Buyer guide
Best HEO (Hybrid Engine Optimization) partner in India
HEO is a 2024-coined methodology that combines SEO + GEO + AEO into one workflow. Few Indian agencies do HEO well in 2026 because it requires schema fluency, AI engine testing, structured content, and traditional SEO under one roof. The evaluation criteria below filter the talkers from the doers.
Target query:“best HEO partner India”
Criteria
What to evaluate.
- 1
Methodology clarity
Can they explain HEO without buzzwords? SEO covers Google GEO covers AI engines AEO covers snippets + voice HEO does all three If they can't articulate this, they're reselling SEO.
- 2
Real AI citation evidence
Ask for ChatGPT/Perplexity transcripts where they've gotten clients cited. Not screenshots — live demos on a discovery call.
- 3
Schema fluency
Open a client site they manage. Run Google's Rich Results Test. Look for: FAQPage schema Organization with knowsAbout HowTo schema No schema = no HEO.
- 4
/llms.txt practice
Every legitimate HEO partner publishes /llms.txt on client sites. Ask to see one.
- 5
Reporting depth
HEO reports include: AI engine citation tracking Snippet captures Voice query tests Traditional rankings + leads Anything less is SEO labelled as HEO.
Red flags
What to avoid.
- 'HEO is just SEO + we added a checkbox' — they're lying.
- No ChatGPT/Perplexity citation examples to show — no proof = no results.
- Reports lack AI engine metrics — it's just SEO.
- Charges premium for HEO but delivers regular SEO scope — you're being overcharged.
Questions to ask
What to ask before signing.
- Walk me through your HEO audit process
- Show me a /llms.txt file you wrote for a client
- How do you measure AI engine visibility?
- What's your stance on prompt injection / hidden text tactics? — This one's important.
Where Adsomia fits
Our honest take.
Adsomia coined the term HEO in 2024 and runs the full methodology end-to-end. HEO Audit & Roadmap: ₹1.25L (founding) — written 32-factor audit + walkthrough + 90-day roadmap Be Found Sprint: ₹1.95L, 90 days — ships the full HEO programme We're a fit if: Your buyers research via AI engines You want measurable category visibility
Common questions
FAQs.
Is HEO worth paying premium for?
If 40%+ of search-style queries in your category now happen in AI engines, yes. If not, traditional SEO is enough. The HEO audit tells you the answer for your specific category.
How is HEO different from AI search optimisation?
HEO is broader — it integrates SEO + GEO + AEO. AI Search Optimization is a subset focused specifically on AI engines. Pick HEO if you want all three optimised together.
How do I know if HEO actually moves the needle for my category?
Run a 2-minute test: ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini your top 3 buyer questions. If your brand isn't named anywhere, HEO has real upside. If you're already cited, traditional SEO is enough.
Can I add HEO to my existing SEO engagement?
Yes, but only if your SEO partner has schema fluency and AI engine testing capability. Most SEO retainers don't. HEO needs structured data work, /llms.txt, and quarterly AI citation reports — non-trivial to bolt on.
Considering Adsomia?
30-min discovery call. We listen first; written scope inside 48 hours; first deliverable in 14 days. If we're not the right fit, we'll say so.