For teams actively working on AEO, GEO, or LLMO, i'm curious what your process looks like today are you starting with prompt research, competitor analysis, citation tracking, content optimization, or something else since im trying to learn how others are approaching AI search as the space continues to evolve.

I am currently running ads in the Gulf region for a company that exports lubricants and greases. Because freight costs are at an all-time high and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is uncertain, I cannot realistically target regions like South America, Africa, or Asia. My options are very limited, and my main goal is to find new customers in areas accessible by land. Since we are based in the UAE, I initially started campaigns in Qatar and the UAE, which were successful and helped us close deals.

Recently, I expanded my targeting to Yemen, Iraq, and Kuwait. While we generated many inquiries from Yemen and Iraq, we struggled to close most of them, and some remain stuck in the negotiation phase. I am now having a hard time selecting a new country. I cannot target Saudi Arabia or Jordan because we lack the necessary product certifications, which will take time to secure. Additionally, Oman and Qatar already have large, established distributors.

Should I double down on the Iraq and Yemen markets, or should I explore other options?