A striking 80% of consumers use AI search results to find new businesses and products.
SEO remains relevant today. Local businesses miss a vital chance by not optimizing their content for AI-powered recommendations. SEO hasn’t died—it continues to evolve naturally. AI search results represent the next frontier that demands specific strategies. Your business needs these strategies to appear in ChatGPT’s recommendations.
Business owners face a key problem. They struggle to optimize content that ranks well in AI search results. Many don’t know how to show up in AI search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity. Their competitors gain ground while they miss this growing traffic source.
This piece provides proven, practical steps that make AI tools recommend your business. You’ll learn exactly how to position your local business for success with AI-generated search results. The process covers everything from building a strong online presence to creating AI-friendly content.
What Are AI-Generated Search Results?
AI-generated search results show a transformation in how users get information online. Traditional search engines show a list of links, but AI systems like ChatGPT give direct answers that sound like a conversation. These systems are changing faster how consumers find businesses and decide what to buy.
How AI tools like ChatGPT generate answers
AI tools like ChatGPT create responses through a sophisticated process that is different by a lot from regular search engines. These large language models (LLMs) learned from so big amounts of internet text, books, and other written materials up until their knowledge cutoff date.
ChatGPT uses several mechanisms together to answer questions about local businesses:
- Pattern recognition – The AI figures out what you want to know and understands you’re looking for a business recommendation.
- Knowledge retrieval – The system uses what it learned during training about businesses, services, and locations.
- Reasoning and synthesis – The AI blends information to give you a conversational answer instead of just showing links.
The newer AI search tools come with extra features:
- Up-to-the-minute data analysis through plugins and web browsing features
- Source citation that links back to original information
- Location awareness that helps recommend nearby businesses
ChatGPT doesn’t search the web in real-time like Google. It uses information from its training data and any tools it can access to increase its knowledge. Your business needs to appear in high-quality, trusted sources that were part of its training data.
Why traditional SEO isn’t enough anymore
Traditional SEO focuses on ranking websites in search engine results pages (SERPs). AI-generated search results need a different approach because:
Different information sources: AI systems do more than scan meta tags and count backlinks. They understand content in context and might use information from review sites, business directories, and news articles—not just your website.
Format matters differently: You need content that AI can blend into direct recommendations instead of just trying to get featured snippets or the top spot on Google.
Authority signals changed: AI systems review trustworthiness and authority in their own way. They look for agreement across many sources rather than just checking backlink profiles.
Local relevance importance: AI puts more weight on location-specific information and verified business details for local businesses.
Businesses that only use traditional SEO tactics might become invisible to AI search users. The rules that decide whether ChatGPT mentions your business are not the same as Google’s ranking factors.
Traditional SEO still matters—and with good reason too. SEO now includes what we call Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). GEO builds on your SEO foundation with specific strategies that make your business information available and clear to AI systems.
Businesses that adapt their digital presence to work with both traditional and AI search will stay ahead. The next sections will show you exactly what steps to take to get your business noticed in these AI-generated recommendations.
How ChatGPT Recommends Businesses
Anyone who wants to use AI search results needs to understand how ChatGPT picks and recommends businesses. These recommendations work differently from regular search engines and use multiple layers of data processing to assess content and authority.
Where ChatGPT gets its data from
ChatGPT’s knowledge comes from its training data that includes billions of pages from the internet up until its knowledge cutoff date. This data has:
- Public websites, business directories, and review platforms
- News articles and publications mentioning businesses
- Academic papers and publicly available databases
- Books and other published content with business information
Keep in mind that ChatGPT doesn’t scan the web like Google does. The system relies on its training data and any additional tools it can access. Newer versions with browsing capabilities can get current information, but this depends on the specific setup.
The system also has no special access to private databases or confidential information. Your business needs a public digital presence to show up in recommendations.
The role of structured content and authority
ChatGPT favors businesses that present information in clear, structured formats. Here’s how this works:
Content clarity: The system confidently recommends businesses that show consistent, clear information from multiple sources. Your business might not appear in recommendations if there are conflicting details about services, hours, or location.
Authority signals: The system looks at several factors:
- Mentions in trusted news outlets
- Business information that matches across platforms
- Quality and number of customer reviews
- Professional associations and certifications
- Clear proof of expertise through content
Structured data: Schema markup helps businesses make their information easy for machines to read. This organized approach helps ChatGPT understand your business’s offerings, location, and other key details.
The content’s context relevance plays a big part too. The system checks if your business actually answers the user’s question instead of just matching keywords.
How local businesses can be included
Local businesses can improve their chances of getting recommended by taking specific steps:
Build a strong online presence on multiple platforms. Claim your Google Business Profile, stay active on social media, and get listed in industry directories.
Create content that clearly states your service area. ChatGPT recommends businesses more easily when they provide clear location details.
Get genuine reviews on different platforms. These reviews show credibility and help with AI recommendations.
Add location-based schema markup to your website. This tells AI systems exactly where you are and what area you serve.
Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details match everywhere. AI systems get confused when this basic information doesn’t match up.
A local restaurant might get recommended if it has matching information on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. It should have clear location details, good reviews, and a website with proper schema markup showing its cuisine, hours, and location.
Local businesses that follow these strategies will have better chances of appearing in AI search results along with traditional search rankings as more people start using AI search.
Step 1: Build a Strong Online Presence
A reliable online presence forms the foundation that helps your business appear in AI search results. AI tools need consistent information about you from across the web before they can recommend your business. This initial step creates the reliable infrastructure that enables all other optimization efforts.
Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) serves as a key data source that AI tools use for generating recommendations. Recent studies show businesses with complete GBP listings are 70% more likely to appear in AI-generated recommendations for local services.
You can claim your profile by:
- Searching for your business on Google or visiting business.google.com
- Verifying ownership through phone, email, or postcard verification
- Completing your profile with accurate hours, services, and category
Profile optimization becomes significant after claiming it. Add quality photos that show your business interior, exterior, products, and team. Write a natural description that explains your services and unique value. Select primary and secondary categories that match your business type exactly.
Reviews matter most. AI systems see review volume and sentiment as strong indicators of business quality and relevance. Ask satisfied customers for reviews and respond thoughtfully to both positive and negative feedback.
Ensure consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
AI systems check business information across multiple sources to establish credibility. Inconsistent NAP details confuse AI engines and may lead to exclusion from recommendations.
Start by establishing your canonical NAP information—exact spelling, punctuation, and formatting you’ll use everywhere. Decide whether to use “Street” or “St.” and maintain consistency. Create a reference document with your canonical information for team members to use when creating listings.
Check your NAP across all digital properties. Look at your website, social media accounts, and business directories. Fix inconsistencies right away, starting with high-authority sites.
These tools can help:
- Moz Local scans major directories and finds inconsistencies
- BrightLocal provides detailed NAP audits and cleanup
- Yext manages listings across multiple platforms at once
Small inconsistencies matter to AI systems looking for confidence in their recommendations. Update your information quickly when changes happen, like new locations or phone numbers.
Get listed in relevant directories
AI systems gather business information from many specialized directories. These platforms signal your business’s credibility and relevance to specific queries.
Start with these high-authority directories:
- Yelp serves as a key information source for many AI systems
- Better Business Bureau provides credibility signals
- Yellow Pages offers basic business information
Target industry-specific directories next. Restaurants should update listings on TripAdvisor, OpenTable, and local tourism sites. Healthcare providers need profiles on Healthgrades and Zocdoc. These specialized directories help AI understand your offerings better.
Quality matters more than quantity for directory listings. A complete listing with all details carries more weight than many partial ones. Add operating hours, service descriptions, payment methods, and photos where possible.
Check your directory presence regularly to keep information current and consistent. Set quarterly reminders to verify listings and update them, especially after business changes.
This strong foundation of online presence creates the base for all other AI optimization efforts. The best content strategy won’t work well without these elements in place.
Step 2: Create Content That AI Can Understand
AI-friendly content marks the next big shift in digital marketing. Your online presence needs content that AI can understand and process. AI systems read and interpret information differently than humans do. This means you’ll need to adjust your content strategy.
Use clear, factual language
AI systems prefer precise, straightforward information over creative or metaphorical language. Here’s how to make your content work better in AI search results:
Your content needs explicit headers and subheaders that tell readers what each section covers. These organizational elements help AI models understand your content’s structure and relevance.
Make direct statements instead of implied meanings. AI systems don’t pick up subtle hints like humans do. To name just one example, see how “Our coffee shop sits 0.3 miles from downtown” works better than “Our coffee shop is a stone’s throw from downtown.”
Standard industry terms should appear throughout your content. AI systems recognize these terms more easily than creative alternatives or jargon. Stick to well-known descriptions of your products or services.
Add specific data points wherever you can. Numbers, dates, and statistics make it easier for AI to gage your content’s credibility. “Our 15-year-old company” carries more weight than “serving customers for years.”
Answer common customer questions
AI search results often pop up when people ask specific questions. Question-focused content boosts your chances of getting recommended.
Start by listing your customers’ most common questions. Look through your emails, social media comments, and customer service records to spot patterns. These questions create perfect opportunities for AI-optimized content.
Write content that answers these questions directly. Put the question as a header and follow it with a detailed response. This helps AI systems match searches with your answers.
An FAQ schema markup on your website could help. This data tells AI systems exactly where to find answers to specific questions, which helps your content show up more often in AI-generated results.
Your answers should cover everything without rambling. AI likes complete answers that address all parts of a question. Include key details about pricing, qualifications, or processes that customers want to know.
Include location-specific details
Local businesses need strong geographical context to appear in AI search results. Simple location keywords aren’t enough anymore – AI needs richer local information.
Mention your neighborhood, nearby landmarks, and service area naturally in your content. Instead of stuffing “plumber in Portland” everywhere, write about “fixing plumbing emergencies across Portland’s Pearl District and nearby neighborhoods.”
Talk about local events, challenges, or features that relate to your business. A landscaper might say “we design gardens that handle Colorado’s wild spring weather.” This gives AI systems useful geographic context.
Your involvement in local business groups, community events, or neighborhood projects deserves mention. These details help AI systems understand your local presence when recommending businesses.
Clear, direct, and thorough content helps AI understand your business better. Logical structure, detailed answers, and rich local context will help your business show up when potential customers ask AI for recommendations in your area.
Step 3: Add Structured Data to Your Website
Structured data acts as the technical foundation that helps AI systems read your website content accurately. Quality content matters a lot, but the right formatting determines if AI tools can process and recommend your business effectively.
What is schema markup?
Schema markup works as a standardized code vocabulary that helps search engines and AI systems grasp your website content’s context. This specialized HTML code creates an enhanced description (known as a rich snippet) that shows up in search results.
Regular HTML just tells browsers how to display content. Schema markup tells AI systems what your content means. To name just one example, schema can identify your business hours, services, location, and pricing—critical information that helps you appear in AI search results.
Schema markup gives you several advantages:
- Your content becomes machine-readable for AI systems
- You’re more likely to appear in featured snippets and knowledge panels
- AI tools can confidently recommend your business
- Your search visibility improves on traditional and AI platforms
Schema markup bridges the gap between human-readable content and AI’s preferred structured format. You give AI a clear roadmap to understand your business information.
Types of schema useful for local businesses
Local businesses need specific schema types to boost their visibility in generative AI search results:
- LocalBusiness schema: This foundation identifies your business category, hours, and contact details
- Organization schema: Your brand identity comes through with logo, social profiles, and founding date
- Review schema: Customer ratings and testimonials express trust signals for AI recommendations
- Product/Service schema: Your offerings appear with prices, availability, and descriptions
- FAQ schema: Your frequently asked questions take a format AI systems easily extract and use
LocalBusiness schema deserves your first attention. This schema type has properties for geographic coordinates, service area, payment methods, and business hours. AI systems need this essential information to make local recommendations.
The importance of “llms.txt” and “ai-dataset.json” files
New standards designed for AI crawlers create more ways to optimize your content. Two key examples stand out:
- llms.txt — Works like robots.txt but specifically for AI systems. It tells AI crawlers what to prioritize, where to find structured data, and which sections of your site should be included in generative responses. Here is an example of what one looks like when implemented.
- ai-dataset.json — Presents your business details in a clean, AI-friendly format. This file can include your company description, services, FAQs, pricing links, and contact info. Because it’s structured JSON, AI systems can process it more reliably than free-form web pages. Here is an example of what AI crawlers are looking for.
These newer standards show a forward-thinking approach to AI visibility. Businesses that use these files now get ahead as AI systems adopt these standards more widely.
You can test our 60 second AI Visibility Score calculator to learn about your business’s AI readability right away.
Schema implementation doesn’t need advanced technical knowledge. Content management systems offer schema plugins, and Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper gives you an easy-to-use interface to create schema code. Your effort in adding structured data pays off through better visibility in traditional search and AI-generated recommendations.
Step 4: Build Authority Through Reviews and Mentions
AI systems don’t just look at your website. They rely heavily on what others say about you online. Your business’s chances of showing up in AI search results depend a lot on the authority signals you build across the web.
Encourage customer reviews on trusted platforms
AI systems love businesses with lots of good reviews. You need a solid plan to collect these reviews regularly:
Pick the right review platforms for your business. Google Reviews matter to everyone, but AI systems pay extra attention to industry-specific sites. Restaurants should target Yelp and TripAdvisor. Service businesses do better on Angi or Thumbtack.
Make it easy for customers to leave reviews. Send them a direct link to your chosen platform right after service. Here’s an interesting fact: 70% of customers will write reviews if you ask them, but only 30% of businesses do this regularly.
Always reply to every review – good or bad. AI systems look at both the reviews and how you handle them to judge your business quality.
Get mentioned on local news or blogs
Getting mentioned in media boosts your chances of appearing in AI search results:
Make news by hosting community events, launching new services, or working with local causes. These activities naturally attract media attention.
Connect with local journalists before pitching stories. Follow them on social media and interact with their posts. They prefer getting story ideas that match what they usually write about.
Writing guest posts for industry blogs helps too. Share your knowledge through educational content that readers will find useful.
Use social proof to build trust
Reviews aren’t the only thing AI systems look at:
Put your certifications and awards on your website with proper schema markup. This helps AI understand your expertise level.
Add client testimonials that mention specific details about your location and services. These details give AI systems more data to verify your business.
Show your memberships in professional groups and chambers of commerce across your online presence. AI systems see these connections as trust signals.
External validation often matters more than what you say about yourself in AI search results. Getting reviews, media coverage, and showing the right social proof will make AI systems more likely to recommend your business.
Conclusion
Local businesses often overlook the chance to adapt their business for AI search results. You can stay ahead of competitors who focus only on traditional search engines by following these four steps. Your detailed online presence, AI-friendly content, structured data implementation, and efforts to build authority will help your business stand out in AI-generated recommendations.
Note that SEO isn’t dead—it’s evolving. Generative Engine Optimization adds to your existing SEO strategy by covering how AI systems process and recommend information. Even businesses that excel at traditional SEO might fall behind if they ignore this emerging channel where customers increasingly find local services.
The time to implement these changes is now as AI search adoption grows. Start with consistent NAP information on all platforms. Create clear content that answers common customer questions. Add proper schema markup to your website and build authority through reviews and mentions. Each step strengthens the previous one and creates a resilient foundation for AI visibility.
Businesses that understand both traditional SEO and AI recommendation mechanisms will thrive in this new digital world. You have the knowledge to optimize your digital presence for humans and artificial intelligence. Your business can appear in recommendations when potential customers ask ChatGPT or other AI tools about services in your area if you take action today.
