The world of search is undergoing a shift. People aren’t just Googling anymore. They’re turning to AI assistants for information and recommendations, and if your business isn’t visible to them, you’re missing out.
So how do you get them to notice you? We’ve taken a close look at AI search optimisation and are excited to share what we’ve learned – and what actually works.
The Changing Face of Internet Search
Gone are the days when Google was the be-all and end-all of internet searches. Today, people are asking ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot for information.
But that’s not all.
Google is rolling out its AI Overviews (SGE), which could fundamentally change how search results are presented. Meanwhile, new AI-powered search engines like SearchGPT are entering the market, offering alternative ways to find information.
These changes are not just technological – they’re reshaping consumer behaviour. People are interacting in more conversational ways, asking complex questions, and expecting detailed, nuanced, and tailored responses.
Why This Matters for Your Business
AIs are becoming the new front door to the internet, and if your business isn’t visible to them, you’re losing potential customers.
Your online presence needs to be optimised for AI-powered search methods to reach this growing segment of potential customers.
The good news? There are actionable steps you can take to make sure AI notices and recommends your business.
We recently got our first referral from ChatGPT and have been using it as a case study to refine our AI optimisation strategies. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
Tips to Get AI to Notice Your Business
Write Conversationally
Write your content the way you talk. AI interactions are typically conversational, so your content should reflect this natural language approach. This makes it easier for AI to understand and recommend your content in response to user queries.
Use simple language, shorter sentences, and a friendly tone. Imagine you’re having a chat with your reader, rather than giving a formal presentation.
Answer Real Questions
Don’t just cover broad topics. Address real, specific questions that people ask. A robust FAQ section can be particularly effective here.
For free and easy inspiration, use tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” section to find common questions related to your industry. Then, create content that directly answers those questions.
Focus on Niche Topics
Consistently create content that demonstrates your deep knowledge of your field. This helps establish your authority, making AI more likely to consider your content as a valuable resource.
And don’t stop there. Identify niche areas within your industry where you can offer unique insights. The more specialised your content, the better.
Our AI referral came from a relatively niche blog post in Spanish about SEO for law firms. Don’t be afraid to get granular – it can pay off.
Update Regularly
Keep your content fresh and update your website with new, relevant information.
Don’t forget to revise older content to ensure it remains accurate and timely. Having outdated content not only doesn’t benefit you in any way, it can actually hurt you.
Set up Google Alerts for your industry to stay on top of new developments you can incorporate into your content.
Don’t Forget the Backend
Many traditional SEO practices are still very much relevant for AI search optimisation.
One such example is using structured data (Schema.org) and clear, descriptive metadata on each page. This helps AI systems understand and categorise your content more accurately.
Page speed, mobile-friendliness, and secure connections (HTTPS) also contribute to how AI systems perceive your site’s quality.
Learn more about these aspects in our post about On-Page SEO.
Get Reviews
Encourage client testimonials on platforms where AI might pull data, such as Google, TripAdvisor, or industry-specific review sites. Positive reviews can boost your credibility in AI-driven recommendations.
For tips on client reviews, specifically negative ones, check out our post on How to handle negative reviews.
Be Active on Social Media
A strong social media presence contributes to your overall online reputation and brand recognition. This can indirectly influence how AI systems perceive and recommend your business.
Regularly post relevant content and engage with your audience on platforms where your target audience is most active. Also, remember to link your channels on your website, and vice-versa.
Think Local
If your business targets a specific location or region, focus on creating content specific to your area and implementing local SEO strategies. This can help you get recommended by AI in response to region-specific queries.
Optimise your Google Business profile, include local keywords in your content, and encourage local customers to leave reviews.
Wrap-Up
AI is reshaping how people find brands and businesses online. But with the right approach, you can ensure your business doesn’t just survive, but thrives in this new landscape.
The key? Create valuable, specific content that addresses real user needs. Make it easy for both humans and AI to understand what you offer and why you’re the best choice.
Start today – your next customer could be just one AI recommendation away.