AEO Playbook: Audit and Fix AI Search Visibility
Audit brand visibility in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity using 5-10 buyer queries; improve rankings via brand mentions (PR, guest content), review platforms (G2, Capterra), and domain authority (tools, research, fix broken links).
Audit AI Visibility to Uncover Gaps
Run buyer-intent queries like "best CRM for 200-person B2B SaaS scaling to mid-market" across ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity to reveal inconsistent recommendations. Compile results from 5 buyer questions into a one-page report showing where your brand ranks (e.g., HubSpot topped CRM queries but trailed Zendesk/Intercom in customer service, positioned as 'CRM add-on' not standalone). Generate custom prompts by feeding your business description to an AI: "Research my business and list 10 buyer search prompts." This takes under an hour manually or automate with tools like HubSpot AEO for daily tracking. Use the report to secure CEO buy-in, as over half of buyers now research via AI—ignoring it hands competitors the deal.
Different engines vary wildly due to source data (websites, Reddit, LinkedIn, reviews), so test complex, sentence-long queries mimicking real decisions (e.g., "Salesforce alternatives for mid-market: too expensive/complex"). HubSpot's customer service gap stemmed from AI learning poor positioning from scattered signals, not product flaws.
Three Factors Control AI Recommendations
AI ranks brands by (1) brand mentions/consensus: High density from PR, podcasts, Reddit, LinkedIn, guest posts signals authority—backlinks matter less now. (2) Reviews: Platforms like G2, Capterra, Trustpilot provide buyer context; AI pulls from them heavily. Audit categories, launch review campaigns, respond to reframe issues, incentivize volume. (3) Domain authority threshold: Publish original research, free tools (e.g., calculators), secure editorial placements; fix 404s/broken inbound links to avoid dead-end signals that tank credibility.
These outperform traditional SEO because AI prioritizes contextual relevance over links alone, turning customer conversations into your positioning.
Monday Playbook: Close Gaps in 7 Steps
For HubSpot Service Hub (lagging in "best AI-powered customer service for $50M B2B"):
- Document current descriptions (e.g., 'ecosystem fit' vs. 'service depth').
- Audit reviews: Ensure G2 lists under 'help desk/AI customer service'; run targeted campaigns; set Trustpilot response cadence.
- Boost mentions: Build vs.-competitor page (e.g., Service Hub vs. Zendesk); PR for earned media/data stories.
- Retrain AI perception: Update product page; add customer stories/ticket resolution cases; launch 'cost of complexity' calculator for links/authority.
Apply identically: Identify gaps, target reviews (re-category, respond), amplify mentions (content/PR), build authority (tools/research). Expect shifts in weeks as models ingest fresh data. AEO beats 2026 SEO—positioning trumps product alone for top recommendations.