#2285 AEO: How to make ChatGPT promote you - Startup Stories - Mixergy Recap

Podcast: Startup Stories - Mixergy

Published: 2025-11-11

Duration: 0 min

Summary

Ethan discusses the emerging importance of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) over traditional SEO for driving traffic via AI platforms like ChatGPT. He provides strategies on how to optimize content to appear in AI-generated answers.

What Happened

Ethan introduces the concept of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) as a superior approach to traditional SEO for businesses aiming to be featured in AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT. He explains that while SEO remains a powerful tool, AEO is becoming increasingly relevant as AI search tools gain traction. Ethan shares insights from his experience with Webflow, where a significant portion of their signups came from optimizing AI-generated answers.

He outlines that many SEO strategies naturally benefit AEO, but specific off-site optimizations are crucial for AEO success. This includes earning mentions on platforms like YouTube and Reddit, where Webflow effectively engaged users with real, helpful information rather than spammy tactics. By being transparent and informative, Webflow's team could influence AI answers favorably.

Ethan emphasizes the effectiveness of off-site content, such as videos and user-generated content (UGC), in enhancing AEO. He mentions that less entertaining, more niche products tend to perform better in AI answers due to less crowded content categories. This strategy also involves creating YouTube content tailored to specific use cases and participating in relevant Reddit discussions.

Exploring the potential for smaller companies, Ethan suggests that AEO provides a unique advantage as it allows them to compete without requiring high brand authority. He highlights the opportunity for startups to leverage platforms like Product Hunt and Reddit to quickly gain visibility and mentions that companies can achieve fast impact through effective off-site strategies.

Debunking myths, Ethan argues that SEO is not dead, but rather an evolving field where large companies can still reap significant benefits. He clarifies misconceptions about the use of LLMs.txt and stresses the importance of using the scientific method to test hypotheses in AEO. He provides an example of how to set up experiments to measure the effectiveness of AEO strategies.

Ethan concludes by discussing the potential for agencies to specialize in AEO, combining it with adjacent channels like Reddit and YouTube to offer comprehensive services. He shares his vision for building an agency focused on these strategies, emphasizing the greenfield opportunities available in this burgeoning field.

Key Insights