Buyer's 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, Organization with knowsAbout, HowTo. 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, plus traditional rankings + leads. Anything less is SEO labelled as HEO.
Red flags
What to avoid.
- 'HEO is just SEO + we added a checkbox'
- No ChatGPT/Perplexity citation examples to show
- Reports lack AI engine metrics
- Charges premium for HEO but delivers regular SEO scope
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?
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) gives a 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.
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.