AEO in 2026: How to Get Traction in Visibility and Business Growth

Harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence Optimization (AEO) is one of 2026’s mission-critical initiatives for brands looking to enhance their visibility and drive growth. Full stop.

In a recent webinar, I sat down with JDM’s Head of Growth, Adam Tanguay, to share insights on optimizing marketing strategies for AI-driven search environments. 

This blog post breaks down the key takeaways and actionable strategies for businesses eager to adapt to the new search paradigm. (If you’d like to watch the full video on demand, follow us on LinkedIn!)

AMake the Shift from SEO to AEO

The transition from traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to AEO marks a significant change in how businesses need to approach digital marketing. While SEO is still relevant, AEO takes precedence in the current digital landscape. 

The core shift involves a movement from short keyword phrases to longer, conversational queries. For instance, instead of targeting a keyword like "best coffee maker," brands now need to prepare for questions like "What features should I look for in a coffee maker?" This change necessitates a rethinking of content strategies to suit the new consumer behavior.

Get Your Head Around a New System of Measurement

Here’s a fundamental truth: if you’re not measuring your marketing efforts, you can’t improve them. 

Especially in a fast-evolving search environment where we’re still learning the rules, measurement is key to understanding the efficacy of your strategies in this new AI-driven search environment. Businesses need to implement tracking tools to gauge how their initiatives impact AEO results. This data-driven approach allows for quick adjustments and optimizations, ensuring that brands remain competitive.

Remember: Good SEO Equals Good AEO

One of the most important and reassuring themes you need to remember is that effective AEO strategies often build upon existing SEO practices. Companies with robust SEO programs can integrate AI-specific tactics without starting from scratch. This means that businesses can enhance their visibility in AI search results by making minor adjustments to their current strategies, not reinventing the wheel.

Leverage 4 Types of Content for AEO Success

We broke down four types of content that are particularly effective in an AEO context:

1. Answer Capsules: These are bite-sized content chunks that provide direct answers to common questions. For example, a quick response to "What is the difference between shared custody and sole custody?" allows AI systems to pull and use this information with ease.

2. Original Data: Unique insights derived from surveys or studies can position your brand as an authoritative source. In the webinar, we provided an example where a platform analyzed millions of searches and presented the findings in an accessible format, making it easier for AI to reference.

3. FAQs: Building a comprehensive FAQ section tailored to common queries can significantly improve visibility in AI results. This answers user questions and positions the brand as a helpful resource.

4. Comparison Content: Crafting content that compares your offerings to competitors can influence AI responses. We shared how a comparison page on Asana’s website effectively showcased their advantages over other products, reinforcing their brand presence in AI searches.

Embrace the Behavioral Shift in Consumer Search

With the rise of AI, consumer behavior is shifting from traditional search methods to immediate, conversational interactions. 

Users are increasingly engaging in a "start chat, receive answer, take action" model. This shift means that success metrics are evolving from site traffic and rankings to citation frequency and content authority. Businesses must adapt their strategies accordingly to measure the right metrics that reflect this new behavior.


Adam and I are engaging in dozens of conversations each week with brand marketers looking to get traction and clarity in the new world of AEO and consumer search. If you’d like to book a strategy call with us, reach out and let us know.