A Small Business Guide To AI Search
More and more businesses are using ChatGPT to help them work smarter not harder. The AI technology recommends businesses within its output.
So I don't blame you for wondering...
How Do I get ChatGPT to recommend my business?
It's a question I'm hearing more and more.
The answer?
You don't optimise for ChatGPT the way you do for Google.
You optimise your online presence so that AI has confidence in recommending your business.
Here's What Helps:
- Have a professional, up-to-date website that clearly explains what you do and who you help.
- Keep your Google Business Profile complete and accurate
- Use consistent busness information (Name,address, phone number and website) across the web.
- Publish helpful content that answers your customers' questions
- Collect genuine Google reviews
- Clearly describe your services, locations and ideal clients
- Keep your website fast, secure and mobile friendly
- Demonstrate your expertise through blogs, guides and FAQs
Think of it this way...
It looks for a business with a strong digital footprint and clear, trustworthy information.
The easier it is for people (and search engines) to understand your business, the easier it is for AI to understand it too.
The goal is to build an online presence that's credible, helpful and easy to find.
That's exactly what good web design and SEO should do.
What happens when someone asks ChatGPT for a recommendation?
When someone asks ChatGPT a question like:
"Who builds WordPress websites in Canberra?"
"Can you recommend a good electrician near me?"
"Who's the best accountant for small businesses?"
ChatGPT doesn't simply pick a business at random.
Depending on how it's being used, ChatGPT may rely on its built-in knowledge, or it may search the web to find current information. When it looks online it aims to recommend businesses that apear credible, relevant, and well established.
AI looks for signals that indicate a business is legitimate and helpful.
The Difference Between AI and Google Search
For years, people searched Google by typing a few keywords.
For example:
"Canberra web designer"
Google responds with a list of websites, advertisements, maps and business listings. You decide which result to click.
AI search works differently.
Instead of giving you ten blue links, people can asked a detailed question such as:
"I need a friendly web designer who specialises in WordPress websites for Australian sole traders. Who would you recommend?"
Rather than simply listing websites, AI attempts to understand the intent behind the question and provide a helpful answer.
This means that businesses with clear, trustworthy information may have an advantge, because AI can better understand exactly who they help.
While traditional SEO is still important, writing content that answers real customers questions is becoming increasingly valuable.
Why A Professional Website Is Still Your Biggest Marketing Asset
Your websitr eremains the one place online that you fully own and control.
Social media platforms change algorithms.
Advertising costs continue to increase.
Directories come and go.
Your website is your digital headquarters.
A professional website tells both people and AI:
- who you are
- what you do
- who you help
- where you work
- why someone should trust you
- how to contact you
If your website is confusing, outdated or missing important information, AI has less confidence in recommending your business.
Your website doesn't need flashy animations or unnecessary features. It needs to clearly communicate your expertise and make it easy for visitors to take the next step.
How Local SEO Influences AI Recommendations
Numerous businesses rely on local customers.
Whether you're a plumber, counsellor, accountant or web designer, locatio often play s a major role in recommendatioins.
Local SEO helps search engines and AI understand where your business operates.
This includes:
- your service areas
- suburbs and city pages
- Google Business Profile
- consistent business details across the web
- local backlinks
- locally relevant content
If someone asks:
"Who designs websites in Canberra?"
Businesses that clearly indicate they serve Canberra are easier for AI to identify than businesses that never mention their location.
Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
Your Google Business Profile is often one of the first places people - and AI powered search tools- look for information about your business.
A complete profile helps establish trust by showing:
- your business category
- opening hours
- service areas
- website
- contact details
- customer reviews
- recent photos
- updates and posts
An incomplete profile with missing or outdated details creates uncertainty.
Keeping your profile updated makes it easier for customers to find you and gives search systems greater confidence that your business is active.
Find instructions on How To Create Your Google Business Profile.
The Importance Of Reviews and Online Trust Signals
People trust other people.
While reviews alone won't guarantee recommendations, they contribute to your overall online crediblity.
Other trust signals include:
- testimonials
- case studies
- awards
- certifications
- years in business
- professional memberships
- media mentions
- accurate contact information
- HTTPS security
- privacy policy and legal pages
The more trustworthy your business appears across the web, the stronger your digital reputation becomes.
How Structured Content Helps AI Understand Your Business
AI doesn't "see" your website the way humans do.
It analyses the information on your pages to understand what your website offers.
Well-organised content makes this much easier.
Helpful pages include:
- detailed service pages
- location pages
- frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- pricing information (where appropriate)
- blog articles
- case studies
- about page
- contact page
Each page should focus on one topic and answer the questions your customers are already asking.
The clearer your content, the easier it is for both search engines and AI to understand your business.
Common Mistakes That Stop Businesses Being Recommended
Many businesses unintentionally make themselves harder to find.
Some common mistakes include:
- an outdated website
- no clear explanation of services
- poor mobile experience
- inconsistent business information online
- very few reviews
- no Google Business Profile
- thin or outdated website content
- no service area information
- slow website speed
- broken pages
- missing contact details
These issues don't just frustrate visitors-they can also reduce confidence in your business.
A Simple Checklist To Improve Your Chances
Start with these essentials:
- Maintain a professional, mobile friendly website
- Clearly explain what you do and who you help
- Create individual pages for each service
- Mention the locations you serve
- Complete and regularly update your Google Business Profile
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave genuine reviews
- Publish helpful blog articles and FAQs
- Keep your business information consistent everywhere online
- Ensure your website is fast, secure and easy to navigate
- Update your website regularly so it reflects your current services and expertise
Final Thoughts
Don't build a website for AI. Build it for people first.
When your website genuinely answers your customers' questions, demonstrates your expertise, and provides a great user experience, you're also creating the kind of content that AI systems can understand and recommend.
In other words, the same principals that make a great website today are likely to make it more visible in tomorrows AI-drive search experiences. That's good news for small business, because it means focusing on quality, clarity and trust is still the best long-term strategy.
Want to know if your WordPress website is helping your business get found online?
I help Australian small service-based businesses, sole traders and local businesses improve their websites so they're easier for customers (and AI-powered search tools) to understand, trust and find.
Book Your Free 15 Minute Discovery Call With Sandra
Contact me with your enquiries.