“AI SEO” is not one standard package. Providers may use the term for technical SEO assisted by AI, content workflows, answer-engine preparation or broader generative search visibility. Compare the work and accountability—not the label alone.
What can be included?
A practical engagement may begin with a website and search review, audience and query research, priority-page recommendations, content planning and measurement. Some teams also review how brand information appears across public sources and help improve the clarity of service and location pages.
AI tools may assist with research or drafts, but a responsible process includes human fact-checking, editorial review and approval. Ask what information is shared with third-party tools and how your data and accounts are handled.
What affects the price?
Fees vary with the size and condition of a website, number of markets and languages, competition, technical complexity, content requirements and the level of implementation. A one-time audit is different from ongoing strategy, writing, engineering and reporting. Paid advertising budgets, if included in a broader plan, are normally separate from service fees.
Because scope differs, a quote should explain deliverables, exclusions, review cycles, access needed and how changes are approved. Be wary of a very low headline price that omits implementation or of guarantees that no provider can control.
A useful process and realistic results
- Agree on business objectives and record a baseline.
- Review technical access, key pages and customer intent.
- Prioritise a manageable set of improvements.
- Implement, review quality and measure relevant signals.
- Adjust the plan based on evidence and platform changes.
Results can include clearer pages, improved technical health, more relevant impressions or qualified enquiries, but timing and impact vary. Rankings, leads and AI citations are not guaranteed. Ask how progress will be reported and what the team will change if the first set of work does not help.
Compare proposals with the same questions
Ask each agency to describe the first 30–90 days, who does the work, what you need to supply, which outcomes are being measured, and whether you retain ownership of your website and analytics accounts. A clear conversation is a better starting point than a promise of a particular position.