Chicago AI Search Optimization Agency

AI search optimization is the process of improving a business’s visibility in AI-generated search results, recommendations, and answers. It includes content optimization, technical SEO, structured data, brand authority, and other strategies that help platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews discover and reference useful information about a business.

All three refer to users asking the internet for information or recommendations, but they each work a bit differently.

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Improving a website’s visibility in traditional search engine results
• AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): Improving content so search systems can use it when answering questions
• GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): Improving visibility in responses generated by AI platforms

AI search optimization includes all three. Strong traditional SEO is still a major component because many AI search experiences depend on conventional search indexes, crawling, and ranking systems.

Start by making sure ChatGPT can access accurate information about your business.

Your services, service areas, and experience should all be front-and-center on your site. Useful supporting content and credible third-party references can help establish why you should be seen as trustworthy.

Technical accessibility is a major factor, too. OpenAI uses a search crawler called OAI-SearchBot, which websites need to allow if they want their content available for discovery through ChatGPT search.

Google AI Overviews use Google’s existing search infrastructure to find and reference relevant content.

Your website should be indexable, technically accessible, and useful to people researching the topics you cover. Strong internal linking, accurate information, and authoritative content remain important.

Google has stated that websites don’t need special AI-specific schema or technical markup to become eligible for AI Overviews. Instead, visibility in Google AI Overviews often improves with third-party mentions and content specifically written to account for how bots understand information on a page.

AI search optimization in Chicago generally costs $1,500 – $5,000 per month for small to midsize businesses. Larger campaigns involving extensive content production, technical SEO, and digital PR can cost $5,000 – $10,000 or more per month.

Hexxen’s SEO and content marketing packages, which can include AI search optimization, start at $1,250 – $1,850 per month, plus a $3,500 setup fee. More competitive campaigns range from $2,250 – $3,500 per month, while larger campaigns start at $5,000.

All plans are month-to-month, with services and budgets tailored to your business.

Some technical changes and new content can be implemented quickly. For highly-targeted queries, an updated page or new page may be crawled and indexed within a few days or a couple of weeks.

Building consistent visibility across a broad range of industry-related AI searches typically takes at least 2–3 months, with ongoing work needed to maintain and improve results.

No. People still use traditional Google search results, and in our experience, most of what helps a business appear in AI search is the same work that makes its SEO stronger.

We approach AI search optimization much like a major Google update. The core principles still apply, but certain strategies and techniques need to adapt. AI adds another way for customers to discover your business, but that doesn’t mean you need an entirely different strategy.

We generally recommend coordinating AI search optimization with your existing SEO strategy rather than treating them as competing investments.

Usually not.

If your existing website loads properly, allows search crawlers to access important content, and has a reasonable page structure, we can often improve it without a redesign.

A replacement may be worth considering when an outdated platform, poor site architecture, or technical limitations are dragging the whole site down.

Read more: Should I Redesign My Website or Build a New One?

Your Google Business Profile provides important information about your business, including its location, services, contact details, and customer reviews.

Google uses Business Profile information across its search products, and accurate local business information is useful when customers research nearby companies.

Yes. They contribute to a stronger online presence. When an AI platform sees your brand mentioned and well-reviewed on platforms throughout the web, it’s more likely to see you as a trustworthy source. Industry articles, professional directories, and other credible mentions can provide information beyond what a company publishes about itself.

You also can’t forget the human element. Reviews still help prospective customers evaluate a business.

Yes. We can work alongside your current SEO provider, marketing staff, or website developers.

Some businesses hire Hexxen to manage their entire SEO and content strategy. Others already have an internal team and need help with AI visibility research, content production, technical improvements, or specific projects.

There are plenty of talented people in our industry, and there’s no reason we can’t work successfully alongside them as long as everyone is focused on the same goal: growing your business.