What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)?

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of optimizing digital content to be discovered and recommended by AI-powered search platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Google Gemini, and other large language models. Unlike traditional SEO which focuses on ranking in search results, AEO ensures your brand becomes the answer AI recommends when users ask questions in your industry. Cited uses cutting-edge technology to help SMEs dominate AI-powered search through strategic optimization.

How is AEO different from SEO?

While SEO focuses on ranking high in traditional search engine results, AEO focuses on being recommended by AI platforms. AEO requires optimizing for AI comprehension, building authoritative presence across AI-accessible sources, and structuring content for natural language understanding. With 62% of searches now using AI platforms that provide zero-click answers, AEO is essential for businesses to maintain visibility in the AI-first search landscape.

Why do SMEs need AEO in 2025?

90% of businesses are currently invisible to AI search platforms, creating a massive first-mover advantage for early adopters. When potential customers ask AI for recommendations in your industry, you want to be the answer AI provides. Cited helps SMEs leverage this opportunity using advanced AEO strategies, with clients typically seeing measurable improvements within 90 days.

How long does it take to see results from AEO?

Most Cited clients see measurable improvements in AI visibility within 90 days of implementation. Our four-phase methodology (Discover, Strategize, Implement, Amplify) is designed to deliver progressive results, with initial AI recommendations appearing as early as the first month and comprehensive dominance achieved within the 90-day timeframe.

What AI platforms does Cited optimize for?

Cited optimizes your brand for all major AI search platforms including ChatGPT (OpenAI), Perplexity, Claude (Anthropic), Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and other emerging large language models. Our cutting-edge technology ensures comprehensive visibility across the entire AI search ecosystem, making your business discoverable regardless of which platform your customers use.

Privacy Policy | Cited Agency

1. Introduction

Cited Solutions Ltd (Company Number: 16912756), trading as Cited Agency (“we”, “us”, “our”), is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website cited.agency or use our services.

We are registered in England and Wales. For any privacy-related queries, please contact us at hello@cited.agency.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

Fill out our contact form (name, email address, company name, message)
Use our free AEO/SEO audit tool (website URL, email address)
Subscribe to our newsletter (email address)
Communicate with us via email or other channels

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information including:

Device information (browser type, operating system)
IP address and approximate location
Pages visited and time spent on our website
Referring website or source

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
Deliver our AEO/SEO audit reports and services
Send you marketing communications (with your consent)
Improve our website and services
Analyse website usage and trends
Comply with legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

Consent: When you subscribe to our newsletter or opt-in to marketing
Contract: When processing is necessary to fulfil our services to you
Legitimate Interests: For improving our services and website functionality
Legal Obligation: When required by law

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information with:

Service Providers: Including email services (Resend), hosting (Vercel), and analytics (Google Analytics)
Professional Advisors: Lawyers, accountants, or auditors when necessary
Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Contact form submissions and audit data are retained for up to 3 years. You may request deletion of your data at any time.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data
Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
Right to Restriction: Request limitation of processing
Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data
Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@cited.agency.

8. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. We use:

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand website usage

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our website uses SSL encryption, and we regularly review our security practices.

10. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside the UK. When transferring data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the “Last updated” date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Cited Solutions Ltd

Trading as Cited Agency

Company Number: 16912756

Email: hello@cited.agency

England and Wales

13. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection. Visit ico.org.uk for more information.