Last week, a potential client told me something that perfectly illustrates the shift happening in how people find businesses: "I asked ChatGPT for the best web designer in East Tennessee, and your name came up."
This is no longer unusual. According to recent studies, over 30% of consumers now use AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini to research products and services before making purchasing decisions.
The question is: when someone asks an AI assistant about businesses like yours, will you be recommended?
Important Caveat
AI recommendations are not guaranteed or permanent. These systems are constantly learning and updating. The strategies in this article will increase your chances of being recommended, but no one can promise specific AI recommendations.
How AI Assistants Choose Which Businesses to Recommend
AI assistants do not have a secret list of preferred businesses. Instead, they synthesize information from their training data and, in some cases, real-time web searches. Understanding this process is key to optimizing for it.
Here is what AI systems generally look for when making recommendations:
1Consistency Across Sources
If your business information is consistent across your website, Google Business Profile, Yelp, BBB, and other directories, AI systems gain confidence in recommending you.
2Positive Sentiment in Reviews
Reviews are not just for humans anymore. AI systems analyze review sentiment across platforms. A business with consistently positive reviews across Google, Facebook, and industry-specific sites signals trustworthiness.
3Clear Service Descriptions
AI needs to understand exactly what you offer to match you with relevant queries. Vague descriptions like "we provide solutions" will not cut it. Be specific: "We design custom websites for restaurants including online ordering integration."
4Geographic Relevance
For local businesses, AI considers location signals. Make sure your service areas are clearly stated on your website and all directory listings match.
10 Actionable Steps to Increase AI Visibility
Based on our experience at Sphere AI and analysis of how these systems work, here are concrete steps you can take:
Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
This is table stakes. If you have not claimed your Google Business Profile, do it today. Fill out every field, add photos, and keep your hours updated.
Create a Detailed "About" Page
AI needs to understand your story. Include your founding story, team members with real names, your mission, and what makes you different. This builds the credibility signals AI looks for.
List Specific Services with Dedicated Pages
Do not lump all your services on one page. Create individual pages for each major service with detailed descriptions, pricing information (if possible), and FAQs.
Publish Case Studies and Testimonials
Real results from real clients are powerful signals. Include client names (with permission), specific outcomes, and before/after comparisons when possible.
Implement Comprehensive Schema Markup
Use LocalBusiness schema, Service schema, Review schema, and FAQ schema. This gives AI structured data it can reliably parse.
Actively Collect and Respond to Reviews
Ask satisfied clients to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, and industry platforms. Always respond professionally to reviews - both positive and negative.
Create Educational Content
Blog posts, guides, and resources that genuinely help your target audience establish expertise. This article you are reading is an example of this strategy in action.
Get Listed in Industry Directories
Beyond Yelp, find directories specific to your industry. Clutch and DesignRush are great for agencies. Find the equivalent in your field.
Maintain Active Social Profiles
AI systems cross-reference social media presence. You do not need to post constantly, but maintain active, professional profiles on relevant platforms.
Ensure Technical Excellence
Fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, security (HTTPS), and accessibility are all signals that contribute to perceived quality and trustworthiness.
The Long Game: Building AI-Ready Authority
Here is the truth that many "AI SEO experts" will not tell you: there are no shortcuts. The businesses that consistently get recommended by AI assistants are the ones that have been doing the right things all along.
AI systems are designed to identify and surface genuinely helpful, trustworthy businesses. If you focus on:
- Delivering excellent service that generates positive reviews
- Creating genuinely helpful content for your audience
- Maintaining a professional, well-optimized online presence
- Being transparent about who you are and what you offer
...then AI recommendations will follow naturally. These systems are getting better at identifying quality every day, and they reward businesses that prioritize it.
Want AI Assistants to Recommend Your Business?
At Sphere AI, we build websites specifically optimized for both traditional and AI-powered search. Let's discuss how we can help your business get discovered by the next generation of search.
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Eric Carey
Founder & Lead Developer, Sphere AI
Eric has been building websites and digital solutions for small businesses since 2018. He founded Sphere AI with the mission of making enterprise-level web technology accessible to local businesses.