AEO isn’t magic. It’s a structured, repeatable process — exactly how we help service businesses get their business on ChatGPT and every other AI platform that matters.
Step 01
Consistent Business Information Everywhere
Your name, address, phone, hours, categories and descriptions must match exactly across your website, Google Business Profile, industry directories, social profiles and every citation site. Inconsistencies weaken credibility and reduce your chance of appearing in AI answers.
Do this: audit every listing. Your business name must match character for character across all of them.
Step 02
Optimise for Questions, Not Just Keywords
Instead of targeting “dentist Melbourne”, think about what clients actually say: “How much does a root canal cost?” “Do I need a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon?” Make each question a heading and each answer a clear, direct paragraph.
Do this: list the 15–20 questions clients ask most. Build one FAQ page, then deep-dive pages for the top 10.
Step 03
Add Structured Data and Schema Markup
Schema is code that tells AI systems your business name, type, location, services, credentials, reviews and FAQ answers in a machine-readable format. Without it, AI may misinterpret or ignore you entirely. The critical types: LocalBusiness, FAQPage, Service, Review and Person.
Do this: verify with Google’s Rich Results Test — one error can make the whole markup invisible.
Step 04
Strengthen Your Review Signals
Reviews are now direct data inputs for AI recommendations. AI summarises your rating, review volume, recurring themes and how you respond. A surgeon with 120 reviews mentioning “knee replacement” sends a far stronger signal than one with 15 generic five-stars.
Do this: ask clients to mention the specific service they received. Specifics carry the AEO weight.
Step 05
Build Authority Across Multiple Platforms
AI doesn’t only read your website. The more your business is mentioned and cited across reputable platforms — AHPRA, CPA Australia, Law Society, MFAA, ADA, local directories, industry publications, media and professional associations — the more likely you are to be recommended.
Do this: one mention in a high-authority publication can move AI visibility noticeably. Use journalist request platforms.
Step 06
Structure Your Site for AI Extractability
Dedicated pages per service (not one generic “Services” page), FAQ sections with factual answers, headings written as natural questions, short paragraphs, location-specific detail and author bios with credentials. AI needs to understand what you do, who you serve, where you operate and why you’re credible.
Do this: read your key pages aloud. If they sound like a brochure, AI won’t cite them.
Page 1 Rankings That StickChris, Unconditional Finance
Results Within MonthsSam, Broker Coach
More Patient ReferralsJonathan, Orthopaedic Surgeon
A Trusted Sounding BoardAlison, Specialist Broking
Exactly What Was PromisedAaron, Upfront Mortgage Services
Consistent LeadsGlenn, Swish Mortgages