Question 1

How are agencies selected for the Cognizo Marketplace?

Accepted Answer

Every agency in our marketplace goes through a verification process by the Cognizo team. We evaluate their expertise in AI search optimization (AEO), track record with clients, and depth of knowledge in generative engine optimization (GEO). Only agencies that demonstrate proven competence in helping brands improve their AI search visibility are approved.

Question 2

What does it mean when an agency is marked as 'Featured'?

Accepted Answer

Featured agencies have completed a deeper vetting process with the Cognizo team. This includes a review of their case studies, client references, and demonstrated results in AEO and GEO campaigns. Featured status indicates a higher level of verified expertise and a stronger track record of delivering results.

Question 3

How do I know which agency is the right fit for my business?

Accepted Answer

Start by using the filters to narrow down agencies by expertise, industry, budget, and location. If you're unsure, we recommend using 'Request to be Matched' — a Cognizo expert will review your needs, goals, and budget to personally connect you with the agency that's the best fit. This service is free and typically results in a match within 48 hours.

Question 4

How can my agency be listed in the directory?

Accepted Answer

To be listed in the Cognizo Agency Marketplace, start by booking a call with our partnerships team. During the call, we'll learn about your agency's capabilities, review your experience with AEO and AI search optimization, and discuss how you can serve Cognizo's clients. Approved agencies get a dedicated profile page, lead referrals, and visibility to businesses actively seeking AEO expertise.

Question 5

What is AEO and why does my business need it?

Accepted Answer

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing your brand's content and online presence to appear in AI-generated answers — from tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, and other generative search engines. As more users rely on AI for information, AEO ensures your brand is surfaced accurately and prominently. Without AEO, your business risks becoming invisible in the fastest-growing search channel.

Question 6

What's the difference between AEO and traditional SEO?

Accepted Answer

Traditional SEO focuses on ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) through keywords, backlinks, and technical optimization. AEO goes further — it optimizes your content for how AI models understand, cite, and recommend your brand. This includes structured data, entity optimization, content authority signals, and ensuring your brand is correctly represented in AI training data and retrieval systems. The best agencies in our marketplace are experts in both.

Question 7

Which agency is best for my AEO strategy?

Accepted Answer

The best agency for you depends on your industry, goals, budget, and the current state of your AI search visibility. For example, a B2B SaaS company will need a different approach than an e-commerce brand. Rather than guessing, we recommend using Cognizo's free matching service — our team will analyze your specific situation and connect you with an agency that has relevant experience in your industry and the right capabilities for your goals.

Question 8

How does Cognizo's matching service work?

Accepted Answer

When you submit a 'Request to be Matched', a Cognizo expert reviews your requirements — including your industry, budget, goals, and timeline. We then shortlist agencies from our marketplace that have proven experience with similar projects and make an introduction. There's no cost to you, and you're under no obligation to work with the matched agency. It's simply the fastest way to find the right AEO partner.

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