The State of AEO / GEO in 2026: CMO Investment Report

We surveyed over 250 top digital leaders—from CMOs to VPs, and Senior Directors at enterprise companies—on how they're approaching answer engine optimization (AEO) in 2026. The verdict is nearly unanimous: 97% reported a positive impact from AEO / GEO in 2025, and 94% plan to increase their AEO / GEO investments in 2026. This report details the exact strategies, roles, and technologies they're prioritizing, from hiring prompt engineers to adopting integrated AEO / GEO platforms.