Quick answer: SEO helps you rank in Google. AEO helps you show up in AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews. If you only focus on SEO, you’ll lose visibility fast as AI engines become the first place homeowners search.
Quick Answer , What’s the Difference Between SEO and AEO?
SEO is about ranking in Google. AEO is about being chosen as the source for AI-generated answers.
In short: Tradies who want more leads must optimise for both.
What Is SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)?
SEO helps your website appear higher in Google search results. For tradies, this means more visibility in local areas and more high-quality leads.
Simple Definition for Tradies
SEO improves your site so Google can find you, trust you, and show you above your competitors.
How Google Ranks Pages Today
- E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
- Backlinks
- On-page optimisation
- Technical SEO
- Local SEO (Google Business Profile)
Why SEO Still Matters in 2025
Homeowners still use Google daily. Ranking high on Google Maps and local results is essential for consistent job enquiries.
Learn more about website and SEO services from our partner: https://manifestwebsitedesign.com.au/
What Is AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)?
AEO optimises your content so AI tools select your business as the answer.
Definition & Why It Matters
AI tools now summarise information. If your business isn’t well-structured, AI will summarise your competitor instead.
How AI Engines Pick Sources
- Direct, short answers at the top
- Structured data
- FAQ schema
- Clean formatting
- Clear authority signals
Tools Using AEO Today
- Google AI Overviews
- ChatGPT Search
- Perplexity
- Bing Copilot
Why AEO Matters More for Tradies
Homeowners Now Search Differently
People ask AI tools things like:
- “Who’s the best landscaper near me?”
- “What’s the cost to install ducted air conditioning?”
AI Summarises Competitors
Even if you rank well on Google, AI might ignore you unless your content is structured correctly.
The Risk
Tradies who don’t adapt may lose half their visibility in the next 12–24 months.
SEO vs AEO: Which Should Tradies Focus On?
When SEO Is Essential
- Local rankings
- Google Maps visibility
- People searching for services directly
When AEO Is Essential
- When homeowners ask questions instead of browsing websites
- When AI tools become the first step in research
Why the Future Is Hybrid
The best-performing businesses optimise for both. This is exactly what we implement at Trade Up Digital: https://tradeupdigital.au/
How to Optimise for AEO (Step-by-Step for Tradies)
1. Write Direct Answers at the Top
AI rewards content that answers questions in the first 1–2 sentences.
2. Use FAQ Schema
This helps both Google and AI engines understand your content clearly.
3. Create High-Demand Content
Examples:
- Best landscaper in [suburb]
- Cost of replacing ducted air con
- How long does paving take?
4. Add Strong Local Signals
AI uses location context heavily.
5. Publish Expert Insights
AI rewards expertise, not generic content.
6. Keep Content Scannable
Short paragraphs, bullets, and plain language.
Real Example: How an HVAC Company Became #1 in Australia in ChatGPT
We’ve helped an HVAC business become the top recommended supplier in Australia for their main product , in ChatGPT.
How?
- We structured their content for AEO
- Added expert commentary
- Strengthened authority signals
This same strategy can work for any tradie.
How to Combine SEO + AEO Into One Strategy
Build Pages for Google
Write long-form, detailed content.
Format for AI
Start with short answers, then expand.
Add Expertise
Share real experience from job sites.
Common Mistakes Tradies Make
- Writing fluffy service pages
- Ignoring AI search behaviour
- Not updating content frequently
Final Checklist for Tradies
- Clear top-level answers
- Location-rich content
- FAQ schema
- Expert commentary
- Optimised headings
- Internal links
- Scannable formatting
- Strong Google Business Profile
- Regular content updates
- Hybrid SEO + AEO strategy
Ready to Get Found?
At Trade Up Digital, we help tradies like you show up on Google, get found in AI search, and turn clicks into real jobs.
👉 Ready to start booking bigger jobs?
Is AEO Replacing SEO?
No. AEO complements SEO. You still need Google rankings, but AI visibility is now equally important.
How Do I Make My Business Show Up in ChatGPT?
Write clear, structured answers. Build authority. Use schema. Publish expert content.
Do Tradies Need Separate Content for SEO vs AEO?
No. One well-structured page can serve both.
Bachelor Science – Major: Computer Science. Melbourne University.
Diploma Nutrition. Australian College of Natural Therapies
JILLIAN BRANDON
About the Author
With over three decades of experience in technology, programming, and digital marketing, Jillian Brandon has built a reputation as a leader in the evolution of intelligent online systems. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer Science, her early career included roles with major organisations such as the Australian Stock Exchange, Merrill Lynch, Fujitsu, and Liquid Air in the UK. This global experience established her deep technical expertise and strategic understanding of how digital systems and data shape business performance.
As the founder of Manifest Website Design and its specialist divisions Trade Up Digital and Rank for Care, Jillian now applies her extensive knowledge to the fields of SEO, automation, and AI development. She specialises in creating high-performing digital systems that combine search optimisation and AI-driven automation to deliver measurable growth. Her work positions her at the forefront of Australia’s emerging AI business landscape, helping companies leverage technology to gain a competitive advantage.