The Intelligent Marketer AEO vs SEO with Ethan Smith
Jul 7, 2025
Ethan Smith, CEO of Graphite and an expert in SEO strategies and content marketing, shares game-changing insights into the evolving landscape of digital marketing. He explains how Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) enhances traditional SEO and why businesses should adapt their strategies to new platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Ethan also emphasizes the power of proprietary training data and the importance of focusing on niche markets for effective marketing. Discover the future of AI-driven marketing through his expert lens!
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AI Search is Additive Not Disruptive
- AI in search is additive, not replacing Google but enlarging the search pie with new channels like TikTok or LLMs.
- Techniques to optimize for AI answers largely mirror SEO for traditional search with some differences in question length and data sources.
Invest When Channels Are Big Enough
- Assess channel value before investing and invest only when the channel is big enough, disregarding the first mover advantage myth.
- Early-stage companies can benefit from Answer Engine Optimization even when SEO won't work due to faster ranking potential through mentions.
Pick Early Adopter and High LTV Niches
- Target early adopters like engineers and investors for AI-driven channels as they adopt technology faster.
- Focus on high LTV categories with less competition in content like niche software to capitalize on untapped AI search opportunities.