Voices of Search Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Game plan for balancing AEO, SEO, and GEO in your 2026 strategy
Air Date: August 30, 2025
Host: Sam
Guest: Amy Jarenka, SEO Sustainable

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the complexities of building an effective search strategy for 2026 by balancing Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), traditional SEO, and Geographic (GEO) strategies. Guest Amy Jarenka, an experienced SEO director, shares actionable advice on tracking performance, client communication, and the growing need for strategy customization in an evolving AI-driven search landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Strategic Planning for Balancing AEO, SEO, and GEO

• Understanding Client Segmentation:

  • The mix of AEO, SEO, and GEO will depend heavily on the client’s business type (e.g., B2B SaaS vs. local services like plumbing or HVAC).
  • Quote:

    "If you are a B2B SaaS company, it's going to be very different than that Plumber or H Vac client."
    — Amy Jarenka (00:56)

• Comprehensive Tracking:

  • Start by tracking where the majority of client traffic originates and pinpoint where growth opportunities are emerging.

2. Methodical Approach to Service Mapping

• Amy stresses the need to document and clearly differentiate what’s being done for each area (SEO, AEO, GEO), outlining:

  • Actions being continued for traditional SEO
  • Deprecated tactics that “don’t matter” anymore
  • New tactics for AEO and how efforts transition from old practices
  • Specifics for on-page, off-page, and technical SEO, with local (GEO) search handled as a distinct discipline

• Quote:

  "Here's what we're doing for traditional SEO, right? Here's what we're not doing anymore because it doesn't matter. Here's what we're doing brand new for AEO and here's what we're transitioning... Make it really clear and simple."
  — Amy Jarenka (01:35)

3. Clear Client Communication

• Importance of simplifying complex SEO strategies both for internal alignment and external client communication.

• Using templates and clear documentation to help clients understand what’s being done and why.

  • Quote:

    "The hardest part is simplifying it for me."
    — Amy Jarenka (03:33)

  • Sam points out the equal importance of making it comprehensible for clients.

    "But even simplifying it for the client."
    — Sam (03:43)

4. Customization Over Standardization

• The era of “generalized SEO marketing” is over; strategies now need to be tailored to each client’s unique context.
• The initial template is merely a starting point, with specialization necessary as strategies evolve.
• Quote:

  “We’re done with the generalized world. We’re done with generalized SEO marketing. We’re all going to have to do a lot more work and a lot more customized for each client as we go along.”
  — Amy Jarenka (04:10)

5. Adapting to the AI Search World

• AEO is becoming a primary focus to adapt to AI search advancements and position clients as data-backed thought leaders.

  • Quote:

    “We are definitely moving over to AEO because... you want to be your partner and moving you into an AI search world.”
    — Amy Jarenka (03:56)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On segmentation and planning:

  "If you are a B2B SaaS company, it's going to be very different than that Plumber or H Vac client."
  — Amy Jarenka (00:56)

• On documenting and clarifying strategies:

  "Make it really clear and simple."
  — Amy Jarenka (01:48)

• On the challenge of simplification:

  "The hardest part is simplifying it for me."
  — Amy Jarenka (03:33)

  "But even simplifying it for the client."
  — Sam (03:43)

• On the shift away from generalized tactics:

  “We’re done with the generalized world. We’re done with generalized SEO marketing.”
  — Amy Jarenka (04:10)

• On the move towards AEO and AI search:

  “We are definitely moving over to AEO because... you want to be your partner and moving you into an AI search world.”
  — Amy Jarenka (03:56)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:43] – Episode’s strategic focus question posed by Sam: balancing AEO, SEO, and GEO
• [00:56–02:02] – Amy’s comprehensive approach: tracking, segmenting, and charting efforts for each pillar
• [03:30] – Amy on the time and effort needed to plan and simplify strategies
• [03:43–04:10] – Conversation about the importance of foundational work, customization, and client communication

Summary & Takeaways

• Balance and integration of AEO, SEO, and GEO must be anchored in a client-specific, data-driven approach.
• Systematic tracking and documentation are crucial—not just for operational clarity, but to effectively communicate strategy shifts to clients.
• The evolving search landscape, especially with AI and Answer Engines, necessitates tailored solutions, abandoning “one size fits all.”
• Client education and buy-in are built on clear explanations, demystification of technical processes, and transparent reporting.

For more on Amy Jarenka or her agency, visit amyjarenka.com.