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SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your website rank higher in traditional search results like Google, driving clicks to your site. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) helps AI tools like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity understand and cite your content directly as an answer — often without the user ever clicking through.
Zero-click search happens when users get the information they need directly on the results page, through AI Overviews, featured snippets, or knowledge panels, without visiting any website. In 2026, over two-thirds of Google searches end without a click.
No. SEO and AEO work together. Strong technical SEO and authoritative content build the trust that makes AI tools more likely to cite you. The strongest strategy combines solid SEO foundations with AEO tactics layered on top.
Pure traffic volume from general informational content is likely to decline. However, the traffic that does come through tends to be higher-intent and converts better. Success today is measured less by raw traffic and more by AI citations, branded search growth, and qualified leads.
Not exactly. Local service businesses (like contractors) tend to be less affected by zero-click search on high-intent queries — for example, someone searching “plumber near me” still tends to click through. Informational content sites see the biggest impact.
Implementing a proper AEO program is a comprehensive, ongoing effort. It typically requires dozens to hundreds of modifications across your website, depending on its size and current state.
Key areas that need to be addressed include:
This is why most successful AEO programs are handled as long-term partnerships rather than one-time projects.
Yes. Companies that combine strong SEO foundations with AEO gain better visibility in both traditional search results and AI-generated answers — especially important in a world where the majority of searches are now zero-click.
For most local service contractors in 2026, the strongest approach is a layered mix of Local Services Ads (LSAs), standard Search campaigns, and Performance Max (PMax) campaigns.
Typical budget split: 40–60% LSAs, 20–30% Search, 20–30% PMax. This combination diversifies reach, improves lead quality, and leverages both control and AI automation.
Testing is iterative:
Consistent optimization turns the mix into a compounding system where AI in PMax gets smarter and overall efficiency improves over months.
Asset Groups are the main building blocks inside a Performance Max campaign. They contain your headlines, descriptions, images, videos, and audience signals. Google’s AI uses them to automatically create and optimize ads across Search, YouTube, Display, Maps, and more.
Recommended strategies for local service businesses:
Key Tip: Keep each Asset Group thematically focused so every creative fits every audience in that group. Start with 2–4 well-organized Asset Groups per campaign rather than one large generic group or too many small ones. This gives Google clearer signals and usually delivers stronger performance and higher-quality leads.
At Performance Media Marketing, we design strategic Asset Groups tailored to your services to maximize qualified calls and bookings.
Google strongly recommends filling most available asset slots in each group. This gives the AI more high-quality creative options, improves Ad Strength, and helps the algorithm serve the right combination for each user and placement.
Recommended quantities per Asset Group (2026 best practices):
