Last Updated: January 2026
The search landscape has fundamentally changed. With Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity reshaping how users find information, businesses need agencies that understand both traditional SEO and AI search optimization. Finding the right SEO AI agency means evaluating capabilities across these interconnected disciplines.
This guide covers what services to expect, how to evaluate agencies, and red flags to avoid when hiring for AI-era search optimization.
A capable SEO AI agency combines traditional search optimization with strategies for AI-powered search platforms. The scope typically includes:
Core SEO services remain essential since AI search platforms heavily rely on content that performs well in traditional search:
Beyond traditional SEO, AI-focused agencies add capabilities for emerging search platforms:
Leading agencies use AI tools internally to improve efficiency and outcomes:
When evaluating SEO AI agencies, look for specific service offerings that address both current needs and AI search evolution.
Content remains central to search visibility. AI-capable agencies should offer:
Technical expertise matters more in AI search since proper implementation enables AI crawlers to access and understand content:
AI systems evaluate trustworthiness differently than traditional algorithms. Effective agencies help build:
Traditional metrics don't capture AI visibility. Agencies should provide:
Before engaging an agency, assess their AI SEO capabilities through specific questions:
"What's your approach to optimizing for AI search platforms like Perplexity and ChatGPT?" Listen for specifics about content structure, entity optimization, and multi-platform strategies—not just vague promises.
"How do you balance traditional SEO with AI optimization?" Good agencies explain that AI visibility builds on SEO fundamentals. Agencies suggesting you abandon traditional SEO show incomplete understanding.
"What research have you published on AI search?" Leading agencies share case studies, original research, or documented strategies. This demonstrates genuine expertise versus following trends.
"Which schema types do you implement and why?" Expect discussion of FAQ, Article, Organization schemas with explanations of how each helps AI comprehension.
"How do you approach content freshness for AI visibility?" Look for specific update cadences and processes since freshness significantly impacts platforms like Perplexity.
"What's your earned media strategy for AI visibility?" ChatGPT citations correlate heavily with earned media presence. Agencies should explain their approach to PR and third-party coverage.
"How do you track AI search visibility?" Expect mention of specific tools (Otterly.AI, Search Party, Conductor) or custom monitoring approaches.
"What metrics do you report for AI optimization?" Citation frequency, AI referral traffic, and share of voice should feature alongside traditional SEO metrics.
"Can you show results from AI optimization work?" Request case studies with specific metrics, not just traffic graphs.
Certain warning signs indicate agencies lacking genuine AI SEO expertise:
Understanding realistic timelines and investment levels helps set appropriate expectations.
| Phase | Timeline | Typical Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Technical setup | 1-2 months | Schema implementation, crawler access, content audit |
| Content optimization | 2-4 months | Restructuring existing content, FAQ development |
| Authority building | 3-6 months | Earned media, entity development, cross-platform presence |
| Measurable results | 4-8 months | Visible improvement in AI citations and visibility |
AI optimization is not immediate. Agencies promising overnight transformation should be questioned.
SEO AI agency services typically range from:
Lower-priced services often focus on traditional SEO with AI as an add-on. Comprehensive AI optimization requires meaningful investment.
Look for combined expertise. The best SEO AI agencies integrate traditional optimization with AI-specific strategies. Avoid agencies that treat these as separate disciplines.
Demand measurement capabilities. Without AI citation tracking and visibility monitoring, you can't verify results.
Verify with research. Agencies publishing case studies and original research demonstrate genuine expertise versus following trends.
Set realistic expectations. AI visibility builds over months, not days. Be skeptical of quick-fix promises.
Assess technical depth. Schema implementation, crawler management, and technical optimization require real expertise—not just content advice.
Expect to invest $5,000-15,000/month for comprehensive AI search optimization that includes both traditional SEO and AI visibility strategies. Basic packages start lower but may not include meaningful AI optimization. Enterprise programs with dedicated resources typically cost $15,000+/month.
Evaluate your current agency's AI capabilities using the questions outlined above. Many traditional SEO agencies have added AI services, but depth varies significantly. If your agency lacks specific AI measurement tools, published research, and clear AI strategies, consider specialized expertise.
Technical improvements like schema implementation can impact visibility within weeks. Authority building and content optimization typically show measurable results in 4-8 months. Be skeptical of agencies promising dramatic improvements in 30-60 days.
Traditional SEO agencies focus on rankings and organic traffic from Google and Bing. AI SEO agencies add optimization for ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and other AI platforms—with different content strategies, technical requirements, and measurement approaches.
Looking for AI search optimization? Learn more about our Answer Engine Optimization Services or read our guide on How to Optimize for AI Search Engines.
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