More people are skipping the list of links and asking an AI tool instead. “Who’s a good roofer near Rehoboth?” “What’s the best breakfast spot in Bethany?” Tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google’s AI features pull together an answer, sometimes with a few businesses named. So how do you become one of them in AI search?
The short answer: the same things that help you in regular search help you in AI answers. Have clear, accurate information about your business on your website, keep your Google Business Profile current, earn reviews, and use structured data that matches what’s on the page. Google says there are no special tricks needed for its AI features.
What Google Says
Google is direct about this. In its guidance on AI features and your website, it says there are no additional requirements to appear in AI Overviews or AI Mode, and that existing SEO fundamentals are still worthwhile. That includes letting search engines crawl your site, linking to your important pages, keeping key information in text and keeping your Business Profile up to date.
What Helps You Show Up in AI Search
- Say clearly what you do and where. A page that plainly says “we install and repair decks in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach” is easier for any system to understand than vague marketing copy.
- Answer common questions in plain text. FAQ sections and how-to content give AI tools something specific to draw from.
- Keep your details consistent. Your name, address, phone, hours and services should match across your site, your Google Business Profile and directories.
- Earn reviews. Reviews are one of the ways your reputation shows up online.
- Use structured data. Schema markup labels your business details for machines. It has to match what people see on the page.
- Don’t hide important text in images. If it matters, write it out.
What Doesn’t Work
Stuffing pages with keywords, publishing pages nobody would want to read, or making claims you can’t back up won’t help you in AI answers any more than they help in regular search. AI tools are built to find useful, trustworthy information. The best long-term play is to be that.
How to Check Where You Stand in AI Search
For a quick check, ask a few AI tools the kinds of questions your customers would ask, using your town and service. Note whether your business comes up and whether the details are right. If the information is wrong, it often traces back to an outdated listing or a website that doesn’t say clearly what you do.
We Can Help
Our SEO and AI visibility work focuses on content and structured data that help your business show up in Google and in AI assistants like ChatGPT and Bing Copilot, with reporting you can understand. For local businesses, it starts with local SEO and your Google Business Profile. Call 302-278-8080 for a free consultation.
