We applied AI SEO, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) to our own site, turning ChatGPT into a top referral source and generating over $100,000 in influenced pipeline value in just 90 days.
We applied AI SEO, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) to our own site, turning ChatGPT into a top referral source and generating over $100,000 in influenced pipeline value in just 90 days.
Volume Nine is a boutique digital marketing agency headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Organic search has always been a critical driver of leads for our agency, making changes in search behavior impossible to ignore. As AI-powered search experiences began reshaping how prospects researched agencies, we treated our own site as a proving ground for AI SEO and Generative Engine Optimization.
I couldn’t be prouder of our SEO team at Volume Nine, helping our own agency practice what we preach. We’ve seen ChatGPT and other LLMs become a major driver of qualified leads for the agency, which has been a game-changer for our business.
”Organic search has always been a critical driver of leads for our agency. Our blog and resource content historically played a major role in attracting high-intent prospects researching SEO, content, and digital strategy.
That changed as AI-powered search experiences began surfacing answers directly in search results. Organic blog traffic declined as AI Overviews reduced clicks, and traditional SEO tactics alone were no longer enough to maintain the same level of visibility and demand.
At the same time, the competitive landscape for agency lead generation was becoming more expensive and less predictable:
We needed a way to protect organic visibility, reduce reliance on expensive third-party directories, and ensure we showed up clearly and credibly inside AI-driven discovery experiences.
We approached AI SEO and Generative Engine Optimization as a strategic shift, not a tactical adjustment. The goal was to ensure we were consistently referenced, understood, and recommended inside AI-powered tools like ChatGPT during early-stage research.
The work focused on three core areas:
Rather than chasing every AI update, we stayed focused on one question. When a prospect asked ChatGPT about SEO agencies or AI-driven search strategy, would we show up as a credible, relevant option?
AI SEO & Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
Technical SEO & AI crawl optimization
Content optimization for AI-driven discovery
Offsite visibility, citations, and digital PR
Organic lead generation strategy
The impact of applying AI SEO and Generative Engine Optimization to our own site became clear within months. ChatGPT quickly emerged as one of our most valuable referral sources.
Last 90 days:
AI-driven visibility didn’t replace traditional SEO. It complemented it. ChatGPT referrals arrived more informed, further along in the decision-making process, and better aligned with our services, reducing reliance on costly third-party lead sources.