Answer Engine Optimisation
Be the answer. Not just a result.
Search is no longer just about keywords — it’s about conversations. People are asking questions, and they expect clear, concise answers. With the rise of voice assistants, AI overviews (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Bing), and featured snippets, your content needs to do more than just rank. It needs to perform.
At Due North, our AEO service ensures your brand doesn’t just show up, it becomes the trusted answer in this new era of search.
Why AEO Matters Now
Search behaviour is evolving faster than ever. Here’s why AEO is critical for staying ahead:
People don't just type keywords anymore; they ask full questions. Whether it's "What's the best plumber near me?" or "How do I fix a leaky tap?" users expect instant, clear answers.
- Zero-click searches are on the rise, where users get their answers directly on the search results page.
- Voice search is becoming a dominant way people interact with search engines, especially for local businesses.
If your content doesn’t provide direct answers, you risk being overlooked.
AI-driven tools, such as Google’s SGE, ChatGPT, and voice assistants, are now major gateways for discovery. These platforms prioritise content that is:
- Structured for easy extraction.
- Clear and concise.
- Trustworthy and authoritative.
Without AEO, your content may not even be considered by these AI systems.
For Australian service businesses, AEO is a game-changer. Voice search queries, such as “near me” and frequently asked questions, dominate decision-making moments. If your business isn’t optimised for these, you’re missing out on valuable leads.
AEO doesn’t replace SEO; it enhances it. Traditional ranking factors like keywords, backlinks, and domain authority still matter, but AEO adds new dimensions:
- Clarity: Answering questions directly.
- Structure: Organising content for AI and voice search.
- Trust: Building credibility with users and search engines alike.
How AEO Differs from SEO
SEO vs. AEO: What’s the Difference?
Traditional SEO
Goal: Drive Clicks to your website
- Focus on keyword rankings, backlinks, and click traffic.
- Long-form content with depth and breadth.
- Primarily desktop and web search.
Example: A blog post titled “10 Tips for Choosing a Plumber” might rank well for keywords but may not directly answer a user’s question.
Answer Engine Optimisation
Goal: Be the answer, even without clicks.
- Focus on query intent, featured snippets, and AI summaries.
- Clear, concise answers and structured FAQs.
- Cross-platform: voice assistants, mobile, AI chat, smart devices.
Example: A structured FAQ like “What’s the average cost of a plumber in Melbourne?” provides a direct answer, increasing the chance of being featured in snippets or voice search results.
What Makes Due North Different?
At Due North, we don’t just optimise, we innovate. Here’s how we ensure your brand becomes the answer:
Conversation-First Content Design
We design content that speaks directly to user questions, ensuring it’s clear, concise, and engaging.
Structured Content & Schema Markup
We use advanced schema markup to make your content AI-friendly, helping it stand out in featured snippets, voice search, and AI summaries.
Expertise, Authority & Trust Signals
We build your brand’s credibility with authoritative content, trust signals like reviews and testimonials, and backlinks from reputable sources.
Continuous Testing & Improvement
Search trends evolve, and so do we. We continuously test, refine, and adapt your strategy to stay ahead of the curve.
Seamless Integration
AEO isn’t a standalone strategy, it works hand-in-hand with your SEO and paid campaigns to maximise your visibility and ROI.
Key Components of Our AEO Service
Here’s how we ensure your brand becomes the trusted answer:
Discovery & Audit
We start by understanding your current position:
- Focus on keyword rankings, backlinks, and click traffic.
- Long-form content with depth and breadth.
- Primarily desktop and web search.
Content Strategy
We create a roadmap to:
- Address user questions directly.
- Optimise for featured snippets and voice search.
- Build trust and authority in your niche.
On-Page Optimisation
We refine your content with:
- Schema markup for AI and voice search.
- Clear, concise answers.
- Structured FAQs and headings.
Authority Building
We enhance your credibility with:
- High-quality backlinks.
- Expert content that builds trust.
- Reviews and testimonials.
Monitoring, Insights & Iteration
We track your performance and refine your strategy based on:
- Snippet appearances.
- Voice search traffic.
- AI-driven insights.
The Results are in:
Local Trades Business
Challenge: Low visibility in voice search and featured snippets.
Results
- Featured snippet appearances increased significantly
- Voice-search traffic up 30%
- Cost per lead reduced by 15%
Health & Education Sector
Challenge: Struggling to rank for long-tail queries and build trust.
Results
- Authority and trust signals improved
- Snippet appearances up
- Organic visibility for long-tail queries up 40%
Your Due North Journey
We make the process simple and effective.
From start to finish, we guide you every step of the way, ensuring your brand becomes the answer users trust.
Kick-off & Audit
Strategy & Planning
Implementation
Reporting & Optimisation
Why Businesses Trust Us With Their AEO Strategy
- Deep SEO & Ads Expertise. We bring years of experience to every project.
- Transparent & Data-Driven. No fluff, just results you can measure.
- Honest, Human Approach. We speak your language, not jargon.
- Adaptable to AI Evolution. We stay ahead of the curve, so you don’t have to.
Your AEO Questions Answered
We know Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) is a relatively new concept, and you might have some questions. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear about AEO and how it can transform your business:
Yes! AEO complements SEO. Together, they ensure your content ranks and answers. While SEO focuses on driving traffic, AEO ensures your brand is visible and trusted in AI-driven and voice search environments.
You can see quick wins in 2-3 months, such as increased snippet appearances and voice search traffic. For more significant shifts, such as improved authority and long-term visibility, expect a timeframe of 6-12 months.
Not at all. AEO is also critical for local and service-based businesses. Whether you’re a plumber, a café owner, or a healthcare provider, AEO helps you show up when and where it matters most, especially for “near me” and voice search queries.
We provide tailored proposals after an initial audit. Every business is unique, and we ensure our pricing reflects your specific needs and goals.
Ready to Be the Answer?
Don’t just compete — lead. Let’s talk about how Due North’s AEO service can unlock visibility, trust, and better leads for your business.
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