More and more people skip a search results page and just ask an AI assistant: “Who’s a good video production company in Provo?” or “How do I pick a web designer?” The assistant answers in a paragraph, often naming a few businesses.
So how does a local business end up in those answers? Honestly, nobody outside the AI companies can guarantee it. But there are sensible steps that make you easier to find and understand, and nearly all of them also help regular Google search.
What we know, and what we don’t
AI assistants draw from a mix of sources: what’s on the web, how clearly your business is described, and, depending on the tool, live search results. No one can promise a ranking inside an AI answer, and anyone who does is guessing. What you can do is make your business clear, consistent, and credible, so it’s a better candidate.
We see signs it matters. In our own Google Analytics, visitors who arrive from AI assistants spend more time on our site than those from any other source. The sample is small, so we treat it as an early signal, not a conclusion.
1. Say clearly what you do and where
AI tools favor pages that state, in plain language, what a business does, for whom, and where. A page titled “Web Design in Utah” that explains the service is easier to understand than a clever slogan. Put the basics near the top of each page.
2. Add structured data (schema)
Schema markup is code that labels your information for machines: your business name, address, phone, services, FAQs, and reviews. It doesn’t hide anything from people; it simply makes your site easier for search engines and AI systems to read. This is a standard part of how we build every site. See our web design approach.
3. Answer real questions on your site
FAQ sections written in the questions customers actually ask are some of the most useful content for both people and AI. “How much does X cost?” “How long does it take?” “Do you serve my area?” Answer them honestly, including what you don’t do.
4. Keep your business details consistent everywhere
Your name, address, phone, and services should match across your website, Google Business Profile, social profiles, and directories. Mixed-up information makes it harder for any system to trust you.
5. Earn real reviews and mentions
Reviews on Google, mentions from clients, and coverage from other sites all signal that you’re a real, trusted business. This is the same work as local SEO, covered in our local SEO checklist.
6. Publish helpful content in your own voice
Original articles that draw on real experience, such as case studies with numbers, are more useful than generic text. They give AI tools and people something specific to cite.
7. Measure it
Check your analytics for traffic from AI assistants, and try asking a few tools questions your customers might ask. Note whether you appear, and what changes after you improve your pages. Treat it as a test, not a guarantee.
What to avoid
Anyone promising “guaranteed AI rankings,” tricks that stuff hidden text into pages, or fake reviews. These can backfire and aren’t a real strategy.
Bottom line: being easy to understand, consistent, and credible helps you in search and in AI answers alike. If you’d like us to review how your site reads to both, see our SEO services or book a free call.
