How to Get Your Business Found by AI (Not Just Google)
Because the way people search is changing - and most websites aren’t ready for it.
Are people really using AI instead of Google?
Short answer? Yes. And more than you probably realise.
People are starting to search by asking, not just typing keywords into Google. They’re opening tools like ChatGPT or voice assistants and saying things like:
“Best accountant for small businesses near me”
“Affordable wedding photographer with natural style”
“Where can I get my dog groomed in Derbyshire?”
And instead of scrolling through pages of results churned out by Google, they’re getting a direct answer.
Which means your business doesn’t just need to “rank” anymore (annoying, I know) but it needs to be chosen as the answer.
How does AI decide which businesses to recommend?
This is where things are changing if you have a website.
AI tools are scanning the internet looking for:
clear information
well-structured content
consistent messaging
and signals that your business is trustworthy
And they are picking the businesses that make it obvious what they do, answer the question properly and back it up with proof (reviews, mentions, content).
If your website is vague, confusing or focused too much on you - you’re much less likely to show up.
What kind of content helps your business show up in AI searches?
This is where most small businesses miss the point! Your website isn’t just there to exist anymore — it needs to actually work.
The kind of content that performs well right now tends to:
answer real customer questions
use clear, natural language (not jargon)
be easy to scan and understand
be structured properly (headings, sections, flow)
Think less:
“Welcome to my business…”
And more:
“How much does a wedding photographer cost in Derbyshire?”
“What to expect from a dog grooming appointment”
“How to choose the right accountant for your small business”
That’s the kind of content AI tools can actually use - and will show people.
Why your website might not be showing up (yet)
If you’re reading this thinking… “right, I definitely don’t have that” - don’t panic!
Most small business websites are in the same boat. They:
don’t clearly explain what they do
don’t answer specific questions
are written in a way that sounds nice (but doesn’t say much)
or haven’t been updated in years
And because of that, they’re easy for AI tools to skip over.
And this isn’t because your business isn’t good! (trust me, you are ace at what you do I’m sure!) It’s because your website isn’t making it obvious.
Is this something you need to panic about?
No. But it is something you want to pay attention to.
Because we’re still early days with all this AI stuff (even though it doesn’t feel like it!) Which means there’s a real opportunity to get ahead while most people are still focused on posting more on Instagram and spending hours overthinking content.
When actually, the biggest shift is happening in how people search.
What can you do to start getting found by AI?
You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight because that just isn’t doable. BUT you do need to start being more intentional.
A good place to start is this:
Think about the questions your customers ask you all the time
And check whether your website actually answers them
Clearly, properly and in a way that speaks to humans AND Google/AI.
Because the businesses that will start showing up more are the clearest ones.
The bottom line
Your website isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore.
It’s:
your best chance of being found
your proof of what you do
and more importantly - your way into AI-generated answers!
And while this might feel like a big shift — it’s also a massive opportunity.
Especially if you’re willing to get ahead of it now!
Need help making your website actually do this?
This is exactly what I’ve been working on behind the scenes! I’m now offering website builds (turns out, I’m pretty good at it) because there’s a BIG difference between having a website and having one that actually gets you found.
If you know yours isn’t quite AI ready yet, I can help you figure out what needs fixing - and where to start.
You can book a free 30-minute chat or find out more/join the waitlist for upcoming website projects here!
