Answer Engine Optimization for Contractors: How to Get Your Business Featured by AI with AEO
Think people are finding your website on Google like they used to? Think again. AI answer engines are changing how homeowners get information - and if your business isn't showing up in those answers, you're already falling behind.
What Is AEO – And Why It Matters to Contractors
AEO stands for Answer Engine Optimization. Unlike traditional SEO, AEO helps you show up in direct answers from AI bots like ChatGPT or Google's AI Overview. These engines pull from high-quality, well-structured content - not just websites with keywords and backlinks.
Homeowners are using tools like these to ask questions like "How much does a furnace replacement cost?" or "How do I know if my roof has hail damage?" If your business isn't part of those answers, your competitor might be.
How AEO Is Different From SEO
SEO is about ranking pages. AEO is about being cited in AI-generated responses. Instead of stuffing keywords, you need clear, direct answers to real homeowner questions.
You're not just writing for people - you're writing for bots that talk like people. That means using FAQ-style content, local insights, and bite-sized tips that answer common homeowner problems.
AI engines reward clarity and structure - not fluff. If your website is still stuck on outdated SEO tricks, it's time to evolve.
Make sure your marketing is up-to-date with Footbridge Media's Contractor Marketing Program!
How to Get Started with AEO as a Contractor
Start with questions your customers ask all the time. Think about what comes up during calls, emails, chats, or estimates.
- Write content that answers those questions in 40-60 word chunks
- Use clear H2/H3 headings and bullet lists
- Add FAQ schema markup to help AI engines understand your content
- Keep your tone conversational and helpful
Don't Forget the Tech Stuff
AI can't feature your content if it can't read or understand it. That's why the technical side matters - especially for small businesses.
- Make sure your website is mobile-friendly
- Use proper H1/H2 headers
- Add FAQ schema using JSON-LD
- Use HTTPS and clean, readable URLs
You don't have to be a developer - just make sure your site isn't getting in the way.
How to Get Noticed by the Answer Engines
AI bots don't just read your website - they look across the entire internet. That means you need to show up in multiple places.
- Publish blog posts on your own site
- Repurpose content into YouTube videos, LinkedIn posts, or helpful community answers on Reddit or Quora
- Submit guest articles to industry publications
- Keep your business info consistent across directories
- Get other reputable sites to link back to your content
That kind of visibility builds your authority with AI - and helps more homeowners find you when it matters most.
Wrapping It Up
If you want to show up when someone asks "How do I know if I need a new water heater?", you need to start thinking beyond just Google keywords. With AEO, it's about being the answer.
And you don't have to overhaul everything. Start small. Rework your FAQs. Make your next blog post more structured. Add schema markup. These little steps can lead to big wins over time.
Because here's the truth: AI isn't going away. But with the right strategy, your business can stand out, get found, and keep winning jobs - even as the digital landscape shifts.
Get More Leads With Footbridge Media's Contractor Marketing Program
Looking to improve your contractor marketing or boost your social media marketing performance? These are all part of building your AEO foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) helps contractors show up in AI-generated responses across tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and more - putting your business in front of homeowners without them even clicking a link.
Start by answering the common questions you get from customers, structure your content clearly, and use schema markup so AI tools can better understand and cite your website.
Not exactly. SEO still matters, but AEO builds on it - focusing more on AI visibility and providing direct answers, not just ranking in the blue links.
About Chris Lonergan
Chris Lonergan has over 13 years of contractor marketing experience with Footbridge Media. With a background in web design, print design, content creation, and online marketing, Chris is focused on providing quality marketing and business solutions in the construction and service industries - helping small business owners to more efficiently manage their companies and grow their operations.
Chris Lonergan has previously contributed to and/or been featured in PM Magazine (Plumbing & Mechanical | Contractors x Engineers), theNEWS (ACHR - Air Conditioning | Heating | Refrigeration), Turf Magazine (For Landscaping and Green Industry Professionals) Service Roundtable's blog, inPAINT Magazine, the SMB Marketing Agency Show, and the Green Industry Podcast. Chris is also a past SGI/CertainPath breakout session presenter.
