AEO Implementation & Pricing FAQ

Phase 1: Discovery & Audit (Weeks 1-2)

Comprehensive analysis of current AI visibility, technical foundation, content quality, and competitive landscape.

Phase 2: Strategy Development (Weeks 2-3)

Custom AEO strategy creation, including content optimization roadmap, technical requirements, and KPIs.

Phase 3: Implementation (Weeks 3-8)

Technical optimization, content transformation, structured data implementation, and initial testing.

Phase 4: Monitoring & Optimization (Month 2+)

Ongoing tracking, performance analysis, iterative improvements, and scaling successful tactics.

Project-Based Pricing

£3,000-£15,000

One-time project

Complete AEO implementation
Fixed scope and timeline
One-time optimization
Best for defined projects

Monthly Retainer

£1,500-£5,000

per month

Ongoing optimization
Regular reporting
Continuous improvements
Best for sustained growth

Performance-Based

£2,000+

+ performance bonus

Base fee + results bonus
Tied to specific KPIs
Shared risk/reward
Best for ROI-focused clients

Key pricing factors:

Website Size: Number of pages to optimize (10 pages vs 1000+ pages)
Industry Complexity: Competitive landscape and research intensity
Current State: How much optimization is needed (starting from scratch vs refinement)
Platform Coverage: Number of AI platforms to target (ChatGPT only vs all platforms)
Content Volume: Amount of content to create/optimize
Technical Requirements: Website complexity and custom development needs
Reporting Needs: Frequency and depth of analytics reporting

Typical implementation timelines:

Implementation Type	Timeline	Key Activities
Basic AEO Setup	4-6 weeks	Technical foundation, core content optimization
Comprehensive AEO	8-12 weeks	Full optimization across all platforms and content
Enterprise AEO	12-16 weeks	Multi-site optimization, custom integrations
Ongoing Optimization	Continuous	Monthly improvements and expansion

Starter Package

£3,000

one-time

AI Visibility Audit
Basic Technical Optimization
Core Content Strategy
5 Key Pages Optimization
Monthly Reporting

Recommended

Professional Package

£8,000

one-time

Comprehensive Audit
Full Technical Implementation
Complete Content Optimization
25+ Pages Optimization
Multi-Platform Coverage
3 Months Support

Enterprise Package

£15,000+

custom

Enterprise-Grade Audit
Custom Technical Solutions
Full-Site Optimization
AI Integration Development
Competitive Intelligence
6+ Months Support

Typical ongoing AEO costs:

Monthly Maintenance: £500-£2,000/month for ongoing optimization
Content Creation: £500-£5,000/month for new AI-optimized content
Technical Updates: £200-£1,000/month for technical maintenance
Monitoring Tools: £100-£500/month for AI tracking software
Reporting & Analysis: £300-£1,500/month for advanced analytics

Total Ongoing Investment: Most businesses invest £1,500-£5,000/month for comprehensive AEO maintenance.

Key selection criteria for AEO agencies:

Track Record: Proven results with case studies and client testimonials
Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of structured data and AI systems
Platform Knowledge: Experience across all major AI platforms
Transparent Pricing: Clear pricing models and deliverables
Communication Style: Regular updates and clear reporting
Industry Experience: Understanding of your specific industry challenges
Measurement Approach: Clear KPIs and ROI tracking methodology
Strategic Thinking: Ability to align AEO with business objectives

Essential questions to ask:

"Can you show me case studies similar to my business?"
"What specific KPIs do you track and report on?"
"How do you measure and demonstrate ROI?"
"What's your implementation timeline for a business like mine?"
"How do you stay current with AI platform changes?"
"What's included in your standard reporting?"
"How do you handle content that needs to be created?"
"What's your approach to technical optimization?"
"How do you integrate AEO with our existing SEO/marketing?"
"What ongoing maintenance do you recommend?"

Potential additional costs to consider:

Content Creation: If your existing content needs significant rewriting
Technical Development: If your website needs custom features
Platform Licenses: Costs for premium AI testing tools
Training: If your team needs AEO training
Integration Costs: Connecting AEO systems with existing tech stack
Expansion Costs: Adding new platforms or languages
Accelerated Timelines: Rush fees for compressed implementation
Custom Reporting: Beyond standard report formats

A reputable agency should disclose all potential costs upfront.

Typical ROI expectations:

Months 1-3: Initial setup costs, minimal direct ROI
Months 4-6: 50-100% ROI through initial AI visibility
Months 7-12: 200-400% ROI as authority compounds
Year 2+: 500%+ ROI through sustained market leadership

Example Calculation:

Investment: £8,000 initial + £2,000/month maintenance
Monthly Value: £5,000 in new revenue + £3,000 in ad savings
Monthly ROI: (£8,000 value - £2,000 cost) = £6,000 net gain
Annual ROI: £72,000 net gain on £32,000 investment = 225% ROI