AEO for Small Businesses: A Practical Playbook for 2026
AI search visitors convert at 4.4x the rate of organic clicks. Here's a step-by-step AEO playbook for plumbers, HVAC techs, and contractors ready to start.
Chris Melson
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Strategy
7 articles on Strategy
AEO vs GEO: Why We Call It Answer Engine Optimization
GEO and AEO are two names for the same strategy. Here's the difference in origin and framing — and why 'answer engine' matters more than 'generative engine' for small businesses.
Chris Melson
ReadHow AEO and Local SEO Work Together in 2026
98.8% of local businesses receive zero AI citations. Here's how combining local SEO and AEO gets Midwest service businesses found on Google Maps AND in AI search.
Chris Melson
ReadWhat Is the Difference Between SEO and AEO?
SEO gets you in Google's blue links. AEO gets your business cited in AI-generated answers. Here's the difference and why both matter for Midwest small businesses.
Chris Melson
ReadWhat is the best platform for a service business website?
WordPress, Wix, and Next.js have dramatically different performance profiles. Here is an honest breakdown.
Chris Melson
ReadHow to Rank Higher on Google Maps & Google Places (2026)
GBP signals account for 32% of Local Pack rankings in 2026. Here is the complete 7-step playbook to rank higher on Google Maps and Google Places.
Chris Melson
ReadWhat Is AEO and Why Midwest Businesses Need It in 2026
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is how your business gets cited by AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews. Here's what it means for local businesses in the Midwest.
Chris Melson
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