Question 1

What exactly is PondCypress?

Accepted Answer

A productized monthly service that helps local and small businesses get found across Google and AI search engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Google AI Overviews). Defined scope, fixed monthly price, measurable score.

Question 2

What's the $595 audit?

Accepted Answer

A one-time, low-commitment first step. We map exactly where you show up — and don't — across Google and the major AI engines, deliver a baseline ZAP Score, and give you a written set of gaps and recommendations within 5 business days. If you continue with a monthly tier, the $595 credits to Month 1.

Question 3

What is the ZAP Score™?

Accepted Answer

Our proprietary visibility scoring framework. A 0–100 score across five weighted dimensions: Google Business Profile, on-page SEO, schema markup, AI engine answers, and citations & reviews. Recalculated monthly so you can watch it move.

Question 4

How is this different from a regular SEO agency?

Accepted Answer

Three ways. (1) We're productized — fixed scope, fixed price, no hourly billing. (2) We cover AI visibility, not just Google. (3) Every month you get a score, not a slide deck of vanity metrics.

Question 5

Do you do sales calls?

Accepted Answer

No. The audit replaces the sales call. You see the work, the score, and the recommendations — and decide.

Question 6

What's included in each tier?

Accepted Answer

See the full pricing page for the comparison matrix. In short: Foundation covers GBP, baseline schema, citation cleanup, and 8 page updates a month. Growth adds full schema, 15–20 page updates, AI prompt testing, reviews, and 1 Insights post. Premium scales up output and adds bi-weekly testing, multi-location, and a quarterly strategy session.

Question 7

How long does it take to see results?

Accepted Answer

ZAP Score moves in Month 1. Search rankings and AI engine citations typically begin moving in Month 2–3. Material business impact (calls, bookings, revenue) typically lands by Month 4–6.

Question 8

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

Accepted Answer

No. Month-to-month. You can change tiers any month, or cancel. We earn the next month by what we delivered this month.

Question 9

What type of businesses do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Local and small businesses under $5M annual revenue, single market. Local home service providers, HVAC contractors, dentists, financial advisors, accountants, restaurants, specialty retailers, small law firms, fractional consultants, specialty trades.

Question 10

What types of businesses are NOT a fit?

Accepted Answer

Enterprise, multi-location chains over 10 sites, B2B SaaS, ecommerce-only businesses, and anyone looking for hourly consulting.

Question 11

Do you guarantee #1 rankings?

Accepted Answer

No. Nobody honest can. We guarantee defined scope of work, monthly delivery, and a tracked ZAP Score. You watch it move.

Question 12

What's 'AEO'?

Accepted Answer

Answer Engine Optimization — the practice of structuring your content so AI engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, AI Overviews) can quote it accurately. It's a core PondCypress discipline.

Question 13

Who owns the work?

Accepted Answer

You do. All content, schema, and GBP assets remain yours if you ever leave. We don't hold anything hostage.

Question 14

Is there a setup fee?

Accepted Answer

No. The $595 audit replaces a setup fee, and it credits to Month 1.

Question 15

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Stripe, monthly. Auto-renews. Cancel any time before the next billing date.

Common questions, answered plainly.

Still wondering?