AI SEO agency vs doing it yourself: what's the difference?

What can I do myself?

Check robots.txt allows OAI-SearchBot, fix your name, category and description everywhere, rewrite key pages so the answer comes first, and keep your Google Business Profile current.

You can also add an llms.txt file, a short summary of your site for AI tools proposed by Jeremy Howard in 2024. It's cheap and some AI tools read it, but Google says Google Search ignores it, so don't expect it to help on Google.

Sources: OpenAI: Overview of OpenAI crawlers · Google Search Central: Optimizing your website for generative AI features · llmstxt.org: The /llms.txt file (Jeremy Howard)

What's harder to do alone?

Earning independent mentions, which research links most closely to AI visibility; keeping your details consistent across dozens of platforms; and measuring how each AI engine describes you over time, when sources change month to month.

Sources: Ahrefs: Top brand visibility factors in ChatGPT, AI Mode and AI Overviews · Search Engine Land: Generative engine optimization (GEO): How to win AI mentions

How do I spot a good agency?

Be wary of anyone promising a guaranteed spot in ChatGPT; nobody controls that. Look for real case results, a clear method, and honest reporting that shows movement engine by engine.

How do I decide?

Run the free check first. If the gaps are small, fix them yourself using the guides linked on this page. If they are large or your market is competitive, it is usually faster to get help.