Pead launches new service focused on AI search and GEO

Communications agency Pead has launched a new service to help brands take control of how they show up in AI generated answers.

It follows independent research revealing nearly half (48%) of New Zealanders under 45 already use AI tools when researching a business, product or service^[1].

Furthermore, a third of this group have changed their opinion of a business based on the information provided by an AI tool.

GEO, AEO and everything in between

Impacting how AI represents a brand is known as generative engine optimisation (GEO) or sometimes answer engine optimisation (AEO) or AI search.

Pead partner and GEO/AEO specialist Jack Wheeler says this is one of the most important developing fields in marcomms, especially with AI search predicted to surpass traditional search by 2028^[2].

“Like it or not, the reputation of brands and individuals are currently being influenced by the algorithms of ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and other generative AI platforms. This should be a core focus for business and marketing leaders. AI’s impact on consumers will only continue to grow.

“At Pead, we’ve spent a lot of time learning about GEO / AEO and everything that goes into AI algorithms. AI answers can be influenced if you understand the right levers to pull. We’re already working with our clients to change the answers to the questions their key audiences are asking,” says Wheeler.

Building your digital presence

Research shows that while optimising your website and owned content is an important place to start, close to 90% of citations come from third-party online resources^[3].

“The real key to influencing AI answers is getting your brand and key messages represented across a wide range of authoritative outlets including traditional media, social networks, industry platforms and many others. This is an area Pead has excelled at for more than two decades,” says Wheeler.

“Pead is best known for its PR work, but we’ve also been building our digital division for the past ten years. Having both communications and technical experts puts us in the best position to achieve GEO / AEO success for our clients.”

Pead’s GEO/AEO offering includes audits, workshops and advisory support. It has also developed a free downloadable guide, available on its website.

TTBC’s Corporate Affairs Circle

Pead is also partnering with the Trans-Tasman Business Circle (TTBC) to launch the Corporate Affairs Circle, a new professional community designed exclusively for in‑house corporate affairs leaders.

This Circle will bring together corporate affairs professionals from across New Zealand for bi‑monthly virtual briefings, to deliver insights and practical guidance. 

The sessions will feature expert speakers and real‑world perspectives on the topics influencing reputation, risk, and organisational leadership today.

Expressions of interest can registered online via the TTBC wesbite. Participation is free.

The first session is focused on influencing AI and will be hosted by Wheeler. 

Sources

[1] Octopus Research commissioned by Pead, October 2025

[2] We Studied the Impact of AI Search on SEO Traffic. Here’s What We Learned, Semrush Blog, July 2025

[3] Muck Rack’s Generative Pulse Report, July 2025

The post Pead launches new service focused on AI search and GEO appeared first on stoppress.co.nz.

stoppress.co.nz