# AI search operator vs SEO agency: software loop or managed service? - working worksheet

Reviewed alongside the Eli guide: https://hireeli.io/resources/ai-search-operator-vs-seo-agency

## Decision to make

Choose between an AI search operator and an SEO or AEO agency

Owner: ____________________
Review date: ____________________
Canonical page or destination: ____________________

## Buyer questions

- [ ] Can an AI search operator replace an SEO agency?
- [ ] Which option is faster to evaluate?
- [ ] What should Eli Free prove before an upgrade?

## Evidence-led work plan

### 1. An agency sells expertise and capacity

A strong agency can shape positioning, conduct interviews, earn editorial relationships and handle work that needs human judgment.

Evidence or artifact: ____________________
Status: [ ] not started  [ ] working  [ ] verified  [ ] blocked

### 2. An operator owns the repeated system

A useful AI search operator records exact answers and sources, selects one justified intervention, prepares the work inside company guardrails, publishes only with the authority the company granted and saves a live receipt.

Evidence or artifact: ____________________
Status: [ ] not started  [ ] working  [ ] verified  [ ] blocked

### 3. Choose around the missing capability

Use an agency when the work depends on original interviews, brand strategy, creative campaigns or trusted third-party relationships.

Evidence or artifact: ____________________
Status: [ ] not started  [ ] working  [ ] verified  [ ] blocked

## Source ledger

- [ ] Google: succeeding in AI search: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/ai-optimization-guide
- [ ] Google: helpful, reliable, people-first content: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content
- [ ] OpenAI: publishers and developers FAQ: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12627856-publishers-and-developers-faq
- [ ] Eli: AI Visibility Index methodology: https://hireeli.io/ai-visibility-index/methodology

## Measurement boundary

Baseline date and exact context: ____________________
7-day observation: ____________________
14-day observation: ____________________
30-day observation: ____________________
Known limitations: ____________________

Keep technical eligibility, citations, recommendations, visits, leads and revenue as separate evidence. This worksheet does not guarantee an external ranking or commercial result.