5 simple AI search tips for all local businesses
Why AI search matters for your business – right now
As you’ve probably noticed, search behaviour is shifting fast. More and more customers aren’t typing long questions into Google anymore… they’re asking AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity to recommend local businesses near them and advise who to buy from. You’re probably doing the same thing yourself.
The fact is, AI-powered search traffic has grown 9.7x in the past 12 months (to June 2025). And this isn’t a passing trend – it’s the new reality of online search, and it will keep evolving as more people embrace AI.
That means your next customer might never “Google” you. Instead, they’ll simply ask an AI:
“Who’s the best electrician near Cronulla?”
“Where can I find a good accountant in Miranda?”
If your business isn’t easy for AI to understand, you risk disappearing from these new AI recommendation engines… even if your SEO rankings look good on paper.
What’s changing: From SEO searching to GEO recommending
For years, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) was the main way to help Google find your website. You’d focus on keywords, backlinks, and page rankings – and if you did it right, you’d show up when people searched for your services. That world is changing.
Today, AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity don’t just list websites, they generate answers. They read, summarise, and interpret information from multiple sources before recommending a business.
That’s where Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) comes in. GEO is the next evolution of SEO. Instead of only optimising for Google, you’re helping AI systems understand and trust your business so they can confidently recommend you when someone asks a question.
Here’s what other experts have to say on the topic:
The Search Engine Journal – From SEO To GEO: How Can Marketers Adapt To The New Era Of Search Visibility?
Google Support Advice – Tips to improve your local ranking on Google
Put simply, here’s the one thing you need to remember:
SEO helps Google rank your website.
GEO helps AI recognise and recommend your business.
And for small businesses in the Sutherland Shire (and elsewhere), that means being seen not just in Google results – but inside the AI-generated answers your customers are already receiving.
5 simple GEO tips for all local businesses
Getting found in AI search doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to be a tech expert, you just need to make it easy for the AI to understand what your business does, where you do it, and why customers trust you.
Here are five simple things you can do right now to boost your AI search visibility and prepare your business for the world of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO).
1. Keep your Google Business Profile fresh: AI engines rely heavily on your Google Business Profile (GBP) as a trusted data source. If it’s out of date, incomplete, or inconsistent, you could easily be left out of AI-generated results. Update your GBP weekly with a new post, photo, or offer – and always use local references such as Sutherland Shire, Cronulla, or Caringbah. If you haven’t already, check out my earlier post on how to optimise your GBP, for a step-by-step guide, plus hints and tips.
2. Write the way you talk: AI tools are trained on natural, conversational language. They understand clear sentences and real-world phrasing, not keyword-stuffed paragraphs. Revisit your “About” and “Services” pages and read them aloud – if they sound robotic, rewrite them in your own voice. The goal is to make your content sound like something you’d say to a customer, not a search engine.
3. Help AI interpret your website: Adding a little structure goes a long way. Features like schema markup (a small piece of code that helps AI understand your content) and a short FAQ section on each page make your site easier to read and recommend. Most web builders or developers can install a simple ‘Local Business’ schema in minutes… it’s one of the most underused tricks for improving local SEO.
4. Answer common customer questions: AI engines love clear question-and-answer formats because they mirror how people search. Think about what customers ask you every day. Questions about pricing, turnaround times, availability, service area… write short, direct answers for your website or Google Business Profile. Each answer increases your chances of being pulled into AI search results.
5. Build local credibility: Generative Engine Optimisation isn’t just about algorithms… it’s about trust. When your business is mentioned, linked, or tagged by other local organisations, it signals to AI that you’re part of a real community. Mention nearby suburbs, collaborate with local businesses online, or simply add a line like “Proudly supporting businesses across the Sutherland Shire” to your website footer.
PRO TIP: If you only do one thing this month, start with your Google Business Profile. It’s the single most important (and free) tool for improving AI search visibility. A complete, consistent GBP often outperforms expensive SEO campaigns – and it’s the first place AI engines look when deciding which businesses to recommend.
OR, you could get us to do it for you
Simplify your SEO with a JBC Growth Bundle – built for busy local businesses
If all of this feels like a lot to keep up with, you’re not alone. Most small business owners I talk to know they should be doing more online – they just don’t have the time to keep up with changing algorithms and new technology.
That’s exactly why I created the JBC Growth Bundle. It’s a simple, one off – done-for-you service designed to keep your business visible in both Google and AI search results, without you needing to learn a thing about algorithms, schema, or metadata.
Here’s what’s included:
- A complete AI & SEO visibility audit that shows exactly where your business stands today
- Google Business Profile optimisation, including content posts and photo updates
- Practical, easy-to-apply Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) strategies tailored to your business
- Custom-written FAQs and content updates to boost AI search visibility
- Monthly reports written in plain English – no jargon, no complexity
It’s everything you need to stay discoverable, relevant, and trusted online… so you can focus on running your business.
Simplify your SEO with our JBC Growth Bundle built for busy local businesses.
Final word
The way people search for businesses is changing – fast. AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are now part of everyday life, and they’re shaping which local businesses people discover first.
The takeaway is simple: if AI can understand your business, it can recommend your business.
Start small. Keep your Google Business Profile up to date, write naturally, answer common questions, and connect with your local community online. These small steps compound quickly – helping you stay visible, become trusted, and top-of-mind when someone nearby asks AI for help.
And if you ever feel unsure where to start or just need someone to take care of it for you, the JBC Growth Bundle is built for exactly that – keeping your digital presence healthy, visible, and easy to manage.
If you’re interested in checking them out – click on a link above.
FAQs: Getting your business found in AI Search
Is Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) replacing SEO?
Not quite. GEO builds on traditional SEO. You still need good content, consistent listings, and clear messaging — but now, AI comprehension is just as important as keyword placement.
How can I tell if AI search is picking up my business?
You can test it yourself. Ask ChatGPT or Perplexity for “best [your service] near [your suburb].” If you don’t appear, it’s a sign your online information needs tuning.
Do I need a new website to be visible in AI search?
No. Most sites just need better structure, fresher copy, and updated local details. Simple GEO tweaks can make a big difference.
How long does it take to see results?
Expect steady improvement within 4–8 weeks as Google and AI engines re-index your content. Consistency is key – especially with your Google Business Profile and local citations.
Can I manage GEO myself?
Absolutely. The five tips above will get you started. When you’re short on time, our Growth Bundle handles it all for you – from optimisation to reporting — so you can focus on your customers.
