The initial consultation with an AEO agency determines whether you'll find the right partner or waste months with the wrong fit. Preparation transforms these meetings from sales presentations into substantive evaluations. Knowing what to bring, what to ask, and how to interpret responses helps you select an agency that can actually deliver AI visibility results.
According to Elsner Technologies' AEO companies guide, the best AEO partnership requires collaboration, not just execution. Assessing communication style, technical expertise, and methodology during initial consultations reveals whether an agency can deliver on their promises.
Arriving prepared enables meaningful conversation instead of generic pitches.
Pre-consultation checklist:
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Current visibility data | Baseline for measuring improvement |
| Competitor list | Context for competitive positioning |
| Priority keywords/topics | Focus areas for agency strategy |
| Business goals | Success metrics alignment |
| Budget range | Practical scope definition |
According to Crossway Consulting's AEO/GEO guide, you should audit your content for AI-readiness before consultations. Query major AI platforms with questions your content should answer, identify gaps where competitors appear but you don't, and assess whether existing content is structured for AI comprehension.
Information to gather:
Pre-Consultation Preparation
├── Current State Analysis
│ ├── Test relevant queries in ChatGPT, Perplexity
│ ├── Document where competitors appear
│ ├── Note which topics show visibility gaps
│ └── Screenshot current AI citations (if any)
│
├── Business Context
│ ├── Revenue goals tied to digital visibility
│ ├── Timeline expectations
│ ├── Internal resources available
│ └── Previous SEO/content investments
│
└── Technical Readiness
├── CMS capabilities and limitations
├── Current schema implementation
└── Development resource availability
Strategic questions reveal agency capabilities beyond marketing materials.
According to NinjaPromo's AI SEO agency analysis, key evaluation criteria include documented success securing citations in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews; technical capabilities including schema implementation and entity optimization; transparent reporting on citation frequency; and evidence of sustained client relationships.
Questions about methodology:
| Question | What Good Answers Include |
|---|---|
| "Which schema types do you implement?" | Specific schema examples, prioritization logic |
| "How do you track AI visibility?" | Tool names, tracking frequency, metrics tracked |
| "Show me client results in AI Overviews" | Screenshots, data, specific improvement percentages |
| "How do you build authority signals?" | PR strategy, citation development, entity optimization |
According to Elsner Technologies, good AEO companies explain technical details clearly. Vague answers signal weak expertise. Ask about their schema strategy, which tools validate their structured data, and request examples of complex schema implementations.
Questions about proof and results:
Response quality reveals whether capabilities match claims.
According to Wellows' AI SEO agency rankings, their evaluation rubric weights AI search strategy clarity at 20%, proof of execution at 20%, technical SEO depth at 15%, content systems at 15%, authority building at 15%, measurement at 10%, and transparency at 5%.
Response evaluation framework:
Evaluating Agency Consultation Responses
├── Specificity Test
│ ├── Do they cite specific tools by name?
│ ├── Can they explain methodology step-by-step?
│ └── Red flag: Generic claims without details
│
├── Proof Test
│ ├── Do they show real client examples?
│ ├── Are metrics verifiable?
│ └── Red flag: "Trust us" without evidence
│
├── Industry Fit Test
│ ├── Do they have relevant vertical experience?
│ ├── Do they understand your compliance needs?
│ └── Red flag: One-size-fits-all approach
│
└── Communication Test
├── Do they listen or just pitch?
├── Are they educational vs. salesy?
└── Red flag: Unable to explain technical concepts
Certain responses indicate agencies to avoid.
According to Passionfruit's agency selection guide, ask agencies to show their playbook, explain their measurement approach, and demonstrate how they handle scale. Agencies that can't answer these questions concretely may lack systematic processes.
Warning signs:
| Red Flag | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Guarantees specific rankings | Overpromising (impossible to guarantee) |
| No AI visibility proof | May not have real AEO experience |
| Won't explain methodology | Hiding lack of process |
| Pricing before understanding needs | Cookie-cutter approach |
| No questions about your business | Not focused on your specific goals |
Structured comparison enables objective decision-making.
According to ThinkPod Agency's SEO state analysis, ask each agency for proof links, a first-60-days plan, and a sample report. Then score them on strategy clarity, technical depth, content systems, measurement, and communication. The best fit can explain what they'll change, why it matters, and how it will be tracked.
Comparison scorecard:
| Evaluation Factor | Agency A | Agency B | Agency C |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI visibility proof (1-5) | |||
| Technical depth (1-5) | |||
| Industry experience (1-5) | |||
| Communication quality (1-5) | |||
| Pricing fit (1-5) | |||
| Total Score |
Effective AEO consultations require preparation and strategic questioning:
According to Elsner Technologies, most top AEO service providers offer initial assessments showing current AI visibility and improvement opportunities. Request these assessments from multiple agencies to compare their analytical approaches alongside their consultation quality.
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