Hiring an Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) agency requires a clear contract that defines expectations, deliverables, and success metrics. Unlike traditional SEO contracts with established norms, AEO agreements cover newer services with different measurement approaches. This guide helps you understand what to expect and how to negotiate an AEO services contract that protects your interests.
A comprehensive AEO services contract should include several essential sections.
The scope defines exactly what the agency will deliver. For AEO services, expect coverage of:
AI visibility auditing — Initial assessment of your brand's current presence across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and other AI platforms
Content optimization — Restructuring existing content for AI extraction and citation
Entity optimization — Improving how AI systems recognize and understand your brand
Schema implementation — Adding structured data markup that helps AI systems process your content
Citation building — Developing strategies to earn mentions from authoritative sources
Monitoring and reporting — Tracking AI citation frequency and brand mentions across platforms
Ensure the contract specifies which AI platforms are covered. Some agencies focus only on Google AI Overviews while others include ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and other systems.
Clear deliverables prevent scope disputes. Standard AEO deliverables include:
| Deliverable | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| AI visibility audit report | Month 1 |
| Optimization roadmap | Month 1 |
| Schema implementation | Months 1-2 |
| Content optimization (priority pages) | Months 2-4 |
| Monthly performance reports | Ongoing |
| Quarterly strategy reviews | Every 3 months |
Contracts should specify deliverable format—written reports, spreadsheet audits, or dashboard access—and how deliverables will be submitted.
AEO metrics differ from traditional SEO. The contract should define:
Citation tracking — How will the agency measure AI mentions? Which tools or methods will they use?
Platform coverage — Which AI platforms will be monitored?
Baseline establishment — How will current visibility be documented before optimization begins?
Success criteria — What constitutes meaningful improvement?
Because AEO measurement tools are still maturing, expect less precision than traditional SEO contracts. Agencies should explain their methodology clearly rather than promising exact metrics.
AEO pricing varies by agency size, service depth, and market positioning.
Most AEO agencies use monthly retainer pricing. Expect these ranges:
Retainers typically require 6-12 month minimum commitments because AEO results take time to materialize as AI systems update their training data.
Some agencies offer project-based AEO work:
Project pricing works for specific needs but limits ongoing optimization benefits.
Some contracts include performance incentives tied to citation improvements. Approach these carefully—AEO results depend on factors outside agency control, and measurement remains imprecise.
Several contract terms deserve careful attention.
Minimum commitment: 6-12 months is standard, but negotiate flexibility. Some agencies accept 90-day trial periods before longer commitments.
Termination clauses: Look for reasonable exit terms—30-60 days notice with prorated refunds for prepaid services. Avoid contracts requiring payment through the entire term if you terminate early.
Auto-renewal: Ensure contracts require written consent for renewal rather than automatic continuation.
Content ownership: Confirm you own all content the agency creates or modifies. This includes optimized content, schema markup, and documentation.
Data access: Ensure you retain access to all tracking data, reports, and analytics even after the contract ends.
Tool access: If the agency uses proprietary tools, clarify whether you get continued access to data generated by those tools.
Report frequency: Monthly reports are standard. Ensure reports include methodology explanations, not just data.
Meeting cadence: Establish regular check-ins—monthly for most engagements, more frequently during active implementation phases.
Response times: Define expected response times for questions and requests.
Realistic expectations: No agency can guarantee specific AI citation results. AI systems operate independently, and no optimization strategy controls their recommendations.
Avoid guarantees: Be skeptical of agencies promising specific citation counts or ranking improvements. These claims suggest either inexperience or dishonesty.
Liability limits: Standard contracts limit agency liability to fees paid. This is reasonable given AEO's experimental nature.
Watch for warning signs in AEO contracts:
Guaranteed results — No agency controls AI system behavior. Promises of specific citation counts or "first position" in AI responses indicate unrealistic expectations.
Vague deliverables — Contracts listing only "AEO services" without specifics leave room for disputes. Require detailed deliverable descriptions.
No measurement methodology — If the agency cannot explain how they'll track results, they may not have robust processes.
Excessive lock-in — Multi-year commitments or harsh termination penalties suggest the agency relies on contractual constraints rather than results to retain clients.
Hidden costs — Ensure tool costs, content creation fees, and additional services are included or clearly disclosed as separate charges.
Before finalizing an AEO contract, get clear answers to:
Reputable agencies answer these questions directly with specific details rather than vague assurances.
A well-organized AEO contract follows this structure:
Review each section carefully. If anything seems unclear, request clarification before signing.
Integrated agencies often provide better value because strong SEO foundations support AEO success. However, some specialized AEO agencies bring deeper expertise in AI systems. Evaluate based on your existing SEO situation and the agency's demonstrated capabilities.
Three to six months provides enough time to implement optimizations and observe initial results. Shorter periods may not allow sufficient time for AI systems to incorporate changes.
Review and potentially renegotiate annually. AEO practices evolve rapidly as AI platforms change, so contracts should adapt to reflect current best practices and measurement capabilities.
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