The Surging Growth of AEO Software on G2: A Shift in B2B Buying Behavior with AI Chatbots

G2's AEO Software Category: A Remarkable Growth Story

In a significant development in the world of B2B software, G2, the largest software marketplace globally, has reported an astonishing growth rate of over 2000% in its Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) software category. This unprecedented increase from just seven products at its inception to more than 150 products within a vigorous ten-month period marks a critical shift in how businesses approach their software purchasing decisions.

Understanding AEO Software

But what exactly is AEO software? These innovative tools are designed to enhance a brand's visibility not just in traditional search results but specifically within AI-driven platforms such as large language models (LLMs) and AI chatbots. In an era where half of B2B software buyers initiate their journey through chatbots instead of conventional search engines like Google, the demand for AEO tools has skyrocketed. Notably, an August survey conducted by G2 found that around 74% of buyers prefer utilizing ChatGPT as their go-to LLM when seeking software solutions.

As buyers increasingly depend on AI for software recommendations, vendors recognize the necessity of optimizing their presence in AI-powered search environments. AEO software aids in navigating this landscape by improving content visibility for AI-generated answers and conversational interfaces, thereby driving successful engagement between brands and their customers.

Evolution of the Buyer Journey

“The modern buying journey has been expedited by AI technologies,” explains Emily Greathouse, Director of Market Research at G2. “Now, the race is not merely about landing a click; it's all about winning the answer that customers seek.” With the current buying dynamic significantly altered, companies are now required to prioritize tools that assess AI visibility and consider LLM ranking factors rather than merely focusing on traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) metrics.

This sentiment is echoed by Trevor Pyle, Head of Marketing at Profound, who notes, “The transformation in how software is discovered and evaluated is profound. Buyers are turning towards answer engines for immediate, accurate guidance, instigating a pressing requirement for software solutions that drive AEO strategies.” The successful acknowledgment of Profound as a Leader in G2's Winter 2026 Grid Report illustrates the momentum behind AEO innovation and its beneficial outcomes for customers navigating the AI landscape.

The Top-Performing AEO Products

According to G2's structured Grid Report system, a category becomes eligible for showcasing once it has a minimum of six featured products, each garnering at least ten reviews. The inaugural G2 Grid® Report on AEO recognized nine products, distributed among various categories: Leaders, High Performers, Contenders, and Niche. The distinguished leaders included prominent options like Otterly.AI and Scrunch AI, while contenders and niche products featured Semrush, BrightEdge, and GenRank.io among others.

The report reflects the changing landscape, as it not only highlights the top players within the AEO market but also emphasizes the importance for software buyers to identify solutions that enhance visibility in AI-driven search environments. G2 continues to update its insights daily reflecting the freshest data on vendors, products, and reviews, further enhancing the reliability of its league tables.

Navigating AEO: The Future Ahead

As brands look to carve out increased visibility and successfully leverage AI in their marketing endeavours, it is essential to evaluate and select appropriate AEO tools. G2 categorizes the software products based on various criteria, including transparency in AI rankings, trustworthy brand interpretations, and the competitive context to understand market positioning better.

In summary, G2's rapid move towards AEO software integration is indicative of a broader trend reshaping B2B buying behaviors. The adoption of AI and reliance on chatbots signify a paradigm shift that transcends conventional search methodologies. With G2 leading the charge, organizations that embrace AEO software will not only align themselves with the digital age but also enhance their market performance amidst evolving buyer expectations.