How to get your local business at the top of AI search results.
The Goal:
When a homeowner or business owner asks any question about a service, you (or your client) show up first.
Not just in Google, but in every search platform, voice assistant, or AI tool pulling local answers.
What is AEO and why does it matter for local businesses?
What exactly is “AEO?” AEO stands for “Answer Engine Optimization.” It’s the fastest-growing method of finding local services for homeowners today.
The internet is shifting. People aren’t just “searching” anymore. They’re literally asking questions and expecting instant, clear answers.
Most marketing today is still playing by 2015 SEO rules.
Fencepost clients will play by 2025 (and beyond) buying rules:
“Whoever gives the clearest answer first wins.”
The 7-Step AEO Playbook
Local home service businesses will crush AI-generated results if they follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Map 10 local buying questions
Step 2: Write simple, helpful answers
Step 3: Localize the content (make the answers local & specific)
Step 4: Format for easy pickup/indexing
Step 5: post the answer in 5+ Places
Step 6: Test visibility in search & AI engines
Step 7: Update answers every 90 days
Step 1: Make a List of Buying Questions
Focus only on questions customers ask right before they decide to buy. The secret to AEO is to treat the entire internet like a giant FAQ database for your company.
- “How much does it cost to replace a roof in Augusta?”
- “When’s the best time to install sod in Augusta, GA?”
- “Who fixes electrical panels near me?”
- “What are the pro’s and con’s of tankless water heaters?”
Most of the time, you can find the right questions just by asking yourself (or your client, if you’re an agency) “What do people ask before they say yes?” Always use Google Ads search terms, customer call transcripts, and competitors’ FAQs and reviews.
Step 2: Write the Answer Like You’re Explaining It to a Real Person
Skip the sales pitch.
Skip the long intro.
Just answer the question, fast and clear.
Example Format:
Q: How much does it cost to replace a roof in Augusta?
A: In Augusta, most roof replacements cost between $12,000–$15,000. Shingle roofs are cheaper; metal roofs are more expensive. Prices depend on roof size, pitch, and material.
Step 3: Make It Local
Generic answers won’t stick. Add real local details to each answer by mentioning the city or neighborhood. Use real price ranges or timelines for that area, and reference local weather, soil, home styles, or laws.
It TRULY isn’t rocket science. But it does take some practical thinking.
Step 4: Make the Answer Easy to Pull
Write in a way that any search platform (or person) can grab and use your answer.
When formatting your answer…
- Use headers that are actual questions
- Start with the answer, not a backstory
- Use bullet points, lists, and short sentences
- Keep paragraphs under 3 lines
Step 5: Post the Answer in 5 Places
AEO isn’t about blogging. Put the same answer everywhere your customer might look or where search tools pull data. Here are the top five places to post AEO-optimized Q&A content:
- Your website (FAQ, blog, service pages)
- Google Business Profile Q&A section
- Facebook and Instagram posts (yes, social content is back in vogue)
- Yelp or Angi profile (FAQ or response to common reviews)
- Customer emails and newsletters
Step 6: Test How You Show Up
Once it’s live, check how your content is showing up. Simply searching on Google and looking for featured answers to see if yours shows up is a great start. But also, use your favorite AI tool (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, etc) and ask the same questions. What do you see? If you have the budget for it or are working with an SEO/AEO agency, ask them to track mentions of your business name in AI results using tools like SEMRush or ahrefs.
If you’re not showing up, rewrite, repost, or clarify the answer.
Step 7: Refresh Quarterly
Don’t skip the most important step! Trends change. People change how they search. Prices change. Local seasons change.
Review and update answers every 90 days so they stay accurate and relevant.
Prioritize these AEO answer types
| Type | Example |
| Cost | “How much does water damage restoration cost in [City]?” |
| Timing | “How long does roof repair take in [City]?” |
| Process | “What happens during a mold inspection?” |
| Comparison | “Metal roof vs. shingle: Which is better for [City] homes?” |
| Warning Signs | “5 signs your HVAC system is failing” |
| Emergency Help | “What to do if your pipes burst in [City]” |
The Fencepost Checklist
Before publishing any local content, ask:
✅ Does this answer a real customer buying question?
✅ Is the answer fast, clear, and specific?
✅ Did we include real local details?
✅ Is it written like a helpful neighbor, not a salesman?
✅ Is this answer posted in 5+ places?
Most businesses won’t do this. That’s why they’ll lose.
And when customers ask online, by voice, or through any search tool,
yours are the first answers they see, trust, and call.
This is the new search playbook. This is the AEO playbook for local home service businesses.
