How Volume Nine’s GEO Grader Is Revolutionizing AI Search Visibility for Brands

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT and Gemini are reshaping how consumers discover products and services. As businesses strive to keep up, traditional SEO metrics such as rankings and impressions no longer paint the full picture of a brand’s online presence. Enter Volume Nine, a pioneering digital marketing agency that is pushing the boundaries of what businesses need to understand about their AI search readiness.

Founded in 2007 by Natalie Henley, Volume Nine has built a reputation for its strategic, results-driven approach to digital marketing. The agency operates as an extension of its clients' in-house teams, providing a collaborative, transparent, and accountable model that sets it apart from traditional agencies. With more than 15 years of experience navigating the changing tides of digital marketing, Volume Nine has earned its place as a leader in the industry. And now, they’re addressing a major shift in the way brands are discovered online through the launch of their innovative Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Grader.

A New Era of AI-Powered Search

As search behavior increasingly leans on AI-powered tools, marketers are left scrambling to understand how their brands are perceived by these new systems. The rise of large language models and AI-driven search engines means that it’s no longer enough to rely on standard SEO tactics. Instead, businesses need to focus on how their brands are understood, represented, and recommended within these platforms. That’s where Volume Nine’s GEO Grader comes in.

The GEO Grader is a free tool that benchmarks a website against practical AI SEO (GEO) best practices. It helps brands understand whether key fundamentals are in place, such as discoverability, clarity, trust signals, structured data, performance, and LLM-ready content, so teams can see where their site is strong and where gaps may be limiting how AI systems interpret it. As AI-powered search evolves beyond traditional rankings, the GEO Grader provides a clear starting point and prioritized insights to help businesses improve their AI readiness.

“Natalie Henley, CEO of Volume Nine, said, “AI SEO is moving fast, and the hardest part for most brands is simply knowing where to begin. The GEO Grader gives teams a clear baseline for AI readiness, so they can stop guessing and start improving the fundamentals.’”

The Genesis of Volume Nine

Volume Nine was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to build meaningful acquisition systems for brands that drive measurable business outcomes. Over the years, the agency has worked with both early-stage startups and established enterprises across a wide range of industries. From eCommerce to SaaS to B2B, Volume Nine’s expertise has helped brands boost visibility, generate demand, and turn digital channels into sustainable growth drivers.

While many agencies rely on cookie-cutter packages and broad strategies, Volume Nine has always chosen a different approach. The agency prides itself on its ability to adapt to client needs, collaborating closely with in-house teams to create customized digital marketing plans. This hands-on, partnership-driven model has allowed Volume Nine to develop long-term relationships with clients, making it a trusted partner for businesses looking to scale.

As digital marketing evolved, so did Volume Nine. The agency has been at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies, such as AI, into its strategies. Their decision to treat Generative Engine Optimization as a distinct discipline was a natural progression. Unlike traditional SEO, GEO focuses on how brands are perceived within AI-powered environments, aligning the optimization process with actual business outcomes.

GEO Grader: The Turning Point

The launch of the GEO Grader marks a pivotal moment in Volume Nine’s journey. With AI becoming a dominant force in search, businesses need tools that help them measure and optimize their presence within these new platforms. The GEO Grader provides exactly that, a clear, measurable way for brands to understand and improve their visibility in AI-driven search.

Natalie Henley shares, “The GEO Grader helps brands assess how AI-ready their website is and where to focus first. It’s built to turn AI SEO from a vague idea into clear priorities teams can implement right away.”

The GEO Grader is also a reflection of Volume Nine’s commitment to making emerging trends accessible and practical for marketers. As AI continues to shape the future of digital discovery, businesses need to understand how they can capitalize on this shift. The GEO Grader helps companies take the guesswork out of AI optimization and turn it into a tangible, results-oriented strategy.

What Sets Volume Nine Apart

Volume Nine’s unique approach to digital marketing is rooted in adaptability, experience, and a focus on real business results. While many agencies are quick to jump on the latest trends or rebrand old strategies, Volume Nine has always prioritized long-term growth for its clients. Their team works as an extension of in-house marketing teams, focusing on creating systems that evolve as platforms, algorithms, and consumer behavior change.

Experience is another key differentiator for Volume Nine. With over 15 years in the industry, the agency has navigated multiple shifts in digital marketing, from the early days of SEO to the rise of AI-driven discovery. This deep understanding of the landscape allows Volume Nine to move quickly and strategically, ensuring that their clients remain competitive and visible, even as the digital world evolves.

Finally, Volume Nine measures success by results, not vanity metrics. Whether it’s revenue growth, lead quality, or sustainable performance, Volume Nine is committed to delivering outcomes that matter. This focus on real business impact has earned the agency recognition through multiple industry awards, including Web Excellence Awards, and consistently positive reviews from clients.

To learn more about the GEO Grader and how it can help your brand, visit Volume Nine’s GEO Grader overview or explore the agency’s full suite of digital marketing services at www.v9digital.com.

About Volume Nine

Volume Nine is a digital marketing agency based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2007. The agency specializes in SEO, AI SEO, content strategy, social media, paid search, and full-funnel digital strategy. With a focus on measurable outcomes and a client-first approach, Volume Nine has built long-lasting relationships with companies across industries like eCommerce, CPG, SaaS, and B2B.