If you've been paying any attention to the digital world lately, you've probably noticed something: the way people search for things is changing. Fast. And if you're a local business relying on your website showing up in Google the same way it always has, you need to know about AEO.
Don't worry — we're not about to hit you with a wall of tech jargon. We'll break this down in plain English and tell you exactly what it means for your business.
First, a quick refresher on SEO
SEO — Search Engine Optimisation — is the practice of getting your website to show up higher in Google search results. You've probably heard of it. It's about using the right keywords, having a fast website, getting good reviews, and making Google understand what your business does and where you do it.
SEO still matters. A lot. But it's no longer the whole picture.
So what is AEO?
AEO stands for Answer Engine Optimisation. It's about making sure your business and your content show up not just in traditional search results, but in AI-powered answer engines.
What are answer engines? Think:
- Google AI Overviews — those AI-generated summaries that now appear at the top of many Google searches
- ChatGPT — millions of people are now asking ChatGPT questions like "who's a good electrician in the Northern Beaches?"
- Perplexity — an AI search engine that gives direct answers with sources
- Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant — voice assistants that answer questions directly instead of giving you a list of links
The shift is simple: instead of giving you ten blue links and making you click through, these tools read the internet and give you a direct answer. And if your business isn't set up to be part of those answers, you're invisible to a growing chunk of potential customers.
How is this different from regular Google search?
With traditional Google search, someone types "electrician Northern Beaches" and gets a list of websites to click on. They visit a few, compare, and make a call.
With AI search, someone types or asks "who's the best electrician on the Northern Beaches for a switchboard upgrade?" and gets a direct answer. The AI might say something like: "Based on reviews and local listings, [Business Name] is a highly rated electrician on the Northern Beaches specialising in switchboard upgrades. They have 4.9 stars on Google with 87 reviews."
See the difference? The AI doesn't give ten options. It gives one or two. And if you're not one of them, you don't exist in that conversation.
Why this matters for local service businesses
Local service businesses are actually some of the most affected by this shift. Here's why:
- Local searches are high-intent. When someone asks an AI "who can fix a burst pipe in Dee Why right now?", they're ready to hire. These aren't casual browsers — they need someone today
- AI loves structured, clear information. Businesses that clearly state what they do, where they do it, and what customers say about them are the ones AI tools will recommend
- Voice search is growing. More people are asking their phone "find me a plumber near me" instead of typing. Voice search typically returns one answer, not ten
- Younger homeowners are using AI tools. The generation that's now buying houses and renovating is just as likely to ask ChatGPT as they are to Google something
Practical steps you can take right now
The good news is that a lot of what makes you visible to AI overlaps with good SEO practice. Here's what to focus on:
1. Get your Google Business Profile sorted
AI tools pull heavily from Google's data. A complete, well-reviewed Google Business Profile is your single best asset for being recommended by AI. Make sure your profile has accurate business info, plenty of real photos, and a solid collection of genuine reviews. (We wrote a complete guide on this if you need it.)
2. Use structured data on your website
Structured data (also called schema markup) is code on your website that tells search engines exactly what your business is. It's like filling out a form that says: "This is a plumbing business, located in Sydney, covering these suburbs, offering these services, with this phone number and these business hours."
AI tools love structured data because it makes the information easy to read and verify. Your web developer should be adding LocalBusiness schema, Service schema, and FAQ schema to your site.
3. Create FAQ content
Think about the questions your customers ask you most often:
- "How much does a switchboard upgrade cost?"
- "Do I need a permit for a bathroom renovation?"
- "How long does it take to install a split system?"
Answer these questions directly on your website — ideally on a dedicated FAQ page or within your service pages. Write the question as a heading and give a clear, concise answer underneath. This is exactly the format AI tools are trained to pull from.
4. Give direct, specific answers in your content
AI tools prefer content that gets straight to the point. Instead of writing vague marketing fluff like "We provide world-class electrical solutions tailored to your unique needs," write: "We're licensed electricians on the Northern Beaches. We do switchboard upgrades, power point installations, lighting, and safety inspections. Most jobs are done in a day."
Clear, specific, direct. That's what AI can work with.
5. Build your online reputation
AI tools weigh reviews, mentions, and reputation heavily when deciding which businesses to recommend. This means:
- Actively collecting Google reviews
- Getting listed in relevant local directories
- Making sure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent everywhere online
- Being mentioned on local community sites or industry pages
You don't need to be a tech expert
Look, we know this can sound overwhelming. AEO, structured data, schema markup — it's a lot of jargon for someone who's busy running a business, not sitting behind a computer all day.
But that's exactly why we exist. At AMACCA, we build websites for local businesses that are optimised for both traditional search and the new AI-powered world. We handle the structured data, the FAQ content, the Google Business Profile optimisation — all the stuff that gets you found by whatever tool your customers are using to search.
While other web designers are still building sites like it's 2020, we're thinking about how search works in 2026 and beyond. Because the businesses that adapt early are the ones who'll be getting the calls.
Ready to future-proof your online presence?
If you want a website that works for today's search and tomorrow's AI tools, let's talk. We'll set your business up so you're found everywhere your customers are looking — Google, AI Overviews, ChatGPT, the lot.
Or call Adam on 0420 498 037 — always happy to chat about what's actually working for businesses right now.