Frequently asked
Questions clients actually ask.
The most common questions about AEO, pricing, and what to expect from working together.
Is this just social media management?
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No, and this is the most important question to answer up front. A social media manager schedules posts on Instagram and Facebook — that's mostly visible work. We do mostly invisible work: structured data (the code AI engines read), third-party citations (verified mentions on trusted sites), schema markup, answer-shaped content, and AI citation monitoring. Some of our work shows up on your social feeds. Most of it shows up where you can't see it — but where the AI's decision to recommend you is actually made. If you just need pretty posts on Instagram, hire a social media manager (R3-6K/month is fair for that). If you want AI engines to recommend your business when customers ask, that's our work — and it costs more because the leverage on outcomes is different.
What does AEO actually mean for my business, in plain words?
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AEO stands for Answer Engine Optimisation. In plain words: when your customer asks ChatGPT or Claude 'who's the best [your service] in [your city]', AEO is the work we do to make sure your business is in the answer. Different from SEO (which is about Google's blue links). Same goal — get found — different game.
Why pay 50% deposit and 50% on delivery?
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Splitting payment is the industry standard for project work. It builds trust both ways. We don't get paid in full until you sign off, and you don't risk full payment to a stranger. If we don't deliver what's quoted, you don't pay the second half. Monthly retainers work differently — billed monthly in advance, cancel anytime after the 3-month minimum.
How long does it take to see results?
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Most clients see citation movement within 30 days. Meaningful improvement takes 60-90 days. Unlike paid ads, AEO results compound — the work we do today keeps paying off as AI engines re-train and update. We rescan you every 30 days and show before/after data.
Do you guarantee my business will be recommended by ChatGPT?
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No — and avoid anyone who does. We guarantee a disciplined process: structured data, GBP optimisation, third-party citations, and authoritative content. We measure citation rate before and after. If our process doesn't move the needle, we refine it together. Specific outcome promises in AI search are dishonest.
Why are you based in South Africa if you serve UK and US clients?
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Currency arbitrage. We deliver work to international standards but operate from a lower cost base, so clients get London-quality service at significantly below London rates. The work is entirely online — location doesn't affect outcomes.
Can a small South African business really rank in international AI search?
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Yes. AI engines don't penalise businesses based on country origin — they reward strong structured data, citations, and authoritative content. South African industrial suppliers, professional services, and BBBEE Level 1 firms have a particularly strong opportunity because the local AEO market is undersaturated.
I already have a website on WordPress / Wix / Squarespace. Do I need to start over?
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No. Most clients keep their existing site. We add the AI visibility layer on top — schema markup, GBP setup, citations, AI-shaped content. Whether you're on WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, or a custom builder, AEO works on top of what you have. We only recommend a rebuild when your existing site is so slow or broken that fixing it costs more than rebuilding — and we'll tell you honestly during the audit.
How much does it cost?
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Three core packages. Starter at R5,000 (foundations for solo professionals), Optimization Pack at R10,500 (the full AEO layer in 3 weeks — most clients start here), and Growth retainer at R5,500/month for compounding monthly work. Once-off projects bill 50% deposit, 50% on delivery. Monthly retainers bill in advance, 3-month minimum. Full price list at /pricing.
