This article is written by Dean Whitby, Managing Director of our company.
In recent years, the digital landscape has evolved dramatically. For accountants, coaches, consultants, and business owners striving to make a mark, understanding and leveraging the latest digital marketing strategies is essential. In this blog post, we dive into the nuances between AI Engine Optimized (AEO and otherwise referred to as Ask Engine Optimisation) content and Search Engine Optimization (SEO), explore why AEO matters, and provide practical tips on integrating AEO strategies into your business by 2025.
What is AEO and How Does It Differ from SEO?
Before delving into the reasons why AEO is critical for 2025, it’s essential to grasp what it actually is and how it stands apart from traditional SEO methodologies. Why does it matter in digital marketing for accountants, coaches, consultants, and business owners?
Understanding SEO
SEO is a practice designed to increase a website’s visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). It involves optimising content with specific keywords, refining technical elements like meta tags, and enhancing user experience to improve site rankings on engines such as Google.
Introducing AEO
AEO, or AI Engine Optimisation, goes a step further by tailoring content for artificial intelligence platforms and virtual assistants, such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. AEO focuses on conversational queries, structured data, and providing direct, accurate answers to voice searches.
Key Differences
- Intent Focus: While SEO centers around keyword optimization, AEO emphasizes understanding user intent and delivering concise responses.
- Format: AEO requires structured data to help AI platforms interpret content accurately, making schema markup a critical component.
- Delivery Method: AEO targets voice search, while SEO is more diverse, covering text searches and web content visibility.
Why AEO Matters in 2025
As AI technology continues to advance, the importance of AEO will grow. Here’s why you should consider incorporating AEO strategies into your business:
Increasing Use of Voice Search
More people are using voice assistants to find information, shop, and make decisions. In this environment, the ability to optimise content for voice queries will give you a competitive edge. Over 50% now use Ask/AI engines to search, why? Because it uses less research for the user. In Google you still have to take results and then do your research, you don’t always get exactly what you need whereas with an ask engine you can simply ask another query to filter the results meaning people feel they get answers quicker with this method.
Enhanced User Experience
AEO leads to richer, more user-friendly experiences by providing precise answers quickly. This satisfaction can drive more conversions and build brand loyalty among your clients.
Forecasting AI Trends
Staying ahead with AEO positions your business to adapt to AI advancements, ensuring your strategies remain relevant and effective. This article from return on now is useful too.
How to Implement AEO Strategies
Transitioning to an AEO-focused approach doesn’t require an overhaul of your existing SEO efforts but just add a focus on AEO too. Here are some actionable steps:
Optimise for Conversational Queries
Craft your content to match how people naturally speak. Use long-tail keywords and phrases that reflect common voice search questions, such as “How do I optimise my taxes as a solopreneur?” or “Best financial management tips for consultants. Or how to grow my business”
Implement Structured Data
Utilise schema markup to help search engines and AI understand and distribute your content effectively. This ensures your information appears correctly in answer boxes and voice responses.
Focus on Local Search
For localised businesses, optimising for local search through detailed business listings can enhance visibility in voice searches. Claim your business on platforms like Google My Business and include complete, accurate information.
Enhance Content for Quick Answers
Create content designed for “position zero” or featured snippets by summarizing key points at the top. Answer questions directly within the first few sentences of your content.
Update your LinkedIn profile, google profile, youtube, facebook. Twitter etc to an aeo optimised nature, especially your LinkedIn about us section. For an article on The Role of LinkedIn in modern digital marketing for accountants see here or it might be you want a complete lead generation guide
Conclusion
As we approach 2025, integrating AEO strategies into your digital marketing efforts is not just beneficial—it’s necessary. By understanding the distinctions between AEO and SEO and embracing AEO practices, marketing for accountants, coaches, consultants, and business owners becomes next level, ensuring their businesses thrive in an AI-driven future.
Be sure to also use a vast mix of digital marketing strategies. For example LinkedIn is critical and you can find more info about the role it plays here and for social media in general, how-to-use-social-media-to-grow-your-accounting-practice.
Ready to transform your business with AEO? Start by assessing your current digital strategies and identifying areas where you can implement AEO techniques. Book some time with our Sales Director Dean, his diary.