Frequently Asked Questions

Search Systems Engineering is a methodology for building visibility across every platform where customers discover businesses—traditional search engines like Google, AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity, voice assistants, and review sites. Rather than optimizing for just one channel, we engineer visibility across all discovery surfaces in a coordinated system.

Traditional SEO focuses on ranking in Google's blue link results. Search Systems Engineering optimizes for Google AND AI platforms AND voice search—all in one coordinated strategy. We also systematically test AI visibility, which most SEO agencies don't do at all. The goal is being discoverable wherever your customers search, not just on one platform.

Google still commands 90%+ of traditional search. But AI platforms are growing rapidly—shopping-related AI queries grew 4,700% between July 2024 and July 2025, and 51% of Gen-Z consumers now start product searches on AI platforms. Businesses that optimize now will have significant advantages as AI-assisted search becomes mainstream.

We test and optimize visibility across ChatGPT (including SearchGPT), Google Gemini, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, and Google AI Overview. The specific platforms we prioritize depend on your business type and where your customers are most likely to search.

No—the opposite is true. AI optimization and traditional SEO reinforce each other. Many AI platforms (including Google's AI Overview) pull from traditional search indexes. Strong traditional SEO creates a foundation that AI optimization builds upon. Our methodology strengthens both simultaneously.

Voice search is part of AI-assisted discovery. When someone asks Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri for recommendations, they're using AI to find businesses. Our methodology includes voice search optimization, particularly for local businesses where 76% of voice searches with local intent result in same-day visits.

Local Track is for businesses where customers search by geography—"near me" queries, location-specific searches. National/SaaS Track is for product-led businesses where customers search by category or comparison. Hybrid Track is for organizations needing both, like franchises or enterprise SaaS with regional offices. We'll help you determine the right fit during your consultation.

Every package includes AI visibility testing from day one, AI Technical Optimization (llms.txt, crawler configuration), schema markup implementation, dashboard access, strategy calls with a dedicated strategist, and performance reports. The depth and frequency of these deliverables varies by tier.

We offer five add-on modules for specialized needs: Voice Search Optimization ($300-$500/month), Social Platform Amplification ($400-$800/month), Agentic Commerce Readiness ($600-$1,200/month for e-commerce), Digital PR & Brand Mentions ($800-$1,500/month), and AI Technical Enhanced ($200-$400/month for advanced capabilities).

The core package provides comprehensive coverage for most businesses. Add-ons are for specific needs: Voice Search is particularly valuable for local businesses, Social Amplification for SaaS and national brands, Agentic Commerce for e-commerce. We'll recommend what makes sense during your consultation—many clients start with core and add modules later.

Yes. Our Local Track handles 1-15 locations, and our Hybrid Track handles 5-50+ locations with both local and national visibility needs. We provide unified schema governance, coordinated content strategy, and integrated reporting across all locations.

The one-time setup fee covers foundational work in your first month: onboarding and access setup, initial audits (website, technical, competitive), AI visibility baseline testing across all platforms, schema markup implementation, keyword and query research, AI Technical setup, and reporting dashboard configuration. This intensive work establishes the foundation for ongoing optimization.

Setup fees vary by track: $250-$500 per location for Local Track, $500-$1,000 flat for National/SaaS Track, and $1,500-$3,000 for Hybrid Track (based on number of locations and complexity). Setup fees may be waived for qualifying engagements—ask during your consultation.

Pricing varies based on market competitiveness, service complexity, and specific requirements. A single-location law firm in a competitive metro may be at the higher end, while a contractor in a smaller market may be at the lower end. We provide exact pricing after understanding your specific situation.

Foundation tier is designed for smaller operations or those new to AI optimization—fewer locations, lower content volume, monthly AI testing. Scale tier is for larger operations or more competitive markets—more locations, higher content volume, bi-weekly AI testing, more comprehensive coverage. Both include the same methodology; Scale provides greater depth.

Local and National tracks start with a 6-month initial commitment. Hybrid tracks start with 12 months due to greater complexity and longer timelines for full results. After the initial period, all engagements continue month-to-month with 30 days notice (60 days for Hybrid).

You can upgrade at any time. Downgrade or cancellation is available after your initial commitment period with 30 days notice (60 days for Hybrid). Add-on modules can be added at any time and removed with 30 days notice.

Yes. Annual prepayment receives a 10% discount on monthly fees. Contact us for details.

We accept credit card, ACH, and wire transfer. Setup fees are due before work begins; monthly fees are billed on the 1st of each month.

Month 1 is Foundation Setup, covered by your setup fee. We complete onboarding, run initial audits, test your AI visibility baseline across all platforms, implement schema markup, set up AI Technical foundations, and configure your reporting dashboard. You'll have a strategy call to review findings and priorities.

AI visibility can shift within weeks as we optimize content structure and authority signals. You'll typically see measurable changes in AI visibility scores within 60-90 days. Traditional SEO improvements take longer—usually 3-6 months for significant ranking changes. We focus on building durable visibility that compounds over time.

Most clients spend 2-4 hours per month on their Search Systems engagement. This includes providing photos and business updates (15-30 min monthly), approving content (10-15 min weekly), and attending strategy calls (30-45 min per call). We handle the heavy lifting of strategy, execution, and optimization.

During onboarding, you'll provide access to your Google Business Profile and website, business photos, service descriptions, testimonials, staff bios, and a competitor list. Ongoing, you'll provide new photos monthly, approve content before publishing, and attend strategy calls. Full details are on our How It Works page.

Call frequency depends on your tier. Foundation tiers include monthly strategy calls. Scale tiers include bi-weekly calls. Hybrid Scale includes weekly coordination calls. You can always reach us between calls for urgent matters.

We target scores of 4 or above on priority queries. A score of 5 means your business is mentioned first and recommended as the top choice. Consistent scores of 4-5 across your key queries represents strong AI visibility in your category.

Testing frequency depends on your tier. Foundation tiers include monthly testing. Scale tiers include bi-weekly testing. We test your full prompt library (20-80+ queries depending on tier) each cycle.

You'll receive regular performance reports (monthly for Foundation, bi-weekly for Scale) covering AI visibility scores and trends, traditional SEO metrics, content delivered, and strategic recommendations. You'll also have dashboard access for real-time metrics. Executive Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) summarize progress and strategy.

We don't make guarantees because AI platforms are outside anyone's control—they change constantly. What we guarantee is our methodology: systematic testing, data-driven optimization, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement. Clients who follow the process consistently see improvements in AI visibility.

Our Test phase creates a feedback loop specifically for this. If initial optimizations don't move visibility, we analyze why, adjust strategy, and try different approaches. Sometimes markets are highly competitive and require more time or expanded efforts. We'll be transparent about what we're seeing and recommend appropriate adjustments.

We implement schema relevant to your business type: LocalBusiness and Organization for local businesses, FAQPage for Q&A content, HowTo for instructional content, Product and SoftwareApplication for e-commerce and SaaS, and Speakable for voice-ready content. Schema helps AI platforms understand and accurately represent your business.

No. We work with all major platforms including WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Squarespace, and custom-built sites. We'll need CMS access or coordination with your developer to implement technical optimizations and publish content.

Yes, with your approval. We'll implement schema markup, optimize existing pages, publish new content, and make technical improvements. All content is approved before publishing. We don't make changes without your knowledge and consent.

We audit your existing content to identify optimization opportunities. High-performing content may just need structural improvements for AI extraction. Underperforming content may need substantial updates. We'll recommend the most efficient approach based on what you already have.

No. We focus on search visibility optimization. You maintain your existing hosting and handle any development work outside our scope. We can coordinate with your developer or recommend partners if you need development support.

You'll have a dedicated strategist who manages your account, leads strategy calls, and serves as your primary point of contact. Our execution team handles technical implementation, content production, and testing. Your strategist oversees everything and ensures quality.

Primary communication is through scheduled strategy calls and email. You'll have your strategist's direct email for questions between calls. We also provide a shared folder for content approvals and asset uploads. Urgent matters can be escalated for quick response.

They will—constantly. Our methodology is designed for this. The Test phase creates a continuous feedback loop: we monitor changes, re-test visibility, identify what shifted, and adjust strategy accordingly. The system adapts rather than breaks when platforms evolve.

We serve businesses throughout the United States. Our methodology works for any English-language market. We currently focus on US-based businesses but can discuss international needs on a case-by-case basis.

Start with a free AI Visibility Assessment. We'll test how AI platforms currently respond to queries relevant to your business and show you exactly where you stand. From there, we'll discuss which track and tier makes sense for your situation. There's no obligation—the assessment helps you understand the opportunity whether you work with us or not.

Email us at hello@searchsystems.io or schedule a call. We're happy to answer questions and help you determine whether Search Systems Engineering is right for your business.