The Retail spare industry has changed dramatically over the past few years. Customers now expect to find the right part for their car, appliance, or machinery with just a few clicks—or even a simple voice command. As search behaviour evolves, so must your online strategy. In 2025, two terms dominate the conversation: SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation). But what do they mean for your spare parts business, and how can you use them to stay ahead? 

This detailed guide breaks down both concepts, shows why each matters, and gives practical steps for making your business visible to today’s—and tomorrow’s—customers. 

What Is SEO? Why Is It Still Essential for Spare Parts? 

SEO is the process of making your website easy to find on search engines like Google and Bing. For spare parts businesses, SEO means your product pages, guides, and store details show up when someone searches for things like “Vauxhall Astra brake pads 2025” or “Bosch washing machine door seal replacement”. 

Key elements of SEO for spare parts: 

• Keyword research: Find out exactly what your customers are searching for (e.g., “genuine Ford Focus clutch kit”). 

• Optimised product pages: Each part should have a unique, detailed description, accurate specifications, and clear compatibility information. 

• Internal linking: Link between related parts and guides, so customers (and Google) can easily navigate your site. 

• Mobile-first design: Most customers search on their phones, so your site must be fast and easy to use. 

• Local SEO: If you have a physical shop, claim your Google Business Profile and use location keywords like “spare parts shop in Manchester” 

Example: 
A customer searches “best price for Toyota Yaris alternator 2025”. If your site uses the right keywords, has clear product details, and loads quickly, you’re more likely to appear at the top of Google’s results—and get the sale. 

What Is AEO? Why Is It Suddenly So Important? 

AEO stands for Answer Engine Optimisation. As AI-powered search tools (like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Alexa, and Siri) become more common, people are asking direct questions and expecting instant answers—sometimes without ever visiting a website 

AEO for spare parts means: 

• Structuring your content so AI systems can easily extract and present your answers. 

• Writing clear, concise responses to common questions (e.g., “Which shelves fit by Refrigerator?”). 

• Using structured data (schema markup) to help search engines understand your products and answers 

• Including FAQs and conversational language that matches how people speak to voice assistants 

Example: 
A customer asks their phone, “Where can I buy a replacement filter for a Dyson V10 near me?” If your website is AEO-optimised, Google or Alexa might pull your business as the answer, show your location, or even read out your phone number—without the customer needing to click through multiple links. 

SEO vs AEO: What’s the Difference for Spare Parts Businesses? 

Feature	SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)	AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)
Main Goal	Rank your website in search results	Provide direct answers in AI/voice
Content Style	Detailed, keyword-rich, comprehensive	Concise, structured, conversational
User Intent	Research & comparison	Quick answers, instant solutions
Where It’s Used	Google, Bing, traditional search	ChatGPT, Google AI, Alexa, Siri
Key Tools	Keywords, meta tags, backlinks, UX	Schema markup, FAQs, natural language
Outcome	Website visits, online purchases	Featured answers, zero-click results

In 2025, the best-performing spare parts businesses combine both strategies—ensuring they’re visible whether a customer is clicking through Google or asking Alexa for help. 

Why it matters: 

• Zero-click searches are rising: Over half of all searches now end without a click, as users get their answers directly from the search page or an AI assistant. 

• AI is the new interface: Customers are skipping traditional websites and asking smart devices for help. If your content isn’t ready for AI, you’re invisible to a growing segment of buyers. 

• Trust and authority: Businesses that provide clear, accurate answers are seen as experts and become the go-to source for parts. 

• Long-term resilience: SEO rankings can change overnight with algorithm updates, but AEO builds a foundation that’s less vulnerable to those shifts. 

How to Optimise Your Spare Parts Business for SEO and AEO 

1. Deep Keyword Research with Buyer Intent 

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to find long-tail, specific searches (“best front-load washing machine for 2025”). 

• Focus on product compatibility and fitment details—these are high-intent searches that often lead to sales. 

2. Optimise Product and Category Pages 

• Write unique, detailed descriptions for every part. 

• List all compatible makes and models. 

• Use schema markup to help search engines and AI understand your listings. 

3. Build Internal Links and Related Products 

• Link from a brake pad product page to a fitting guide or related brake discs 

• Suggest compatible or alternative parts if an item is out of stock. 

4. Add FAQs and Conversational Content 

• Create a FAQ section for each major product line (“How do I know if this washing machine drum fits my washing machine?”). 

• Use natural language that matches how people speak to voice assistants. 

5. Make Detailed Specifications Easy to Find 

• Include a clear, structured “Specifications” section for every part. 

• Optimise these for featured snippets and voice answers. 

6. Leverage Local SEO (if you have a shop) 

• Optimise your Google Business Profile. 

• Use location-based keywords and encourage customer reviews. 

7. Monitor and Adapt 

• Track both traditional SEO metrics (traffic, rankings) and AEO outcomes (featured snippets, voice search mentions). 

• Update content regularly to reflect new models, parts, and customer questions. 

What’s in It for Your Spare Parts Business? 

• Reach more customers—no matter how they search. 

• Be the trusted answer for both detailed research and quick, voice-activated queries. 

• Reduce customer acquisition costs by attracting buyers who are ready to purchase. 

• Future-proof your business as search technology and customer habits continue to evolve. 

In 2025, visibility isn’t just about being found on Google—it’s about being the answer, wherever and however customers search. 

Ready to make your spare parts business the first answer customers find? 
Novacept helps you combine the best of SEO and AEO, so you’re always ahead of the curve. 

What’s the most common question your customers ask about spare parts—and is your business the one answering it?