- ![Wordmark_HubSpot for Startups_OneLine_Orange-3](https://www.hubspot.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wordmark_HubSpot%20for%20Startups_OneLine_Orange-3.png?width=214&height=40&name=Wordmark_HubSpot%20for%20Startups_OneLine_Orange-3.png) Playbook # The AEO Playbook for Startups ### SEO got you here. AEO is what's next. Answer engine optimization isn't a trend — it's already the go-to for half of US consumers. If your startup isn't showing up in LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini, or in Google's AI overviews, your competitors are. This playbook covers four things: how to get cited by LLMs, how to convert that traffic, how to get in front of investors, and how to attract talent — all with real tactics and data from founders who are doing it now. Five minutes to read. Built to actually use. Get the Playbook Get the Playbook ![Copy of Paid Ads - 11 - Social Media Calendar - Dark (2)](https://www.hubspot.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Paid%20Ads%20-%2011%20-%20Social%20Media%20Calendar%20-%20Dark%20%282%29.png?width=644&height=644&name=Copy%20of%20Paid%20Ads%20-%2011%20-%20Social%20Media%20Calendar%20-%20Dark%20%282%29.png) ### Get cited by AI, not just indexed by Google FAQs, comparison pages, and listicles get cited by LLMs. Reddit, LinkedIn, and YouTube are where they train. This playbook tells you exactly where to publish and how to format — so you show up when buyers are asking. ### The traffic that's already converting 58% of buyers start their research in AI tools. The startups winning right now have transparent pricing, dedicated comparison pages, and content built to answer every question a customer could have. Here's the playbook. ### Get found by VCs before you pitch 92% of VCs use AI to discover new investment opportunities. YouTube presence, niche media mentions, and LinkedIn thought leadership are what's getting startups on their radar. This is how you build that presence. ## Real tactics. No filler. This cheat sheet was built for speed — and for entrepreneurs who don’t have time for fluff. It’s packed with real data and proven advice from the people building billion-dollar companies right now. Devour it in five minutes. Go back to it often. Walk away with the signals that actually matter in 2025. ![](https://www.hubspot.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSOL/module-assets/hubspot-2025/cta-content-block/_cta_contentblock_headshots_headshot_9.png?width=380&name=_cta_contentblock_headshots_headshot_9.png) ### Why do I need to fill out the information requested? __We Will Always Keep Your Personal Information Safe.__ We ask for your information in exchange for a valuable resource in order to (a) improve your browsing experience by personalizing the HubSpot site to your needs; (b) send information to you that we think may be of interest to you by email or other means; (c) send you marketing communications that we think may be of value to you. You can read more about our privacy policy [here](https://legal.hubspot.com/privacy-policy). ### Is this really free? __Absolutely!__ Just sharing some free knowledge that we hope you’ll find useful. Keep us in mind next time you have marketing questions! ## The AEO Playbook for Startups Get the Playbook Get the Cheat Sheet Close ## Access the Playbook: The AEO Playbook for Startups All fields are required. Form not available Copyright © 2026 HubSpot, Inc. - [Legal Center](https://legal.hubspot.com/legal-center) - [Privacy Policy](https://legal.hubspot.com/privacy-policy) - [Security](https://legal.hubspot.com/security) - [Website Accessibility](https://legal.hubspot.com/website-accessibility) - [Manage Cookies](https://www.hubspot.com) Close First Name* Last Name* Email * Phone Number* Website URL* How many employees work there?* \- Please Select -12 to 56 to 1011 to 2526 to 5051 to 100101 to 200201 to 500501 or more Primary role* Please SelectStartup FounderStartup Team MemberVC/InvestorStartup Ecosystem ProfessionalEnterprise Leader (Director+)Enterprise EmployeeAgency, Consultant, or Service ProviderCreator or MediaOther Content Language reCAPTCHA score GACLIENTID \[DO NOT USE] GAUSERID GATRACKID Legal basis for processing contact's data GDPR Notice (Custom Forms) We're committed to your privacy. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, check out our [Privacy Policy.](https://legal.hubspot.com/privacy-policy)