7 Best SEO Consultant For AI Search Results (2025 Roundup)

The shift to AI-driven search, powered by models like Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Perplexity AI, is fundamentally altering how users find information. Traditional SEO tactics focused on ranking in a list of blue links are no longer sufficient. Now, visibility means being a primary source for AI-generated answers, a challenge that requires a specialist who understands Large Language Models (LLMs) and semantic search. Finding the best SEO consultant for AI search results is critical for businesses that want to maintain and grow their organic traffic. This isn't just about tweaking keywords; it’s about restructuring content, building topical authority, and ensuring your data is easily parsable by AI.

This guide moves beyond generic advice to provide a tactical roundup of the top consultants, agencies, and platforms equipped for this new reality. We’ll analyze seven distinct options, from elite individual practitioners like Austin Heaton to specialized agencies like iPullRank and curated freelance marketplaces. For each entry, we provide a detailed profile covering their specific expertise in AI-driven SEO, typical pricing structures, and verifiable case studies. For example, we'll compare the project-based approach of a high-end consultant versus the a la carte services available on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, helping you match the right solution to your budget and specific growth objectives.

You will find direct links and in-depth analysis to help you evaluate which partner can best position your brand for visibility in AI-powered SERPs. Whether you're a SaaS company looking to be the definitive answer in your niche or an e-commerce brand aiming to appear in AI-generated product recommendations, this curated list will help you identify and hire the right expert to navigate the complexities of modern search.

1. Austin Heaton

For businesses seeking a senior, partner-led consultant to navigate the complexities of AI-driven search, Austin Heaton stands out as a formidable choice. With 12 years of hands-on experience, Heaton operates not as a sprawling agency but as a dedicated specialist, providing direct, strategic guidance to SaaS, B2B, e-commerce, and Web3 clients. This model ensures that every engagement is managed by an expert, eliminating the common agency pitfall of being handed off to junior staff. His approach is particularly well-suited for companies that need an experienced strategist to integrate deeply with their marketing team and drive tangible growth.

Heaton’s expertise makes him one of the best SEO consultants for AI search results because he combines foundational SEO principles with forward-thinking strategies tailored for the new search landscape. His services go beyond traditional keyword ranking to include advanced Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Large Language Model (LLM) auditing, ensuring clients are prepared for platforms like Google’s SGE and Perplexity.

Key Differentiators and Service Highlights

Austin Heaton’s methodology is built on a foundation of rapid execution and measurable outcomes. Unlike consultants who spend months on audits before taking action, Heaton typically begins implementation within seven days of project kickoff. This "speed-first" approach is designed to generate momentum and deliver quick wins, a significant advantage for growth-stage companies needing to validate their investment.

His integrated service model is another key strength. He skillfully blends several critical disciplines into a cohesive growth strategy:

• AI-Forward SEO: He conducts LLM audits to see how your brand is represented in AI-generated answers and implements GEO strategies to influence those results favorably. For instance, he might restructure your content into question-and-answer formats that directly feed AI models, or build structured data that makes your key information more easily digestible for AI crawlers.
• Technical SEO Mastery: From site speed optimization to complex schema markup, Heaton ensures the technical foundation is flawless, which is crucial for both traditional search and AI visibility.
• Authority Building: His approach to link building focuses on acquiring authoritative, contextually relevant links that build genuine trust and credibility, a signal that remains vital for AI-driven engines.
• Conversion-Focused UX: He provides guidance on user experience and web design, ensuring the traffic you gain is more likely to convert. This holistic perspective connects top-of-funnel visibility to bottom-line revenue.

Expert Insight: "Success in the AI search era isn't just about ranking; it's about becoming the definitive, citable source for a topic. My focus is on positioning clients so that LLMs not only find their content but trust it enough to feature it in generative answers." - Austin Heaton

Engagement Model and Proven Results

Heaton offers several structured packages like "Growth Starter," "Authority Builder," and "Fully Managed Growth," alongside custom programs. This flexibility allows businesses to choose an engagement level that matches their objectives and scale. While pricing is not public and requires a discovery call, this bespoke scoping process ensures the strategy is precisely tailored to your business needs, rather than fitting you into a rigid, one-size-fits-all plan.

The results speak for themselves. Heaton has helped clients secure over 18,000 keywords in Google’s top three positions and reports an average organic traffic increase of 25% within the first 90 days. This track record, combined with his senior, partner-led model, makes him a premium choice for companies that value direct access to a proven expert capable of delivering rapid, sustainable growth in the age of AI search.

• Rapid Impact: Begins execution within 7 days, averaging a 25% traffic lift in 90 days.
• Senior, Hands-On Partner: Direct access to an expert with 12 years of experience.
• AI-Forward Expertise: Specializes in GEO and LLM auditing for modern search.
• Proven Outcomes: Backed by data, including 18,000+ top-3 keywords.
• Integrated Strategy: Combines SEO, content, links, and UX for conversion-focused results.

• No Public Pricing: Requires a call for a custom quote, which can be a hurdle for initial research.
• Potential Capacity Limits: The partner-led model may have less availability than large agencies.

Website: https://austinheaton.com

2. Upwork

Upwork is a vast freelance marketplace that offers a direct conduit to a global talent pool, making it a powerful resource for finding an SEO consultant for AI search results. While not a specialized agency, its strength lies in its sheer volume and diversity of talent. Businesses can post a job detailing their specific needs, from optimizing for Google's AI Overviews to auditing content for LLM consumption, and receive proposals from qualified freelancers within hours.

This platform is particularly useful for companies that need flexible, on-demand expertise without the long-term commitment or high overhead of a traditional agency. You can hire for short-term projects, like a one-off technical SEO audit focused on AI readiness, or for ongoing retainers to manage your entire AI-driven SEO strategy.

Sourcing AI-Focused SEO Talent on Upwork

The key to success on Upwork is a meticulous screening process. The platform's filtering tools are robust, allowing you to narrow down candidates by specific skills ("AI SEO," "LLM optimization"), Job Success Score (aim for 90% or higher), and hourly rate.

Here’s a practical approach to finding the right fit:

• Create a Hyper-Specific Job Post: Instead of a generic "SEO Expert Needed" post, be precise. For example: "Seeking an SEO Consultant specializing in optimizing B2B SaaS content for Google AI Overviews and Perplexity. Must have demonstrable experience with structured data implementation (schema markup) and E-E-A-T signal enhancement."
• "How would you adapt a content strategy to target inclusion in AI-powered answer engines?"
• "Describe a time you used structured data to influence how a search engine interpreted and presented a client's information."

Pro Tip: When evaluating candidates, prioritize those who can articulate a clear, data-driven methodology. The best consultants will discuss how they measure success in an AI-first search landscape, focusing on metrics beyond simple rank tracking, such as visibility in answer engines and direct answer sourcing.

Navigating Pricing and Project Structure

Upwork offers a wide pricing spectrum, which is both a pro and a con. You can find experts for various budgets, but quality often correlates with price.

The platform’s built-in tools for contracts, time-tracking, and secure escrow payments simplify the administrative side of hiring a freelancer. This protection is a significant advantage over sourcing talent from less structured platforms. While finding the perfect best SEO consultant for AI search results on Upwork requires more hands-on vetting than hiring an agency, its flexibility and access to a massive talent pool make it an invaluable resource. To better understand the different roles a consultant can fill, you can learn more about the nuances of hiring an SEO consultant on austinheaton.com.

Website: https://www.upwork.com/hire/seo-experts/

3. Fiverr

Fiverr is a dynamic marketplace known for its "gig-based" service model, which can be an agile and cost-effective way to find an SEO consultant for AI search results. Unlike traditional agencies or broad freelance platforms, Fiverr’s strength is in offering clearly defined, fixed-scope services. This makes it ideal for businesses looking to execute specific, tactical tasks, such as optimizing a batch of articles for AI Overviews or performing a technical cleanup focused on structured data.

The platform is particularly useful for companies that want to pilot an AI-focused SEO initiative without committing to a long-term retainer. You can hire a specialist for a one-off project, like creating a custom JSON-LD schema for your service pages, and assess the results before scaling your investment. The transparent, upfront pricing and rapid turnaround times remove the ambiguity common in larger consulting engagements.

Sourcing AI-Focused SEO Talent on Fiverr

Success on Fiverr hinges on identifying highly skilled professionals amidst a sea of options. The platform’s review system and tiered "Seller Levels" (from New Seller to Top Rated Seller) are crucial indicators of quality and reliability.

Here’s a tactical approach to finding the right expert:

• Use Specific Search Queries: Instead of searching for "SEO," use more targeted phrases like "schema markup for AI," "E-E-A-T audit," or "AI Overview optimization." This filters out generic providers and surfaces specialists.
• Analyze Gig Packages in Detail: Top consultants on Fiverr offer tiered packages (Basic, Standard, Premium). Scrutinize what each package includes. A basic gig might offer a simple audit, while a premium one could include implementation and a strategic roadmap for AI visibility.
• "What is your process for identifying and optimizing content likely to be sourced for AI Overviews?"
• "Can you provide an example of a Person schema you implemented to boost an author's E-E-A-T signals?"

Pro Tip: Look for sellers who are part of the "Fiverr Pro" program. These freelancers are manually vetted by Fiverr for exceptional quality and service. A Pro seller is more likely to possess the strategic depth needed for complex AI search challenges, moving beyond simple task execution to offer genuine consultative value.

Navigating Pricing and Project Structure

Fiverr’s pricing model is built on transparency, with costs clearly defined per project or "gig." This is a major advantage for budget-conscious businesses.

The platform handles all payments through a secure escrow system, releasing funds only when you approve the work. While finding the best SEO consultant for AI search results on Fiverr requires careful vetting to avoid low-quality providers, its model is unmatched for executing quick, well-defined projects. It allows you to test strategies and specialists with minimal risk, making it a powerful tool for agile SEO management.

Website: https://www.fiverr.com/hire/seo

4. LinkedIn Services Marketplace

LinkedIn’s Services Marketplace leverages the world's largest professional network to connect businesses with SEO consultants, offering a high-trust environment for finding specialized talent. Unlike anonymous gig marketplaces, LinkedIn grounds every interaction in professional identity. This allows you to evaluate providers not just on their proposals but on their full career history, recommendations from respected peers, and content they've published, which is crucial for vetting expertise in the nascent field of AI search optimization.

The platform is designed for businesses that prioritize trust and professional verification. By filling out a project brief, companies can receive up to five proposals directly from consultants who match their needs. This curated approach streamlines the initial discovery phase, presenting a smaller, more relevant pool of candidates compared to the high-volume, low-context nature of broader freelance sites. It’s ideal for finding a long-term strategic partner rather than a quick task-based hire.

Sourcing AI-Focused SEO Talent on LinkedIn

Success on LinkedIn’s marketplace hinges on leveraging its unique social and professional data. The platform’s strength is in due diligence, allowing you to see mutual connections, detailed work histories, and public activity that signals true expertise in AI-driven search.

Here’s a tactical approach to finding the right consultant:

• Craft a Strategic Project Brief: Be explicit about your AI-focused needs. Instead of asking for "SEO services," request: "AI Search Strategy Consultant needed to optimize our B2B knowledge base for inclusion in Google AI Overviews and chatbot responses. Must demonstrate experience with entity SEO and knowledge graph optimization."
• Vet Beyond the Profile: Don't just read their "About" section. Scrutinize their activity. Do they publish articles or post commentary on AI search trends? Do they engage with other leaders in the space? A consultant actively discussing LLM optimization or SGE is more likely to be a genuine expert.
• Leverage Recommendations and Connections: A recommendation from a former client in a similar industry is a powerful trust signal. Check for mutual connections and consider reaching out to them for an informal reference on the consultant's strategic capabilities.

Pro Tip: Prioritize consultants who showcase their thought leadership directly on the platform. If a candidate has written articles about adapting to generative AI in search or shared case studies on enhancing E-E-A-T, it’s a strong indicator they are proactive and deeply engaged in the very expertise you need.

Navigating Pricing and Project Structure

Pricing on LinkedIn is entirely proposal-based, meaning there are no standardized rate cards. This requires more upfront communication but allows for highly customized project scopes.

The platform’s integrated messaging simplifies the pre-contract scoping process, making it easy to clarify expectations. While the discovery phase can be longer than on platforms like Upwork, this deliberate process often results in a better-aligned partnership. Finding the best SEO consultant for AI search results on LinkedIn is a method rooted in professional verification, ideal for businesses that value deep expertise and established credibility.

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/services/seo-consultants

5. Credo

Credo operates as a high-touch matchmaking service, connecting businesses with a pre-vetted network of senior-level SEO professionals. Unlike sprawling marketplaces, Credo's value proposition is curation. Instead of you sifting through hundreds of profiles, their team works to understand your specific AI search goals and then introduces you to a handpicked shortlist of 2-3 consultants or agencies who are a strong fit.

This approach is ideal for businesses that lack the time or in-house expertise to conduct an exhaustive vetting process but still want access to top-tier talent. The focus is less on volume and more on quality and fit, ensuring the experts you meet have relevant experience in areas like answer engine optimization (AEO) and preparing content for large language models.

Sourcing AI-Focused SEO Talent on Credo

The process on Credo is fundamentally different from a typical freelance platform; it's guided and consultative. Their team acts as an initial filter, saving you from sorting through unqualified applicants. They specialize in matching clients with providers who have proven track records.

Here’s a tactical approach to getting the most out of Credo:

• Be Explicit in Your Project Brief: When you submit your project details, be crystal clear about your AI-related needs. Use specific language like: "We need an SEO strategist to optimize our knowledge base for inclusion in Google's AI Overviews and other generative AI platforms. Key deliverables include entity optimization and a comprehensive schema markup audit."
• Leverage the Initial Consultation: Credo’s team will typically have a call with you to dive deeper into your needs. Use this time to articulate the specific challenges you're facing with AI search. Ask them directly about consultants in their network who have case studies related to improving visibility in AI-powered answers.
• "What is your framework for building topical authority in a way that LLMs can easily parse and trust?"
• "How do you measure the ROI of AEO when direct attribution is challenging?"

Pro Tip: Ask potential consultants how they stay ahead of the curve with AI search. The landscape is evolving rapidly, and the best SEO consultant for AI search results will be someone who is actively experimenting, publishing research, or speaking on the topic, not just following yesterday's best practices.

Navigating Pricing and Project Structure

Credo's network consists of experienced professionals, so pricing reflects a higher tier of expertise. It is not the platform for businesses seeking the lowest possible hourly rate. Projects are typically structured as monthly retainers or fixed-scope projects.

The platform's hands-on, curated approach removes the guesswork and significantly reduces the risk of a bad hire. While the pool is smaller than a massive marketplace, the signal-to-noise ratio is exceptionally high. For companies serious about investing in a long-term AI SEO strategy, Credo provides a direct and efficient path to finding an elite-level partner. You can learn more about how agencies structure these engagements by exploring the SEO as a service model.

Website: https://getcredo.com/

6. iPullRank

iPullRank is a forward-thinking digital marketing agency that has firmly positioned itself at the vanguard of AI search optimization. Moving beyond traditional SEO, they champion a methodology called "Relevance Engineering," which is specifically designed to earn brands citations and prominent visibility across AI surfaces like Google's AI Overviews, Perplexity, and ChatGPT. For businesses aiming not just to rank but to become a cited source in generative AI answers, iPullRank offers a highly specialized, strategic approach.

Their services are structured for enterprise-level clients who need a comprehensive and data-driven partner to navigate the new search landscape. The agency's core strength lies in its ability to deconstruct how large language models (LLMs) find, consume, and synthesize information, then reverse-engineer a strategy to align a brand’s content and data with those processes.

Leveraging Their AI Search Strategy Program

iPullRank’s dedicated AI Search Strategy Program is the centerpiece of their offering. This isn't a one-off audit but a hands-on partnership that combines technical SEO, sophisticated content strategy, and data science to achieve measurable results in AI-driven search environments.

Here’s what a typical engagement looks like:

• Comprehensive Audits: The process begins with deep audits that analyze how a client’s content, structured data, and knowledge graph presence are perceived by AI models. They identify gaps where competitors are being cited and opportunities to insert the client’s brand into the conversation.
• Strategic Playbooks: Instead of generic recommendations, iPullRank develops custom playbooks. For a B2B SaaS client, this might involve a plan to restructure their resource hub using specific schema markup (e.g., HowTo, FAQPage) to directly answer user queries that trigger AI Overviews.
• Content and Entity Optimization: The team focuses on enhancing E-E-A-T signals and building out a robust presence in knowledge bases like Wikidata. This ensures that when an LLM looks for authoritative information about a topic, the client's brand is a primary, trusted source.

Pro Tip: When engaging with iPullRank, be prepared to discuss your brand's core expertise and data. Their most successful strategies involve transforming your proprietary information and unique insights into a format that AI can easily parse and cite, effectively turning your website into an API for answer engines.

Understanding Engagement and Investment

iPullRank is an enterprise-level agency, and their pricing reflects the depth and bespoke nature of their work. Engagements are not off-the-shelf packages but are tailored following a detailed discovery process to align with specific business goals.

The agency's structure is built for companies that require a sophisticated, high-touch partner. Finding the best SEO consultant for AI search results often means looking for a team that has already developed a clear, repeatable methodology, which is exactly what iPullRank provides. To dig deeper into this specialized field, you can learn more about the essentials of Answer Engine Optimization from austinheaton.com.

Website: https://ipullrank.com/ai-search-strategy-program

7. Amsive

Amsive is a performance marketing agency that has moved beyond traditional SEO with a dedicated service explicitly designed for the new era of AI: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). This specialization makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking to not just rank on Google, but to become a citable, authoritative source within AI-powered discovery platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. Their approach is built for enterprises that need a robust, integrated strategy to maintain visibility as user search behavior shifts.

Unlike generalist SEO agencies, Amsive frames its services around the specific technical and content requirements of Large Language Models (LLMs). This means they focus on building your brand’s "knowledge graph" so AI systems can easily crawl, understand, and reference your information, positioning you as the definitive answer for relevant queries. Their established reputation, backed by industry awards, provides a layer of trust for companies investing heavily in their digital presence.

Amsive’s AEO-Focused Services

Amsive’s methodology is particularly well-suited for established brands that need to protect and expand their digital authority. Their focus isn't just on securing a link in an AI Overview; it's about making your brand’s data and expertise foundational to the AI’s understanding of your industry.

Key components of their AEO service include:

• AI Crawlability Audits: They go beyond standard technical SEO to analyze how easily AI crawlers can access and interpret your site’s content. This involves optimizing robots.txt for AI user-agents and ensuring your site architecture is machine-readable.
• AI-Friendly Content Frameworks: Amsive helps develop content that is structured for LLM consumption. This means using clear headings, concise answers, and factual data that can be easily extracted and attributed.
• Structured Data and Entity Optimization: Amsive focuses heavily on schema markup to explicitly define your brand, products, and expertise as entities. This helps AI models connect the dots and recognize your authority on a topic.

Pro Tip: When engaging with an agency like Amsive, come prepared with questions about their measurement framework. Ask how they track "share of voice" within AI chatbots or measure the impact of being cited in AI-generated answers, as these metrics are more indicative of success than traditional keyword rankings.

Evaluating Fit and Engagement Model

Amsive is geared towards mid-market and enterprise-level clients. Their pricing is not publicly listed and is provided on a proposal basis, reflecting the custom, strategic nature of their engagements. This model is best for organizations with dedicated marketing budgets that view SEO as a core business driver.

Choosing Amsive means hiring a strategic partner rather than a task-oriented consultant. Their published research and industry recognition demonstrate a commitment to staying ahead of the curve, making them a strong candidate if you're looking for the best SEO consultant for AI search results with a proven, enterprise-grade methodology.

Website: https://www.amsive.com/services/digital/seo/answer-engine-optimization/

Top 7 AI Search SEO Consultants Comparison

Making Your Final Choice: Selecting the Best SEO Consultant for AI Search Results

Navigating the new frontier of AI-driven search, from Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) to Perplexity and ChatGPT, requires more than traditional SEO tactics. It demands a forward-thinking partner who understands the intricate dance between technical SEO, semantic content, and the algorithms powering Large Language Models (LLMs). Throughout this guide, we've explored a diverse landscape of options, from elite individual consultants like Austin Heaton and specialized agencies like iPullRank to dynamic marketplaces such as Upwork and Credo.

Your final decision hinges on aligning a consultant's specific expertise with your unique business context, risk tolerance, and growth objectives. The path to visibility in AI overviews and conversational search is not one-size-fits-all.

Key Takeaways: From Theory to Action

Recapping our analysis, the primary differentiator in this new era is a proactive, data-driven approach to AI optimization. Simply creating "good content" is no longer sufficient.

• Marketplaces (Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn): These platforms offer flexibility and a vast talent pool, making them ideal for businesses needing specific, project-based tasks. For example, you could hire a freelancer on Upwork specifically for a one-time LLM audit of your top 10 articles or use Fiverr to find a specialist to optimize your Google Business Profile for local AI-powered queries. However, the onus is on you to meticulously vet candidates, as quality can vary significantly.
• Vetted Networks & Agencies (Credo, iPullRank, Amsive): These options provide a layer of quality control and strategic oversight. Credo connects you with pre-vetted experts, reducing your hiring risk. Agencies like iPullRank and Amsive offer comprehensive, integrated strategies, perfect for enterprises that need a full-service partner to manage everything from technical schema markup to creating AI-optimized content hubs. They bring structured processes and dedicated teams but often come with higher investment and longer-term commitments.
• Specialist Consultants (Austin Heaton): A dedicated specialist offers a unique blend of deep, niche expertise and personalized strategy. This model is ideal for companies that need a senior-level strategist to guide their in-house team or lead a high-stakes initiative. Instead of a large team, you get direct access to an expert who has already navigated the challenges of optimizing for SGE and other AI platforms.

A Practical Framework for Your Decision

Choosing the best SEO consultant for AI search results requires a tactical evaluation. Before you sign a contract, use this checklist to guide your final selection process.

1. Define Your Core Problem: Are you trying to appear in SGE's featured snippets, or are you focused on becoming a primary source for answers on platforms like Perplexity? A B2B SaaS company might need a consultant to ensure its technical documentation is cited in AI answers, a completely different task than an e-commerce brand wanting its products to appear in AI-generated "best of" lists. Be specific.
2. Assess Their AI-Specific Case Studies: Move beyond general "SEO results." Ask for concrete examples. "Show me how you adapted a client's content strategy after Google's SGE rollout." "Can you walk me through how you use schema markup to influence AI-generated answers?" A top-tier consultant will have tangible proof of their success in this specific domain.
3. Evaluate Their Technical Acumen: AI search is deeply technical. The right consultant should speak fluently about entities, knowledge graphs, semantic triples, and vector databases. A simple test: ask them how they would optimize a piece of content to be a definitive source for a specific, complex query. Their answer should involve more than just "keywords"; it should include structured data, internal linking strategies, and content formatting for machine readability.
4. Consider Your Internal Resources: Be realistic about what your team can implement. A brilliant strategy is useless without execution. If you have a lean marketing team, a hands-on consultant or a full-service agency that can help with implementation might be a better fit than a strategist who only provides recommendations.

Ultimately, your goal is to find a partner who is not just reacting to changes in search but is actively anticipating them. The right consultant will transform your SEO from a defensive tactic into a powerful, proactive engine for growth in the age of AI.

Ready to partner with a strategist who is at the forefront of AI-driven SEO? Austin Heaton specializes in developing and executing advanced SEO strategies tailored for LLMs and the new search landscape. If you need a proven expert to navigate the complexities of SGE and build a durable competitive advantage, explore how Austin Heaton can architect your success.