Something interesting happened last week. A new client told us they found us through ChatGPT.
Wait, what?
Turns out, when they asked AI for marketing help in Middle Tennessee, our name came up. This wasn’t luck. It was a strategy.
As AI becomes the new search engine for millions of users, showing up in these results is becoming just as important as traditional SEO. The good news? Many of the same principles apply. The better news? Most businesses haven’t caught on yet, giving you a competitive advantage.
Here’s exactly how to position your business so AI platforms recommend you when people ask.
1. Keep Your Online Presence Strong & Structured
ChatGPT pulls from public data, so make sure you’re visible where it counts:
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
- Claim and verify your listing
- Keep hours, services, and contact info current
- Upload fresh photos regularly
- Collect and respond to reviews (AI loves active businesses)
- Add detailed service descriptions and FAQs
Website SEO
- Make your services, location, and contact info crystal clear
- Use straightforward headings like “What We Offer” or “Our Services”
- Include local content (city pages, area-specific services)
- Add schema markup for local businesses (your web developer can help)
- Ensure mobile responsiveness (AI considers user experience)
Social Media Bios & Posts
- Keep bios clear: who you are, what you do, where you serve
- Post consistently with location tags
- Use relevant hashtags that describe your services
- Engage with local community posts
2. Use Natural, Conversational Language
AI responds best to human-sounding text. Focus on:
Website Content
- Website FAQs are written in a Q&A format
(e.g., “Do you offer family dental care?” → “Yes! We provide…”)
- Explain services in everyday language, not industry jargon
- Create blog posts answering real customer questions
- Include case studies and success stories
About Pages
- Tell your story conversationally
- Explain why you started your business
- Share what makes you different
3. Get Listed on Aggregators & Directories
Make sure you’re listed on trustworthy sites that AI often pulls from:
- Yelp
- Yellow Pages
- Better Business Bureau
- Industry-specific directories (Avvo for lawyers, Healthgrades for doctors, etc.)
- Local Chamber of Commerce
- Facebook Business Page
- LinkedIn Company Page
- Apple Maps (often overlooked!)
4. Encourage Reviews That Mention Specifics
AI systems analyze reviews for context. Coach happy clients to mention:
- Your business name (spelled correctly)
- Specific services they used
- Your location
- What problem you solved
Example: “I love how fast and friendly [Business Name] was when I needed emergency plumbing in Nashville!”
5. Create AI-Friendly Content
Beyond basic optimization:
- Publish regular blog posts addressing common questions
- Create location-specific pages
- Develop comprehensive service pages
- Add team bios with expertise areas
- Include case studies with measurable results
6. Monitor and Adapt
AI systems update constantly. Stay relevant by:
- Testing how your business appears in AI searches monthly
- Updating content quarterly
- Responding to all reviews promptly
- Keeping information consistent across platforms
- Adding new content regularly
Bonus: Test Prompts to Check Your Visibility
Try these searches in ChatGPT or other AI platforms:
“Best [your service] in [your city]”
“Who offers [specific service] near [location]?”
“[Industry] businesses open now in [area]”
“Recommend a [your profession] for [specific need]”
If you don’t appear, it’s time to strengthen your online presence.
The Bottom Line
Showing up in AI results isn’t magic. It’s about being findable, credible, and helpful across the web. The same practices that help real humans find you will help AI recommend you.
Start with one area and build from there. Every improvement to your online presence is a step toward being the business AI suggests when someone asks for help.
