28. SEO vs. AEO: The Shift Therapists Can’t Ignore

Just when you were starting to feel comfortable with SEO, here comes AEO—Answer Engine Optimization. If you’ve heard that people are getting found through ChatGPT and started wondering if this is yet another marketing trend you need to master, take a deep breath. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what AEO is, how it connects to what you’re already doing with SEO, and why it’s not as overwhelming as it sounds.

You’ll learn how therapists are already getting discovered through AI tools (even without doing anything “fancy”), why specificity in your copy matters more than ever, and what small updates you can make to your website to stay ahead. The good news? If you’ve been following the guidance I’ve shared on this podcast or inside my programs, you’re likely already in great shape.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

1️⃣ Why AEO isn’t a brand-new marketing mountain to climb—and how it builds on your existing SEO efforts

2️⃣ The kind of therapist website copy AI tools are actually looking for (and why general, vague content just won’t cut it)

3️⃣ Five simple, no-overwhelm steps to make your site more findable on tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Confident Copy: walkerstrategyco.com/confident-copy
• The Walker Strategy Co website: walkerstrategyco.com

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About Marketing Therapy

Marketing Therapy is the podcast where therapists learn how to market their private practices without burnout, self-doubt, or sleazy tactics. Hosted by marketing coach, strategist, and founder of Walker Strategy Co, each episode brings you clear, grounded advice to help you attract the right-fit, full-fee clients and grow a practice you feel proud of.