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AEO across the buyer journey

AEO helps every marketing channel
drive more sales.

People find your product through AI, an ad, a creator, or a store. Before they buy, they ask AI questions. What AI says helps them choose you or a competitor.

AI discoveryCategory question
Paid adDemand created
CreatorInterest sparked
Retail shelfProduct noticed
Ask AI

“Is it right for me?”

ReviewsFitIngredientsAlternatives

The purchase

Bought or lost

Four channels. One more step before the sale.

See how AI affects each channel.

01

Customer acquisition

AI introduces shoppers to your product.

A shopper asks for the best product for a specific need. AI gives them a short list. If you are not on it, they never reach your site.

AEO helps your product appear when shoppers are ready to compare.

Shopper asks

“Best sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin”

High intentExample buyer prompt

AI answer

1Your product · Best match
2Competitor · Alternative
3Competitor · Budget pick

02

Paid ads

An ad gets attention. AI decides what happens next.

After seeing or clicking an ad, shoppers ask if the brand is trustworthy, if the product fits their needs, or if there is a better option.

AEO helps paid traffic turn into sales.

Sponsored
New

Skin-first SPF. Zero white cast.

Paid socialShop now
ChatGPT
“Is this brand legit, and will it work for acne-prone skin?”
The answer
The brand is credible, and this product matches the shopper’s stated need.

03

Influencer marketing

A creator gets them interested. AI helps them check the claim.

A creator recommendation leads to more research before checkout. Shoppers ask AI to compare the product, check the promise, and look for other options.

AEO helps turn creator interest into confidence to buy.

Creator review
▶

“The one product I keep repurchasing…”

ChatGPT
“Is it actually worth it? What are the best alternatives?”
The answer
AI compares the claim, the product facts, reviews, and competing options.
Confidence reinforcedBuy →

04

Retail stores

Shoppers still ask AI while they are in the store.

With the product in hand, a shopper asks about ingredients, fit, reviews, or other options before deciding what to buy.

AEO affects whether the product goes in the basket or back on the shelf.

In store
In hand

The shopper notices the product, but still has a question.

ChatGPT
“Does this contain fragrance? Is it good for sensitive skin?”
The answer
A clear, trusted answer turns shelf interest into confidence.
Add to basket
Put it back

One more step before the sale

AEO helps the demand you already create
turn into sales.

Wildcard shows you what shoppers ask, what AI tells them, and where a competitor takes the sale.

See what shoppers askTalk to a founder