• Screenshots from ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude showing citations
• Timeline transparency (weeks to first citation, months to consistent)
• Industry-specific examples (SaaS, e-commerce, B2B services)

Question 2: "What schema types will you implement and why?"

Why this matters: Schema markup is foundational to AEO. Agencies should know exactly which types matter and why.

What to look for:

• Clear explanation of which schema types they'll implement
• Justification for each (why Article, why FAQ, why Organization)
• Understanding of your business type (e-commerce needs Product schema, services need different types)
• Validation process (how they test schema)

Red flags:

• "We'll add schema" (which types? No idea)
• Only implementing basic schema (just Article, missing FAQ)
• No mention of validation or testing
• Copy-paste approach without customization

What Spider AI provides:

• Comprehensive schema audit (what you have, what you're missing)
• Custom schema strategy based on business type
• Implementation of 5-8 schema types: Organization, Article, FAQ, Author, Review, Product (if e-commerce), LocalBusiness (if applicable)
• Validation with Google Rich Results Test
• Ongoing monitoring (schema breaks, we fix it)

Our schema guide shows what comprehensive implementation looks like.

Question 3: "How do you build authority and backlinks?"

Why this matters: AI engines favor authoritative sources. Without authority building, you won't get consistent citations.

What to look for:

• Specific tactics: HARO, guest posting, digital PR, industry directories
• Quality over quantity focus (10 high-DR links > 100 spam links)
• Monthly targets (realistic: 3-5 quality links/month)
• Integration with content (linkable assets, original research)

Red flags:

• "We focus on content, not links" (authority matters)
• Buying links or link schemes
• No specific strategy, just vague "we build links"
• Promising 50+ backlinks/month (quality impossible at that scale)

What Spider AI provides:

• HARO outreach (10-15 responses weekly, targeting 2-3 placements monthly)
• Guest post opportunities on industry-relevant sites (DR 50+)
• Digital PR for original research or data
• Strategic partnerships and directory submissions
• No black-hat tactics, only white-hat authority building

Question 4: "What's your content strategy for our industry?"

Why this matters: Generic content won't get citations. Industry-specific expertise and strategy matter.

What to look for:

• Understanding of your industry and competitors
• Topic cluster approach (pillar + supporting content)
• Content types: buying guides, comparisons, FAQs, how-tos
• Publishing frequency (2-4 comprehensive posts/month minimum)
• Integration with existing content (repurposing vs new)

Red flags:

• "We write whatever you want" (no strategy)
• No industry research or competitive analysis
• Generic templates applied to every client
• Unrealistic volume (10 posts/week = thin content)

What Spider AI provides:

• Competitive content analysis (what's working for competitors)
• Topic cluster strategy customized to your niche
• Content calendar (12-week roadmap of what we'll publish and why)
• Repurposing existing content + strategic new content
• Natural language optimization (conversational, not keyword-stuffed)

Our content strategy guides show our approach.

Question 5: "How do you measure success and report results?"

Why this matters: If an agency can't measure results, they can't prove value or optimize strategy.

What to look for:

• Monthly AI citation testing (15-20 queries across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini)
• Citation frequency tracking over time
• Traffic and conversion data from AI-referred visitors
• Transparent reporting (dashboard or monthly reports)
• Clear KPIs: citation rate %, AI traffic, AI conversions

Red flags:

• "We report quarterly" (too infrequent)
• Only reporting on SEO metrics (ignoring AI citations)
• No baseline testing (how do you measure improvement?)
• Vague "increased visibility" claims without data

What Spider AI provides:

• Monthly citation testing across 20 queries and 4 AI engines
• Citation rate tracking (% of queries where you're cited)
• AI traffic and conversion tracking (Google Analytics integration)
• Competitive benchmarking (how you compare to competitors)
• Transparent dashboard + monthly strategy calls

Our tracking guide explains our methodology.

Question 6: "Can you integrate with our existing SEO efforts?"

Why this matters: AEO and SEO overlap 60-70%. Agencies should enhance, not contradict, existing SEO.

What to look for:

• Understanding that SEO and AEO work together
• Coordination with existing SEO agency/team
• No tactics that could hurt SEO rankings
• Leveraging existing SEO assets (ranked content, backlinks)

Red flags:

• "Forget SEO, focus on AI" (wrong approach)
• No plan to coordinate with existing SEO team
• Tactics that could conflict (duplicate content, URL changes)

What Spider AI provides:

• Integrated SEO + AEO strategy (60% overlap optimized once)
• Coordination with your existing SEO team/agency
• Content that ranks in Google AND gets cited by AI
• Schema and natural language that benefit both SEO and AEO

Our SEO vs AEO guide shows our integrated approach.

Question 7: "What's your competitive analysis process?"

Why this matters: You need to know who's getting cited and why. Flying blind wastes time and money.

What to look for:

• Initial competitive analysis (who's getting cited in your industry)
• Reverse-engineering successful competitors (schema, content, authority)
• Quarterly deep-dive updates (competitive landscape changes)
• Gap identification (opportunities your competitors are missing)

Red flags:

• No competitive analysis offered
• One-time analysis with no updates
• Generic analysis not specific to your industry

What Spider AI provides:

• Comprehensive competitive AEO analysis (first month)
• Identification of your true AEO competitors (often different from SEO competitors)
• Reverse-engineering their strategies (schema, content, backlinks)
• Quarterly competitive updates (who's gaining/losing citations)
• Gap analysis (opportunities to differentiate)

Our competitive analysis guide shows our framework.

Question 8: "How often will we communicate?"

Why this matters: Communication determines alignment, problem-solving, and relationship quality.

What to look for:

• Weekly or bi-weekly status updates
• Monthly strategy calls (30-60 minutes)
• Dedicated point of contact (not just a ticket system)
• Slack/email access for questions
• Quarterly business reviews

Red flags:

• "We'll email you monthly" (too infrequent)
• No dedicated contact person
• Ticket-only communication (impersonal)
• Unresponsive to questions (24-48+ hour delays)

What Spider AI provides:

• Dedicated account manager (your single point of contact)
• Bi-weekly Slack/email updates on progress
• Monthly 60-minute strategy calls
• Same-day response to questions (business hours)
• Quarterly business reviews with leadership

Question 9: "What happens if we don't get citations in 6 months?"

Why this matters: This reveals confidence, accountability, and what happens if things don't work.

What to look for:

• Performance guarantees or refund policies
• Realistic timeline expectations (6-10 weeks is reasonable, 2 weeks is not)
• Contingency plan if initial strategy doesn't work
• Transparency about what "success" means

Red flags:

• "That's never happened" (overconfident)
• No accountability or recourse
• Blaming you if results don't come ("you didn't give us good content")

What Spider AI provides:

• Realistic timeline expectations upfront (6-10 weeks for established sites, 12-16 for new)
• If zero citations by month 6, we extend service 2 months at no cost
• Transparent troubleshooting (we'll diagnose exactly what's not working)
• No long-term contracts (month-to-month after initial 6-month engagement)

Question 10: "Do you specialize in our industry?"

Why this matters: Industry specialization means faster ramp-up, proven strategies, and better results.

What to look for:

• Case studies in your industry
• Understanding of your industry's competitive landscape
• Existing content and schema templates for your vertical
• Knowledge of industry-specific AI queries

Red flags:

• "We work with everyone" (generalists often underperform)
• No relevant case studies or experience
• No understanding of your industry's unique challenges

What Spider AI provides:

• Specialization in: SaaS, e-commerce, professional services, B2B
• Industry-specific case studies and proven strategies
• Existing frameworks and templates we can adapt
• If we haven't worked in your industry, we're transparent about learning curve

Question 11: "What's your process for ongoing optimization?"

Why this matters: AEO isn't set-it-and-forget-it. Ongoing optimization determines long-term success.

What to look for:

• Content refresh schedule (updating old content quarterly/annually)
• Schema monitoring and updates
• Authority building continuation (ongoing HARO, guest posts)
• Strategy adjustments based on results
• Staying current with AI engine updates

Red flags:

• "We set it up, then you're on your own" (one-time projects rarely succeed)
• No plan for ongoing work
• Stale strategy with no evolution

What Spider AI provides:

• Ongoing monthly work: new content, authority building, optimization
• Quarterly content refresh (updating top posts with new data, current year)
• Schema monitoring (we catch and fix issues)
• Strategy evolution based on AI citation results
• Staying ahead of AI engine algorithm changes

Question 12: "Can I speak with current clients?"

Why this matters: References reveal real experiences, not just polished marketing.

What to look for:

• Willingness to provide 2-3 client references
• Clients in similar industries or situations
• Honest conversations about what worked and what was challenging

Red flags:

• Unwilling to provide any references
• Only cherry-picked positive references
• "All our clients are under NDA" (unlikely for all)

What Spider AI provides:

• 3-5 current client references available upon request
• Mix of industries and company sizes
• Honest references (we prep clients to share both wins and challenges)

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AEO Agency Pricing: What to Expect in 2026

One-Time Setup (Schema + Initial Optimization)

Scope: Schema implementation, content audit, initial optimization

Typical pricing:

• Small business (under 50 pages): $3,000-$5,000
• Mid-market (50-200 pages): $5,000-$8,000
• Enterprise (200+ pages): $8,000-$15,000

What's included:

• Comprehensive schema markup (Organization, Article, FAQ, Product if applicable)
• Content audit and optimization recommendations
• Initial competitive analysis
• FAQ section creation for top 10 pages
• Schema validation and testing

Timeline: 4-6 weeks

Monthly Retainer (Ongoing AEO)

Scope: Content creation, authority building, monitoring, optimization

Typical pricing:

• Basic (small business): $2,500-$4,000/month

  • 2 comprehensive blog posts monthly
  • Basic authority building
  • Monthly citation testing and reporting

• Standard (mid-market): $4,000-$7,000/month

  • 4 comprehensive blog posts monthly
  • Active HARO outreach and guest posting
  • Weekly monitoring, monthly strategy calls
  • Competitive analysis quarterly

• Premium (enterprise/competitive): $7,000-$12,000/month

  • 6-8 blog posts monthly
  • Aggressive authority building
  • Original research and data publication
  • Dedicated team, weekly calls

What's included:

• Content strategy and creation
• Authority building (HARO, guest posts, digital PR)
• Monthly AI citation testing (20 queries, 4 engines)
• Schema monitoring and updates
• Monthly reporting and strategy calls

Hourly Consulting

Scope: Ad-hoc consulting, audits, strategy sessions

Typical pricing: $150-$300/hour

When it makes sense:

• One-time audits or second opinions
• Strategy consulting for in-house teams
• Troubleshooting specific issues
• Training your team on AEO

Project-Based

Scope: Specific deliverables (e.g., "repurpose 20 existing posts for AEO")

Typical pricing: $5,000-$20,000 depending on scope

When it makes sense:

• Content repurposing projects
• Competitive analysis deep-dive
• Topic cluster buildout

What Spider AI Charges

One-time setup: $4,500-$9,500 (based on site size and complexity)

Monthly retainer:

• Starter: $3,500/month (small businesses, less competitive industries)
• Growth: $5,500/month (mid-market, most businesses)
• Enterprise: $8,500/month (competitive industries, e-commerce, large catalogs)

What's included at every tier:

• Comprehensive schema implementation
• Monthly content (2-6 posts depending on tier)
• Authority building (HARO, guest posts, digital PR)
• Monthly citation testing and reporting
• Dedicated account manager
• Bi-weekly updates, monthly strategy calls
• No long-term contracts (month-to-month after initial 6 months)

Book a free consultation to discuss pricing for your specific situation.

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Red Flags: When to Run Away from an AEO Agency

Red Flag #1: Guaranteed AI Citations or Rankings

What they say: "We guarantee #1 citations in ChatGPT within 30 days"

Why it's a red flag: No one can guarantee specific AI citations. AI engines update their knowledge periodically and use complex algorithms. Agencies can increase your chances significantly, but guarantees are impossible.

What legitimate agencies say: "Based on our experience, you should see first citations within 6-10 weeks. If you don't, here's our accountability plan..."

Red Flag #2: No Case Studies or Proof

What they say: "We're the leading AEO agency" with zero evidence

Why it's a red flag: Claims without proof. Ask for case studies, screenshots, client references.

What legitimate agencies provide: Multiple case studies with real data, screenshots of AI citations, client references.

Red Flag #3: Black-Hat or Spammy Tactics

What they say: "We'll get you 100 backlinks this month" or "We'll submit your site to 500 directories"

Why it's a red flag: Quality matters more than quantity. AI engines recognize link schemes.

What legitimate agencies do: Strategic, high-quality backlink acquisition (5-10 per month from DR 50+ sites).

Red Flag #4: Unrealistic Timelines

What they say: "You'll see AI citations in 2-4 weeks guaranteed"

Why it's a red flag: AI engines need time to re-crawl, re-evaluate, and update their knowledge. 6-10 weeks is realistic; 2-4 weeks is not.

What legitimate agencies say: "First citations typically appear 6-10 weeks after implementation for established sites, 12-16 weeks for new sites."

Red Flag #5: One-Size-Fits-All Approach

What they say: "We use the same proven process for every client"

Why it's a red flag: Every industry, competitor landscape, and starting point is different.

What legitimate agencies do: Custom strategy based on your industry, competitors, and current state.

Red Flag #6: No Ongoing Work or Monitoring

What they say: "We'll set up your schema and content, then you're done"

Why it's a red flag: AEO requires ongoing content, authority building, and monitoring.

What legitimate agencies do: Monthly retainers with ongoing optimization, not just one-time setup.

Red Flag #7: Can't Explain Their Process Clearly

What they say: Vague jargon without clear explanations of what they'll actually do

Why it's a red flag: If they can't explain it clearly, they either don't understand it or they're hiding something.

What legitimate agencies do: Clear, transparent explanations of every tactic and why it works.

Red Flag #8: Outsourcing Everything with No Quality Control

What they say: "We have a global team" (code for offshore content mills)

Why it's a red flag: Low-quality content written by non-experts won't get AI citations.

What legitimate agencies do: In-house experts or vetted writers with quality control processes.

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AEO Agency vs In-House: Decision Framework

When to Hire an Agency

✅ Revenue justifies investment: $500K+ annual revenue
✅ Speed matters: Need results in 6-10 weeks, not 16-24
✅ Lack internal expertise: No technical schema knowledge
✅ Team at capacity: No one has 10-15 hours/week for AEO
✅ Competitive industry: Competitors already getting cited
✅ Want proven strategies: Leverage agency's experience across clients

Pros:

• Faster results (agencies know what works)
• No learning curve (expertise included)
• Comprehensive approach (schema + content + authority)
• Accountability (agencies have skin in the game)

Cons:

• Higher cost ($2,500-$7,000/month vs in-house salaries/time)
• Less control (agency sets strategy)
• Requires trust (you're not doing the work yourself)

When to Do It In-House

✅ Budget constrained: Revenue under $300K annually
✅ Have time and expertise: 10-15 hours/week available, technical ability
✅ Patient with timeline: Comfortable with 12-20 week timelines
✅ Less competitive niche: Few competitors getting citations
✅ Want full control: Prefer to own the entire process

Pros:

• Lower cash cost (no agency fees)
• Full control over strategy and execution
• Learn AEO deeply (transferable skill)
• Flexible timeline and priorities

Cons:

• Slower results (learning curve + trial and error)
• Requires significant time commitment
• May miss optimization opportunities (no expertise)
• Easy to deprioritize when other work emerges

Hybrid Approach

Best of both worlds:

• Hire agency for initial setup and strategy (6 months)
• Transition to in-house after learning the process
• Keep agency on retainer for quarterly audits and strategy

When this works:

• Mid-market companies building in-house marketing teams
• Businesses with budget for short-term agency, not long-term
• Companies that want to own AEO long-term but need jumpstart

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How to Evaluate Agency Case Studies

What to Look For

✅ Specific metrics: "40% citation rate across 20 queries" not "increased visibility"
✅ Timeline transparency: How long to first citation? To consistent citations?
✅ Starting point: Did client have existing authority or start from zero?
✅ Industry relevance: Is the case study in a similar industry to yours?
✅ Proof: Screenshots of AI citations, not just claims

Questions to Ask About Case Studies

1. "What was the client's starting point?"

   • Zero AI citations? Some citations already?
   • Existing domain authority or brand new site?

2. "How long did it take to see first citations?"

   • Realistic answer: 6-16 weeks depending on starting point
   • Suspicious answer: "2 weeks"

3. "What percentage of queries does this client get cited for now?"

   • Good result: 30-50% after 6-12 months
   • Excellent result: 50-70% after 12+ months

4. "Can I see screenshots of actual AI citations?"

   • Legitimate agencies will show you ChatGPT, Perplexity screenshots
   • Should include client name or brand in citation

5. "Is this client still working with you?"

   • If yes: good sign of ongoing value
   • If no: why did they leave?

6. "Can I speak with this client as a reference?"

   • Willingness to connect you = confidence in relationship

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Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring

About Your Business

• Is my annual revenue $300K+ (justifies agency investment)?
• Do I need results within 6 months (vs 12-18 months DIY)?
• Are competitors already getting AI citations (catching up is urgent)?
• Is AI-referred traffic a strategic priority for my business?

About Your Team

• Do we lack technical expertise for schema implementation?
• Is our team at capacity (no 10-15 hours/week for AEO)?
• Do we struggle with consistent content creation?
• Would we benefit from external expertise and accountability?

About Budget

• Can we afford $2,500-$7,000/month for 6-12 months?
• Do we have budget for one-time setup ($3,000-$8,000)?
• Is our expected ROI 3-5x (typical for AEO)?
• Are we prepared to invest 6 months before seeing major returns?

About Expectations

• Are we realistic about timelines (6-10 weeks, not 2 weeks)?
• Do we understand AEO is ongoing, not one-time?
• Are we committed to providing necessary input (industry knowledge, brand voice)?
• Do we have patience for a strategy that compounds over time?

If you answered "yes" to 10+ questions, hiring an AEO agency makes sense.

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How Spider AI Is Different

We don't just claim expertise—we demonstrate it.

What Makes Spider AI Different

1. Proven AI Citation Results

We've gotten brands cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini across dozens of industries. Our average client sees first citations within 8 weeks and achieves 35-50% citation rates by month 6.

2. Transparent, Data-Driven Approach

Every month, you see exactly which queries you're cited for, which AI engines are citing you, and how you compare to competitors. No vague "increased visibility" claims—we show you the data.

3. Integrated SEO + AEO Strategy

60-70% of AEO and SEO overlap. We optimize that overlap once, saving you time and budget while delivering results in both channels.

4. Industry Specialization

We specialize in SaaS, e-commerce, professional services, and B2B—industries where AI citations drive high-intent traffic and conversions.

5. No Long-Term Contracts

After your initial 6-month engagement, we're month-to-month. We earn your business every month through results, not contracts.

6. Comprehensive Service

We handle everything: schema markup, content strategy and creation, authority building, competitive analysis, monthly testing, and reporting. You get a dedicated team, not a freelancer juggling 20 clients.

What You Get with Spider AI

Month 1: Foundation

• Comprehensive AEO audit (schema, content, authority)
• Competitive analysis (who's getting cited, why)
• Custom strategy roadmap (your 6-month plan)
• Schema implementation (Organization, Article, FAQ, Product if needed)
• First content pieces published

Months 2-4: Building Momentum

• 2-6 comprehensive blog posts monthly (depending on tier)
• Authority building (HARO, guest posts, digital PR)
• Content repurposing (optimize existing content)
• FAQ section creation and implementation
• Bi-weekly updates, monthly strategy calls

Months 5-6: Testing & Optimization

• Monthly AI citation testing (20 queries, 4 engines)
• First citations typically appear
• Strategy refinement based on results
• Competitive benchmarking
• Preparation for scaling (months 7-12)

Months 7-12: Scaling

• Consistent citations across 10-20 queries
• Topic cluster expansion
• Original research or data publication
• Advanced authority building
• 30-50% citation rate target

Investment

Starter: $3,500/month (small businesses, less competitive)
Growth: $5,500/month (mid-market, most businesses fit here)
Enterprise: $8,500/month (highly competitive, e-commerce, large sites)

Setup fee: $4,500-$9,500 (one-time, based on site complexity)

Minimum commitment: 6 months (then month-to-month)

Book a free AEO consultation and we'll:

• Audit your current AEO readiness
• Test your current AI citation rate (baseline)
• Show you which competitors are getting cited
• Provide a custom 6-month roadmap
• Give you transparent pricing for your situation

No sales pressure. No vague promises. Just honest assessment and clear next steps.

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Next Steps: Choosing Your AEO Agency

Step 1: Shortlist 3-5 Agencies

Use the 12 questions from this guide to evaluate:

• Spider AI (you're here)
• 2-4 other agencies you're considering

Step 2: Request Case Studies

Ask each agency for 2-3 case studies with:

• AI citation data (before/after)
• Screenshots of citations
• Industry relevance to your business

Step 3: Schedule Consultations

Book calls with your shortlist. Evaluate:

• How well they understand your business
• Clarity of their strategy explanation
• Transparency about pricing and timelines
• Gut feel about working with them

Step 4: Check References

Speak with 1-2 current clients from each agency. Ask:

• Are results meeting expectations?
• How's communication and responsiveness?
• Would you hire them again?
• What could be better?

Step 5: Compare Proposals

Evaluate on:

• Scope of work (comprehensive vs limited)
• Pricing and timeline
• Proof of results (case studies, references)
• Fit with your team and culture

Step 6: Make Your Decision

Choose the agency that:

• Has proven AI citation results
• Offers transparent, data-driven approach
• Fits your budget and timeline
• You trust to execute

Ready to talk to Spider AI?

Book your free AEO consultation and we'll show you:

• Your current AI citation rate (most brands have zero)
• Which competitors are getting cited (and why)
• Exactly what we'd do to get you cited within 8-12 weeks
• Transparent pricing for your specific situation

No obligation. No sales pressure. Just honest assessment and clear next steps.

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About Spider AI: We're an AI marketing agency specializing in AI Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). We help brands get cited by ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini through comprehensive schema markup, authority-building content strategy, and data-driven optimization. Our average client sees first AI citations within 8 weeks and achieves 35-50% citation rates by month 6. Learn more about our services or book a consultation.