How to Get Your Business Recommended in AI Search Results
(and Why It Matters Right Now)
In the past, ranking on Google was the big goal for any business wanting to be found online. But search is changing — fast.
People are now turning to AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity AI, and Claude to get answers, advice, and recommendations without even visiting a search engine.
If your business isn’t appearing in these AI-generated answers, you’re missing out on one of the fastest-growing ways customers are discovering products and services.
The good news? You can influence whether AI recommends you. Here’s how.
1. Understand How AI Finds and Chooses Information
AI doesn’t “search” the web the same way Google does. It blends:
Live search results (from sources like Bing or Google)
Verified business listings (Google Business, Yelp, Apple Business Connect)
Reputable websites (news, industry leaders, trusted directories)
Your own website content (if it’s relevant and easy to understand)
If you want AI to mention you, you need to show up in the data sources it trusts most.
2. Get Your Business Data Right Everywhere
AI relies heavily on structured, accurate business information. That means:
Claim and fully optimise your Google Business Profile
Keep your name, address, phone, and website (NAP) identical across all listings
Add rich content — photos, services, service areas, business descriptions
Keep opening hours and contact info up to date
Pro tip: Many AI tools still pull data from Bing Places and Yelp — not just Google. Claim and optimise those profiles too.
3. Create Content That Answers the Questions People Ask AI
Think about the questions your ideal customers might type into AI tools.
For example:
“Best family-friendly dentist in Sydney”
“Affordable catering for weddings in Melbourne”
“How to fix a leaking hot water system”
Write blog posts, service pages, and FAQs that directly answer these questions in plain, helpful language. Use headings, bullet points, and clear explanations — AI loves well-structured content.
4. Build Trust Signals AI Can See
AI tools are programmed to avoid recommending businesses they can’t verify as credible. You can improve your trust signals by:
Earning mentions on reputable websites (news articles, industry blogs, local directories)
Getting high-quality backlinks from trusted domains
Generating positive online reviews on Google, Yelp, and industry-specific sites
Publishing fresh, accurate content regularly
5. Optimise for Local AI Search
If you serve a local area, make sure AI knows exactly where you operate.
Add all service areas to your business profiles
Use location-based keywords in your content
Post locally relevant content (events, community news, projects you’ve completed nearby)
6. Keep Your Website Technically AI-Friendly
Just like with SEO, AI tools prefer clean, fast, mobile-friendly websites.
Use clear headings and page structure
Make sure your site is secure (HTTPS)
Include schema markup so AI can read your content contextually (FAQ schema, product schema, local business schema)
7. Monitor & Adjust as AI Evolves
AI search is still new — which means it’s changing quickly.
Test AI tools regularly by asking the questions your customers might
Note whether your business appears and what info is being shown
Adjust your content, profiles, and authority-building tactics as needed
Why Acting Now Matters
AI search adoption is exploding, but most businesses aren’t even thinking about it yet. That means there’s still a huge first-mover advantage.
If you start optimising now, you can secure your spot as the go-to recommendation in your industry before your competitors even catch on.
The Bottom Line
Getting recommended by AI isn’t about gaming the system — it’s about making your business the most trustworthy, relevant, and visible option in the data AI relies on.
If you want help getting there, our AI Search Optimisation service is built to position you as the answer customers hear first.
