How Small Businesses Can Get Mentioned in AI Search Results (And Why It Matters)
Most people think about Google when they hear “SEO.” For years, the focus has been on ranking high in search results, earning clicks, and driving traffic to your website.
But the way people find businesses online is changing fast. AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity are becoming part of everyday life. People aren’t just searching anymore – they’re asking questions:
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“Who’s the best tiler in Wirral?”
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“Which local dog trainer has the best reviews?”
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“What’s the most affordable website design company near me?”
And instead of showing a list of links, these tools give a single answer. If your business isn’t part of that answer, you’re invisible.
Why AI Search Is Different
AI tools don’t crawl the web like Google. They pull from trusted sources, training data, and structured information. They rely on facts they can verify, not just keywords or backlinks.
That means they’re looking for:
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Clear, consistent business details (name, address, services).
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Structured data (schema) that tells them exactly what your site is about.
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Trusted third‑party mentions (reviews, news stories, directories).
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Helpful, factual content they can summarise (FAQs, service pages, case studies).
If this information is missing – or scattered across the web – AI tools are less likely to mention you in their answers.
What Small Businesses Can Do Right Now
The good news? You don’t need a huge budget or technical team to get started. A few practical steps can make a big difference:
1. Get your details straight Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and services are consistent everywhere online – your website, Google Business Profile, social pages, and local directories.
2. Add structure to your website Implement “schema markup” (behind‑the‑scenes code) so AI can read your key details easily: services, opening hours, locations, FAQs.
3. Write clear, helpful content Create pages and FAQs that answer real customer questions. Be specific about what you do, where you do it, and why people choose you.
4. Encourage reviews and mentions Ask happy customers to leave Google Reviews. Aim for mentions in local blogs, news sites, or trade directories – AI uses these as trust signals.
5. Keep it updated Regularly refresh your Google Business Profile and website with project updates, seasonal offers, or new services. AI tools favour current information.
Why Act Now?
AI search isn’t a future trend – it’s already changing how people find businesses. By taking action now, you get ahead of competitors who haven’t even heard of this shift yet.
Think about it: if someone in your area asks, “Who’s the best bathroom repair company near me?” wouldn’t you rather be named as the answer than left out entirely?
How We’re Preparing at Mountain Forty Nine
We’re currently developing an AI Visibility Pack – a new service designed to help small businesses get noticed in AI search results. It will include:
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Auditing your online presence and fixing inconsistencies.
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Adding structured data and FAQs to your website.
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Optimising your Google Business Profile and key listings.
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Building trust signals (reviews, mentions) that AI tools rely on.
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Monitoring and adapting as AI search evolves.
It’s in development now, but we’re sharing updates as we go – and early conversations with local businesses are already shaping how we roll it out.
Final Word
AI search isn’t replacing Google overnight, but it’s changing the rules. The businesses that prepare early will be the ones AI recommends – and the ones customers find first.
If you want your business to stay visible as this shift happens, now’s the time to start exploring it.
