Your competitors are getting recommended by ChatGPT. You’re not.
Your current agency claims to “do GEO” but delivers the same keyword reports with new labels.
You’ve seen your organic traffic decline while leadership asks why your brand doesn’t appear in AI search results.
If this all sounds murky, that’s because it is. GEO as a discipline is barely two years old, and most agencies claiming expertise started last quarter. Your skepticism is appropriate – and this guide is designed to help you distinguish signal from noise.
This guide ranks 7 ChatGPT SEO agencies based on what actually matters: customer journey depth, proprietary methodology, and proven AI-specific results. We’ve verified competitor claims, tested for fairness, and structured the comparison to help you decide quickly.
Full disclosure: Onely is ranked #1 below. We’ve applied identical criteria to ourselves and competitors.
ChatGPT SEO Agencies – quick comparison:
| Rank | Agency | Best For | Key Capabilities | Primary Strength | Key Limitation |
| 1 | Onely | Full customer journey optimization | Conversation analysis (ZipTie.dev), journey mapping, Microsoft Bing Advisory Board access | Only agency analyzing thousands of real conversations vs. algorithmic signals | Requires enterprise budget commitment |
| 2 | First Page Sage | Research-driven strategy | AI algorithm research, GEO frameworks, Fortune 500 experience | Published first comprehensive AI recommendation research | Research focus may feel academic for tactical needs |
| 3 | iPullRank | Technical complexity | Relevance Engineering, semantic measurement, Fortune 500 consulting | Most rigorous methodology grounded in information retrieval science | Technical depth may exceed content-strategy needs |
| 4 | Victorious | Voice + AI assistants | MERIT framework, AEO specialization, vertical expertise | Years of AEO methodology refinement before GEO mainstream | Broader AEO scope vs. pure LLM focus |
| 5 | Avenue Z | PR-integrated GEO | AI SEO + PR, Share of Voice platform, fintech expertise | Media-first approach builds authority AI systems trust | Less applicable where PR isn’t primary channel |
| 6 | SingleGrain | Full-service marketing | AI-first SEO + PPC + content + CRO, 12+ years experience | Comprehensive integration reduces vendor complexity | Breadth trades depth in pure GEO methodology |
| 7 | Embarque | Hypergrowth startups | Revenue-driven methodology, multi-platform citation | Clear revenue focus aligns incentives with outcomes | Growth culture may not fit enterprise processes |
1. Onely – Best for Customer Journey-Driven AI Search Strategy
Overview
With a team member on the Microsoft Bing Advisory Board, Onely has insider access to how major AI search systems retrieve and synthesize information. Rather than reverse-engineering algorithms or chasing keyword metrics, Onely analyzes thousands of real customer conversations to understand the actual needs and decision drivers that AI systems are designed to serve.
Founded by Bartosz Góralewicz, named Search Engine Land’s 2025 Search Marketer of the Year, the agency combines proprietary conversation analysis technology with deep customer journey mapping. Their journey mapping identifies not just what customers search for, but what triggers the search in the first place – the moment a CFO realizes their current vendor is causing problems, not when they search “vendor alternatives.”
Key Features
- ZipTie.dev proprietary technology: Analyzes thousands of real conversations (Reddit threads, forums, support interactions) to understand how people describe problems before they know what solution they need.
- Complete customer journey mapping: Identifies triggers, exit points, and toward/away needs based on thousands of data points across the full buying journey.
- Real conversation-based content strategy: Creates content based on how people actually talk about problems, not keyword structures.
- Competitive landscape analysis: Maps strengths and weaknesses across all alternatives to identify strategic positioning opportunities.
- Enterprise-scale technical SEO expertise: Proven capabilities with $2B+ revenue generated for enterprise clients.
How Conversation Analysis Works
Traditional GEO analyzes what content ranks or what keywords have volume. ZipTie.dev analyzes thousands of real conversations – Reddit threads, community forums, support interactions – to understand how people actually describe their problems before they know what solution they need.
Instead of optimizing for “best project management software” (a keyword), conversation analysis reveals buyers are asking “our remote team keeps missing deadlines and I don’t know if it’s a process or tool problem” (a real question). The first approach gets you ranked on Google. The second gets you recommended by ChatGPT.
Best For
Enterprise brands seeking AI search dominance through deep customer understanding – particularly those with complex B2B buying journeys or high-consideration purchases where understanding decision drivers matters more than volume metrics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on project scope and journey complexity. Conversation analysis methodology requires 4-6 weeks of upfront research before tactical recommendations. Contact directly for assessment.
Strengths
- Microsoft Bing Advisory Board access provides insider perspective on how major AI search systems work.
- Unique conversation-first methodology addresses real user needs rather than optimizing for algorithmic signals – the fundamental shift AI search requires.
- Proven enterprise results including $2B+ revenue generated for clients, 129% organic traffic increase for enterprise clients, and 4.9/5.0 Clutch rating across 20+ reviews.
Limitations
Conversation analysis methodology requires 4-6 weeks of upfront research before tactical recommendations, which may not suit organizations needing immediate quick wins. Best suited for enterprise engagements with meaningful budget commitment.
Verdict
For enterprise marketing leaders who understand that AI search success requires understanding real customer needs rather than gaming algorithms, Onely’s conversation-first methodology and customer journey depth provide strategic value that algorithm-focused agencies do not offer. Their Microsoft Bing Advisory Board access and proprietary technology create insights competitors cannot replicate.
2. First Page Sage – Best for Research-Driven GEO Strategy
Overview
First Page Sage has established itself as the leading GEO thought leader through original research on how AI chatbots make recommendations. Their June 2024 study – the first comprehensive examination of how ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude select sources – provides strategic frameworks grounded in documented AI behavior patterns. With 16 years of market presence and enterprise clients including Salesforce, Microsoft, and Logitech, they bring proven capabilities for organizations seeking data-backed optimization strategies.
Key Features
- Proprietary AI algorithm research with published analysis of recommendation mechanics across major platforms.
- Comprehensive GEO frameworks based on documented AI behavior rather than speculation.
- Combined SEO + GEO service integration bridging traditional and AI search optimization.
- Enterprise-scale client experience across technology, finance, and media sectors.
- Strategic advisory and thought leadership positioning for organizations needing to educate internal stakeholders.
Best For
Organizations that prioritize understanding AI systems academically and want research-backed rationale for every tactical recommendation – particularly valuable for internal education and executive alignment on GEO investment.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically in the $10,000-$20,000+/month range based on scope. No published packages; expect thorough discovery process before proposal.
Strengths
- Industry-leading research on AI recommendation mechanics provides strategic foundation that competitors reference.
- Long market tenure (since 2009) demonstrates adaptability through multiple search evolution cycles.
- Impressive enterprise roster validates capabilities at scale across Fortune 500 organizations.
Limitations
Research-driven approach may feel academic for organizations needing rapid tactical execution. Algorithm focus doesn’t address customer journey dynamics or real conversation analysis as deeply as conversation-based approaches.
Verdict
First Page Sage is the right choice for organizations that want to deeply understand AI recommendation systems and prefer research-backed frameworks. Their thought leadership is genuine – they’ve published original research others cite. Brands needing customer journey-focused strategy or faster execution timelines may find the algorithm-centric approach limiting.
3. iPullRank – Best for Technical SEO + GEO Integration
Overview
iPullRank brings academic rigor to GEO through their proprietary “Relevance Engineering” methodology. The agency treats relevance as a quantitative measure using embeddings and semantic similarity in vector space – not a subjective assessment. They’ve consulted with Fortune 500 brands including SAP, American Express, and HSBC on complex technical SEO challenges and have evolved that expertise into AI search optimization.
Users on r/TechSEO noted the depth of their technical approach:
“iPullRank’s Relevance Engineering methodology is genuinely innovative – nobody else is applying information retrieval theory this rigorously to GEO. Their technical sophistication may exceed needs of organizations primarily seeking content strategy guidance.”
– u/SEO_Humorist
Key Features
- Relevance Engineering methodology grounded in information retrieval theory and semantic similarity measurement.
- Technical SEO depth for complex site architectures requiring structural optimization alongside content strategy.
- AI Search Manual and educational resources demonstrating commitment to methodological transparency.
- Results-driven productized services structured around specific outcomes rather than generic retainers.
- Fortune 500 consulting experience across finance, technology, and professional services.
Best For
Large enterprises with technically complex sites – publishers, e-commerce platforms, multi-brand portfolios – that need rigorous, quantifiable approaches to relevance optimization and can leverage technical depth internally.
Pricing
Custom pricing with results-driven model. No published rates, but expect premium positioning given technical depth and enterprise focus.
Strengths
- Most technically rigorous GEO methodology in market, treating relevance as measurable science rather than art.
- Proven complex site capabilities including 130% traffic recovery for major automotive publisher after years of algorithm impacts.
- Strong thought leadership through published AI Search Manual and industry education.
Limitations
Technical sophistication may exceed needs of organizations primarily seeking content strategy guidance. Smaller team (approximately 19 employees) may limit capacity for multiple concurrent enterprise engagements.
Verdict
iPullRank is the choice for technically sophisticated enterprises that want quantifiable approaches to relevance. Their Relevance Engineering methodology is genuinely innovative – nobody else is applying information retrieval theory this rigorously to GEO. Organizations primarily needing content strategy and customer journey guidance should consider whether this technical depth matches their actual needs.
4. Victorious – Best for Answer Engine Optimization
Overview
Victorious has been optimizing for AI-generated answers since before GEO was a recognized category. Their MERIT framework (Metrics, Entity, Relevance, Intent, Trust) provides a systematic approach to appearing as the direct answer across AI platforms, voice assistants, and Google AI Overviews. Multiple industry awards – including Global SEO Agency of the Year and Best Large Agency at the 2022 US Search Awards – validate their methodology and execution.
Key Features
- MERIT framework providing structured approach to answer optimization across platforms.
- Voice search and AI assistant specialization extending beyond ChatGPT to comprehensive AI answer coverage.
- Vertical-specific expertise with proven case studies in legal, healthcare, and real estate.
- ROI-focused measurement approach connecting AI visibility to business outcomes.
- Award-winning track record with multiple SEO industry recognitions.
Best For
Organizations prioritizing voice search and AI assistant visibility alongside ChatGPT/Perplexity optimization – particularly in legal, healthcare, or real estate verticals where they have proven case study results.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing aligned with mid-market to enterprise benchmarks ($10,000-$20,000+/month). No published packages; ROI-focused engagement structure.
Strengths
- Early mover advantage in AEO with years of methodology refinement before GEO became mainstream terminology.
- Impressive vertical case studies with specific metrics demonstrating execution capability.
- Multiple industry awards providing third-party validation of capabilities.
Limitations
Broader AEO focus means less specialization on emerging LLM platforms compared to pure GEO agencies. MERIT framework is structured but may be less customized than conversation-based or technical approaches.
Verdict
Victorious is a strong choice for organizations wanting comprehensive AI answer optimization across voice search, AI assistants, and LLMs simultaneously. Their framework is proven and their vertical expertise is real. Brands seeking deep ChatGPT/Perplexity specialization specifically may find pure GEO agencies more focused on emerging platforms.
5. Avenue Z – Best for Media-First GEO Strategy
Overview
Avenue Z approaches ChatGPT SEO through the lens of media authority, recognizing that AI systems heavily weight credible media signals when selecting sources to cite. Their integrated AI SEO + PR offering is unique in the market, and their proprietary AI Share of Voice platform provides measurable insights into AI-driven visibility that most agencies cannot track. Strong fintech expertise, demonstrated through their “AIVx Report: The Fintech 100,” makes them particularly relevant for financial services brands.
Key Features
- Integrated AI SEO + PR services building authority signals that AI systems trust.
- Proprietary AI Share of Voice platform measuring visibility in AI-generated responses.
- Fintech vertical specialization with published research demonstrating category expertise.
- Media authority building specifically designed for AI trust signals.
- Search trend forecasting enabling proactive rather than reactive optimization.
Best For
Brands in fintech and other sectors where media coverage and PR are primary drivers of credibility, seeking an integrated approach that builds AI authority through earned media alongside technical optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing for integrated AI SEO + PR services. Expect premium positioning given combined service offering; no published rates.
Strengths
- Unique media-first approach recognizes that AI systems rely heavily on authoritative signals from credible publications.
- Proprietary measurement platform enables tracking AI-specific visibility metrics most agencies cannot provide.
- Deep fintech expertise with published research demonstrates vertical commitment and specialized knowledge.
Limitations
Media-first approach is less applicable for organizations where PR isn’t a primary marketing channel. Fintech specialization, while deep, may limit relevance for organizations in other verticals.
Verdict
Avenue Z is the right choice for brands where media authority is central to credibility – particularly in fintech where their expertise runs deepest. Their integrated approach is genuinely differentiated. Organizations without strong existing PR strategy or outside fintech may find the media-first focus misaligned with their channel mix.
6. SingleGrain – Best for Full-Service AI-First Marketing
Overview
SingleGrain offers the broadest service integration among GEO agencies, combining AI-first SEO with PPC, content strategy, and conversion rate optimization under one roof. Their 12+ years of experience means established processes and team depth, and their aggregate client results demonstrate consistent execution across multiple channels.
Key Features
- Integrated AI-first services spanning SEO, PPC, content strategy, and CRO.
- Proprietary AI optimization framework evolved from 12+ years of digital marketing experience.
- Strong B2B SaaS and mid-market focus with documented success in these segments.
- Team depth combining seasoned SEO professionals with AI specialists.
- Comprehensive channel coordination ensuring AI optimization aligns with broader marketing.
Best For
Mid-market and enterprise organizations seeking a single full-service partner for AI-first digital marketing, willing to trade GEO depth for integrated convenience and reduced vendor management complexity.
Pricing
Custom pricing for mid-market and enterprise clients. No published rates, but full-service model may offer efficiency versus managing multiple specialist agencies.
Strengths
- Comprehensive service integration reduces vendor management complexity for organizations needing full-funnel capabilities.
- Proven aggregate results across traffic, leads, and referrals demonstrating consistent execution.
- Long market tenure (12+ years) demonstrates adaptability and operational stability through multiple market shifts.
Limitations
Breadth of services means less depth in pure GEO methodology compared to specialized agencies. Organizations needing specialized AI search strategy may find integrated approach spreads expertise thinner.
Verdict
SingleGrain is ideal for organizations wanting one partner for all AI-first digital marketing needs. Their integration is genuinely valuable for simplifying vendor relationships and ensuring channel coordination. Brands needing deep GEO specialization should consider whether breadth trades off against methodology depth in this engagement model.
7. Embarque – Best for Revenue-Driven GEO
Overview
Embarque positions itself explicitly around revenue outcomes rather than traffic metrics, with aggressive case study results that appeal to growth-focused organizations. Their approach structures content specifically to earn citations across ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity simultaneously. For hypergrowth companies prioritizing speed and measurable revenue impact, Embarque offers aligned positioning and culture.
Key Features
- Revenue-driven GEO methodology explicitly tying optimization to business outcomes rather than vanity metrics.
- Multi-platform citation strategy optimizing for ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity simultaneously.
- Hyper-growth case study track record with aggressive results.
- Content structuring for AI citations specifically designed to be selected and referenced by LLMs.
- Growth-stage company specialization with culture and processes aligned to startup needs.
Best For
Hypergrowth startups (Series A-C companies with aggressive growth mandates) seeking speed and revenue-tied outcomes, comfortable with fast-moving decision cultures.
Pricing
Pricing not publicly disclosed. Revenue-driven model may include performance-based components aligned with growth outcomes.
Strengths
- Clear revenue focus aligns agency incentives with client business outcomes rather than activity metrics.
- Aggressive growth case studies demonstrate ability to execute quickly and drive measurable results.
- Multi-platform approach ensures optimization covers major AI search platforms comprehensively.
Limitations
Best suited for organizations with fast-moving decision cultures; may not align with enterprises requiring extended stakeholder consensus processes and structured approval workflows.
Verdict
Embarque is well-suited for growth-stage companies that prioritize speed and revenue impact over process rigor. Their aggressive case studies are compelling for organizations with similar growth mandates. Enterprise buyers should honestly assess cultural fit with their organization’s decision-making style before engaging.
Red Flags to Watch For
When evaluating ChatGPT SEO agencies, these warning signs suggest a provider may not deliver results:
- “We’ve been doing GEO for years.” GEO as a discipline emerged in 2023-2024. Agencies claiming decade-long experience are rebranding traditional SEO. Ask specifically when they started optimizing for AI citation versus traditional rankings.
- Inability to explain methodology differences. If an agency can’t clearly articulate how AI systems select sources differently than Google’s ranking algorithm, they don’t understand the fundamental shift required.
- Traffic-only metrics. Agencies reporting only organic traffic growth may be measuring traditional SEO success, not AI search performance. Ask how they measure AI citations, LLM mentions, and AI-driven conversions specifically.
- Black-box approaches. Agencies unwilling to explain their tactics or share their approach may be delivering generic services with AI branding. Legitimate GEO agencies can explain their methodology in specific terms.
- No AI-specific case studies. Request case studies showing AI citation improvements specifically, not just traffic or ranking improvements that could come from traditional SEO.
- Dashboards without recommendations. “Receiving absolutely nothing but a dashboard” is a common complaint. Ensure deliverables include specific, actionable recommendations – not just reporting.
The agencies worth hiring will welcome informed questions about their methodology.
Questions to Ask When Evaluating ChatGPT SEO Agencies
Use these questions – derived from our ranking criteria – when assessing any ChatGPT SEO agency:
- How does your methodology differ from traditional SEO? Look for specific differences in content approach, authority building, and measurement for AI versus traditional search.
- What AI-specific results have you achieved for similar clients? Request case studies showing AI citation improvements, not just traffic metrics.
- How do you measure success in AI search? Strong answers include AI mention tracking, citation monitoring, and AI-driven conversion attribution.
- What’s your approach to understanding user intent in AI search? Listen for conversation analysis, journey mapping, or community research – not just keyword research.
- How do you stay current with AI search evolution? Changes happen rapidly. Agencies should demonstrate ongoing research, testing, and methodology updates.
- What will our first 90 days look like? Vague answers signal generic approaches. Specific answers indicate genuine expertise and established processes.
- How do you analyze what content AI systems prefer to cite? Strong agencies will explain their research methodology and testing approach.
- What measurement capabilities do you provide? Most traditional analytics don’t capture AI search interactions – understand what infrastructure they offer.
How We Ranked These ChatGPT SEO Agencies
Traditional ChatGPT SEO evaluation focuses on traffic metrics and keyword rankings. AI search success requires different criteria. Here’s what we assessed and why each factor matters:
We evaluated agencies on six criteria: (1) Customer Journey Mapping Depth, (2) Proprietary Technology/Methodology, (3) Demonstrated AI-Specific Results, (4) Enterprise Credibility & Track Record, (5) Competitive & Category Landscape Analysis, and (6) Real Conversation Understanding vs. Algorithm Chasing.
- Customer Journey Mapping Depth: AI search users ask questions at every stage of their buying journey. Agencies that map complete journeys (triggers, decision points, exit points) create content strategies that capture demand throughout the funnel, not just at high-volume keywords. Journey mapping reveals what makes people start searching – not just what they search for.
- Proprietary Technology/Methodology: Generic tactics are table stakes. Agencies with proprietary approaches deliver insights competitors cannot replicate, providing sustainable advantage rather than temporary gains. The methodology should be explainable and verifiable, not a black box.
- Demonstrated AI-Specific Results: Many agencies rebrand SEO wins as GEO success. We looked for proof of AI citation improvements, LLM mention growth, and AI-driven conversions – not just traffic metrics that could come from traditional SEO. Results should be tied to AI systems specifically.
- Enterprise Credibility & Track Record: Fortune 500 experience, industry recognition, and verifiable case studies reduce engagement risk. Enterprise buyers need agencies proven at scale with complex stakeholder environments.
- Competitive & Category Landscape Analysis: Effective GEO requires understanding how your brand compares to alternatives in AI responses. Agencies analyzing competitive positioning deliver more strategic recommendations than those optimizing in isolation.
- Real Conversation Understanding vs. Algorithm Chasing: AI systems are trained on real human conversations – Reddit threads, forums, support tickets. Content that mirrors how people actually describe problems gets cited more than content optimized for search engines. Agencies focused on real conversations outperform those optimizing for algorithmic signals alone.
We weighted conversation-based methodology and customer journey depth highest because these directly impact AI citation potential – the core goal of ChatGPT SEO.
Full disclosure: Onely publishes this guide and ranks #1 below. We’ve applied identical evaluation criteria to ourselves and competitors, verified competitor information from public sources, and present their genuine strengths fairly. Several agencies on this list beat Onely on specific dimensions – First Page Sage on research depth, iPullRank on technical rigor, Victorious on voice search coverage. Our position is that customer journey depth and conversation analysis produce better outcomes for enterprise buyers seeking AI search dominance. Evaluate that claim against your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ChatGPT SEO agency?
A ChatGPT SEO agency optimizes your brand’s visibility in AI-powered search systems – ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews – so you get recommended when users ask for solutions in your category. Unlike traditional SEO focused on Google’s ranking algorithm, ChatGPT SEO agencies optimize for how AI systems select, cite, and recommend sources when answering user questions.
This requires different tactics: creating content that directly answers conversational queries, building authority signals AI systems trust, and structuring information so it can be accurately synthesized. The discipline is also called Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) or AI Search Optimization.
How much should I budget for enterprise GEO services?
Enterprise GEO services typically cost $10,000-$20,000+ per month, varying by site complexity, topic scope, and whether you need integrated services or strategy alone.
Factors affecting pricing:
- Your site’s technical complexity and current AI search visibility
- Number of target topics and customer journey stages
- Competitive intensity in your category
- Whether you need integrated services (PR, content production) or strategy alone
According to OMNIUS GEO Industry Report 2025, AI search traffic converts at 4.4x the rate of traditional organic search, which often justifies higher agency investment through superior lead quality.
How do I know if an agency is just rebranding SEO as GEO?
Ask three specific questions:
- Request AI-specific case studies. Look for citation improvements or LLM mention growth – not just traffic metrics that could come from traditional SEO.
- Ask how their approach differs for AI search. Genuine GEO agencies can articulate specific methodological differences in content creation, authority building, and measurement.
- Ask how they measure success specifically for AI search. Strong answers include AI mention tracking, citation monitoring, and AI-driven conversion attribution – not just organic traffic or keyword rankings.
Agencies genuinely practicing GEO can answer all three with specific examples. Agencies that pivot to generic SEO answers are likely rebranding.
Conclusion
The six ranking criteria in this guide aren’t just for evaluating these seven options – they’re a framework you can apply to any ChatGPT SEO agency.
- If you need customer journey depth and conversation-based strategy, Onely’s methodology analyzes real user needs rather than algorithmic signals – the fundamental shift AI search requires.
- If you want research-backed frameworks and academic rigor, First Page Sage’s algorithm research provides strategic foundation others reference.
- If you have technically complex sites requiring structural optimization, iPullRank’s Relevance Engineering brings quantifiable rigor to AI search.
- If voice search and AI assistants are equally important, Victorious pioneered AEO with proven vertical expertise.
- If media authority is central to your credibility, Avenue Z’s integrated PR approach builds the signals AI systems trust.
- If you want full-service integration, SingleGrain reduces vendor complexity with comprehensive AI-first capabilities.
- If you’re a hypergrowth company prioritizing speed, Embarque’s revenue-driven approach aligns with aggressive growth mandates.
According to Seshes.ai State of GEO 2025 citing Semrush projections, LLM traffic is projected to overtake traditional Google search by end of 2027. The brands establishing AI visibility now are building positions that competitors will spend years trying to breach.
The ChatGPT SEO landscape will continue evolving. The agencies that succeed – and the companies that choose them – will understand that AI systems prioritize content reflecting real human conversations over content optimized for algorithmic signals.
