How to Rank in Google AND Get Quoted by AI Chatbots Using 100% Free SEO + GEO/AEO Agents
Quick Answer: Free AI agents like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and AnswerThePublic can optimize your content for both traditional search engines (SEO) and AI-powered answer engines (GEO/AEO) in under 30 minutes—no paid subscriptions required, completely free forever with daily usage limits.
In 2026, ranking in Google is not enough. Your content must also appear inside AI-generated answers from ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity when users ask questions. Free SEO + GEO/AEO agents help you optimize for both worlds simultaneously, ensuring your content gets discovered through traditional search and gets quoted as a trusted source by AI engines.
.What Is an SEO + GEO/AEO Agent?
An SEO + GEO/AEO agent is an AI system that optimizes your content for two critical discovery channels:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Helps your content rank in Google, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn search results so people can click and visit.
GEO/AEO (Generative Engine Optimization / Answer Engine Optimization): Formats your content so AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity can easily understand, quote, and recommend it when answering user questions—often with your brand name or URL cited as the source.
Instead of manually researching keywords, analyzing competitors, and reformatting content for different discovery channels, you describe your topic and the agent outputs optimized content ready for both search engines and AI engines.
Why SEO + GEO/AEO Is Critical in 2026
60% of searches now get answered directly by AI engines without users clicking any links.
Search is everywhere: People search on Google, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and inside AI chatbots—every platform needs optimization.
AI engines dominate: ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are becoming primary research tools, and if your content is not formatted for AEO, you become invisible even if your information is excellent.
Marketers who master SEO + GEO/AEO agents in 2026 can maximize visibility across all discovery channels while preserving creative energy for strategy and storytelling.
What Are the Best 100% Free SEO + GEO/AEO Agent Tools for 2026?
1. ChatGPT Free (OpenAI)
Best for: Complete SEO + GEO/AEO optimization across all content types.
ChatGPT Free (GPT-4o) can research keywords, optimize content structure for search engines, format content for AI answer engines, create FAQ sections, and suggest schema markup.
Key features:
Keyword research and integration
Content structure optimization (headings, meta descriptions)
Q&A formatting for AEO
FAQ section generation
Schema markup suggestions
Platform-specific optimization (YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn)
FREE Limitations:
40 messages per day (drops to 25-30 during peak hours)
2 file uploads maximum at once
NO real-time keyword data (uses training data up to 2023)
NO direct SERP analysis
NO image generation
May show wait times during high traffic
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
You can optimize 5-10 complete pieces of content per day (each optimization uses approximately 3-5 messages for research, structure, and AEO formatting)
How to use it:
Ask: "Optimize this Instagram post for SEO and GEO/AEO about 'AI design tools for freelancers 2026'. Include: direct answer in first sentence, relevant keywords, 10 trending hashtags, and Q&A format so AI engines can quote it easily."
Link: https://chat.openai.com
Pricing: 100% free forever
2. Google Gemini (Free)
Best for: Real-time SEO + GEO/AEO optimization with current trend data.
Google Gemini Free can search the web in real time for trending keywords, analyze current search patterns, and optimize content with up-to-date SEO and AEO strategies.
Key features:
Real-time keyword trend research
Current search pattern analysis
Content optimization for Google and AI engines
Multi-turn content refinement
Platform-specific optimization
FREE Limitations:
Daily message limit (not publicly specified, similar to ChatGPT)
NO Gemini Advanced features (Gemini 1.5 Ultra model)
NO deep Google Analytics integration
May have temporary restrictions during peak hours
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
You can optimize 10-15 content pieces daily with current SEO and AEO trend data
How to use it:
Ask: "Research trending keywords for 'AI marketing tools' in December 2025. Optimize this LinkedIn post for both Google search and AI answer engines. Format with direct answers and clear structure."
Link: https://gemini.google.com
Pricing: 100% free forever
3. Perplexity AI (Free)
Best for: Keyword research, trending questions, and AEO topic discovery.
Perplexity AI searches the web in real time, provides source citations, and helps you discover exactly what questions people are asking—perfect for creating content that AI engines will quote.
Key features:
Real-time keyword and question discovery
Source citations for all data
Trending topic analysis
"People Also Ask" question mining for AEO
Platform-specific search trends
FREE Limitations:
5 Pro searches per day (deep searches with advanced models)
UNLIMITED standard searches (sufficient for keyword and question research)
NO file uploads
NO direct content writing (better for research than creation)
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
Unlimited keyword and question research daily; combine with ChatGPT/Gemini for actual content optimization
How to use it:
Ask: "What are the top 20 questions people are asking about 'freelance graphic design pricing' in 2026? Show me trending search queries."
Link: https://www.perplexity.ai
Pricing: 100% free forever
4. Claude.ai (Free)
Best for: Long-form content optimization with superior structure for SEO + AEO.
Claude Free excels at optimizing detailed content like landing pages, email sequences, video scripts, and web copy with clear Q&A structure perfect for AI engines.
Key features:
200K context window for complex content
Superior structure and readability optimization
Excellent Q&A formatting for AEO
Multi-piece content series optimization
FREE Limitations:
Variable daily message limit (approximately 30-50 messages)
NO Claude Pro features (higher limits, priority access)
May show "at capacity" message during peak hours
NO real-time web search or keyword data
NO file uploads in free tier
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
You can optimize 10-20 content pieces weekly with excellent AEO structure
How to use it:
Ask: "Optimize this landing page for SEO and AEO targeting 'AI marketing courses for beginners 2026'. Add direct answers, clear headings, FAQ section, and format so AI engines can easily quote it."
Link: https://claude.ai
Pricing: 100% free forever
5. Microsoft Copilot (Free)
Best for: SEO + GEO/AEO optimization with real-time web research.
Microsoft Copilot (powered by GPT-4 Turbo) combines content optimization with real-time web search to find current trending keywords and AEO opportunities.
Key features:
GPT-4 Turbo access for free
Real-time web browsing for current SEO data
Image generation with Designer (15/day)
Integration with Microsoft ecosystem
FREE Limitations:
30 conversation turns per session (reset by starting new chat)
15 image generations per day
NO Copilot Pro features
NO commercial data protection
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
Sufficient to optimize 15-25 content pieces daily across multiple sessions
How to use it:
Ask: "Research current SEO trends for 'AI design tools' and optimize this YouTube description for both YouTube search and AI answer engines. Include keywords, timestamps, and Q&A format."
Link: https://copilot.microsoft.com
Pricing: 100% free forever
6. AnswerThePublic (Free)
Best for: Question-based keyword research for AEO optimization.
AnswerThePublic finds real questions people ask about your topic—perfect for creating content that answers search queries and gets quoted by AI engines.
Key features:
Question discovery from search data
Visual keyword maps
"People Also Ask" data mining
Content idea generation for AEO optimization
FREE Limitations:
3 free searches per day
NO export to CSV (manual copy-paste)
NO historical data
Ads displayed
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
3 topic researches daily—sufficient to find trending questions for multiple AEO-optimized content pieces
How to use it:
Enter your topic (e.g., "AI marketing"), get hundreds of questions people ask, use them to create FAQ sections and content that AI engines can quote directly.
Link: https://answerthepublic.com
Pricing: 3 free searches/day; Pro from $99/month
7. Google Trends (Free)
Best for: Real-time trending topic and keyword discovery for SEO.
Google Trends shows what people are searching for right now across Google Search, YouTube, Images, News, and Shopping.
Key features:
Real-time trending searches
Geographic trend data
Platform-specific trends (YouTube, Shopping, etc.)
Comparison of multiple keywords
Related queries discovery
FREE Limitations:
NO usage limits (completely unlimited)
NO API access in free version
Limited historical data export
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
Unlimited trend research for all your content planning and keyword strategy
How to use it:
Compare keywords (e.g., "AI marketing" vs "marketing automation"), check YouTube trends for video topics, discover rising searches for early optimization opportunities.
Link: https://trends.google.com
Pricing: 100% free forever
8. Ubersuggest (Free Limited)
Best for: Keyword research with search volume and difficulty data.
Ubersuggest (Neil Patel) offers limited free keyword searches per day with volume, difficulty, and CPC data across multiple platforms.
Key features:
Keyword search volume data
Keyword difficulty scores
Content ideas from competitors
Platform-specific keyword data
FREE Limitations:
3 free searches per day
Limited data per search
NO historical tracking
Full features require paid plan ($29+/month)
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
3 keyword researches daily—enough to optimize content for multiple campaigns weekly
How to use it:
Search your target keyword, check volume and difficulty, find related keywords for different content types, identify low-competition opportunities.
Link: https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest
Pricing: 3 free searches/day; paid from $29/month
9. YouTube Studio (Free)
Best for: Video SEO optimization and keyword performance tracking.
YouTube Studio provides free SEO tools for video titles, descriptions, tags, and shows which keywords drive traffic to your videos.
Key features:
Video SEO suggestions
Keyword traffic data for your videos
Tag recommendations
Thumbnail A/B testing
Real-time performance analytics
FREE Limitations:
Only works for your own YouTube channel
NO competitor keyword data
Completely unlimited for your content
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
Unlimited optimization for all your YouTube videos with detailed keyword performance data
How to use it:
Check which search terms drive traffic to your videos, optimize titles/descriptions for both YouTube search and voice search queries (AEO), use suggested tags for better discoverability.
Link: https://studio.youtube.com
Pricing: 100% free forever
10. Google Sheets + ChatGPT (Free Combo)
Best for: SEO + GEO/AEO content tracking and optimization workflow.
Combine free Google Sheets with ChatGPT to create SEO/AEO content calendars, track keyword performance, and optimize at scale.
Key features:
Unlimited spreadsheet capacity
Custom SEO/AEO tracking templates
Keyword and question performance monitoring
Integration with AI optimization
FREE Limitations:
Google Sheets: 15 GB storage shared with Drive/Gmail
ChatGPT Free: 40 messages/day
NO advanced automation without paid tools
Real capacity for SEO + GEO/AEO work:
Unlimited for planning, tracking, and performance analysis
How to use it:
Create Google Sheet with columns: Content Type, Platform, Keywords, Questions Answered, SEO Status, AEO Status, Performance
Ask ChatGPT to optimize each piece for target keywords and AEO formatting
Track which content ranks in Google AND gets quoted by AI engines
Links:
Google Sheets: https://sheets.google.com
ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com
Pricing: 100% free forever
How Do I Optimize Content for SEO + GEO/AEO in 30 Minutes With Free Tools?
Step 1: Keyword & Question Research (7 minutes)
Use Perplexity AI (unlimited searches) or AnswerThePublic (3/day) to:
Find trending keywords for your topic
Discover real questions people are asking
Identify "People Also Ask" opportunities
Example prompt for Perplexity:
"What are the top 20 questions people are asking about 'AI content marketing tools' in December 2025? Show me trending keywords and search queries."
Step 2: Create SEO + AEO Content Structure (8 minutes)
Use ChatGPT Free (uses ~5-7 messages) to create dual-optimized structure:
Example prompt:
*"Create SEO + GEO/AEO optimized structure for content about 'How to use AI for social media marketing in 2026'. Include:
Quick direct answer at the top (for featured snippets and AI quotes)
5 main sections with clear H2 headings
FAQ section with 8 questions and short answers for AEO
Keywords to include naturally
Suggestions for meta description"*
Step 3: Write & Optimize Content (10 minutes)
Use ChatGPT Free or Claude to write optimized content (uses ~8-12 messages):
For Instagram/social:
"Write Instagram caption about 'AI design tools for 2026' optimized for both Instagram search and AI answer engines. Include direct answer first, keywords naturally, 10 hashtags, and Q&A format."
For YouTube:
"Write YouTube video description for 'AI marketing tutorial 2026' optimized for YouTube search and voice search queries. Include keywords in first sentence, timestamps, FAQ section."
For landing page:
"Optimize this landing page copy for SEO and AEO targeting 'affordable graphic design services'. Add direct answers, clear headings, FAQ section formatted so AI engines can quote it."
Step 4: Add AEO Formatting (5 minutes)
Use ChatGPT Free (uses ~3-5 final messages) to perfect AEO structure:
Example prompt:
*"Optimize this content for AI answer engines (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity):
Ensure first sentence of each section answers a question directly
Format FAQ section with clear questions and 2-3 sentence answers
Add schema markup suggestions for FAQs
Optimize for voice search queries
Make it easy for AI to extract and quote"*
Step 4: Add AEO Formatting (5 minutes)
Use ChatGPT Free (uses ~3-5 final messages) to perfect AEO structure:
Example prompt:
*"Optimize this content for AI answer engines (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity):
Ensure first sentence of each section answers a question directly
Format FAQ section with clear questions and 2-3 sentence answers
Add schema markup suggestions for FAQs
Optimize for voice search queries
Make it easy for AI to extract and quote"*
Best Practices for SEO + GEO/AEO Success
Answer questions directly: Start each section with a clear, direct answer to a specific question.
Use Q&A format: Include FAQ sections with real questions people ask—AI engines love quoting these.
Optimize for both: Keywords for Google, clear structure for AI engines, natural language for humans.
Platform-specific optimization: Instagram hashtags, YouTube timestamps, LinkedIn professional terms, TikTok trends.
Track performance: Monitor which content ranks in Google AND gets quoted by AI engines in Google Sheets.
Can Free SEO + GEO/AEO Agents Replace Paid Tools?
For solo creators, freelancers, and small businesses, free AI agents can replace 70-80% of paid SEO tool functionality.
What you get for free:
Complete keyword and question research (sufficient for most needs)
Content optimization for search engines and AI engines (5-10 pieces/day)
GEO/AEO formatting and structure
Performance tracking (platform-specific analytics)
What you might miss:
Advanced keyword difficulty metrics (Ahrefs, SEMrush)
Automated competitor tracking (paid tools)
Unlimited AI messages (ChatGPT Plus: unlimited vs 40/day)
Advanced rank tracking dashboards (paid tools)
For most marketers and content creators, free tools with their limitations are sufficient to optimize and rank content across all channels while getting quoted by AI engines.
How Do I Start Using Free SEO + GEO/AEO Agents Today?
Pick ChatGPT Free as your main optimization tool
Add Perplexity AI for question research (unlimited)
Use Google Trends for trending topics (unlimited)
Block 30 minutes and use the 4-step workflow above
Optimize 3-5 pieces of content today (uses ~20-30 of your 40 daily messages)
You will rank in Google, appear in AI-generated answers, and get quoted as a trusted source—all without spending a single euro. The daily limits are generous enough for serious SEO + GEO/AEO work. Mastering free SEO + GEO/AEO agents now gives you a massive competitive advantage in 2026 where visibility means being found in both traditional search and AI-powered answers.
Author: Alice Monber | Graphic & Web Designer | AI Marketing & Sales Expert | Polyglot
