PostHog private-mode three-prompt benchmark before AEO tool sprawl
Check ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in private mode with 3-5 plain buyer prompts before you disappear into dashboards, exports, and vendor demos.
Why this can grow a startup
AEO gets abstract fast. Teams jump to tooling before they know whether the models even know they exist, or whether the product is being described correctly. PostHog's approach is useful because it starts with a cheap reality check: turn memory off, use prompts a real buyer would actually type, and see where the product is missing or misrepresented. That keeps the first audit anchored in buyer language instead of in an internal keyword list. It also gives the team a baseline before any reporting stack starts flattering them with charts. The point is not to reject tooling. The point is to make sure the team has looked at the problem with its own eyes first.
Company example
PostHog's AEO lead recommends going to ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in private mode, running 3-5 basic prompts such as best X tool or alternative to Y, and only then deciding whether a dedicated visibility tool is needed.
Source and metric
Source: PostHog: LLMs are picking winners. Here's how to become one. · Browse PostHog: LLMs are picking winners. Here's how to become one. tactics
PostHog's starting benchmark is 3-5 plain prompts per model, while a dedicated AEO tool later expands that into hundreds of tracked prompts per day.
When to use it
Use this when AI visibility, SEO, Research is relevant to aeo baseline, prompt research, private mode and you can run a bounded test with a free budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read PostHog: LLMs are picking winners. Here's how to become one. and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: AI visibility, SEO, Research.
- Define the test around PostHog's starting benchmark is 3-5 plain prompts per model, while a dedicated AEO tool later expands that into hundreds of tracked prompts per day..
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Turn isolated search tactics into a crawlable visibility system tied to demand and proof.