People are asking ChatGPT instead of searching Google. If your business isn't showing up in AI recommendations, you're losing customers. Here's how to optimize for AI search while keeping your Google rankings.
Your Customers Aren't Using Google Anymore
Here's what's happening:
Someone needs a plumber. Five years ago, they'd Google "plumber near me," click through a few websites, and find someone.
Today? They open ChatGPT and ask: "What should I look for in a good plumber?"
ChatGPT gives them an answer. It recommends what to ask for, red flags to watch, and cites a few sources.
If your business isn't one of those sources, you're invisible.
And this isn't just happening occasionally. It's happening every day. More people are asking AI tools for recommendations and advice instead of searching Google.
The problem? Most businesses have no idea this is happening. They're still focused on Google rankings while their customers are asking ChatGPT.
Let's talk about why this matters, how AI tools actually find businesses, and what you need to do to show up.
The Shift: People Are Asking AI Instead of Searching Google
For decades, "search" meant Google. You typed a question, got a list of websites, clicked one.
Now? People are asking AI tools directly:
ChatGPT: "What's the best way to find a reliable contractor?"
Perplexity: "How do I know if my restaurant needs a custom ordering system?"
Claude: "What should I look for in an accountant?"
These tools don't give you a list of 10 websites. They give you an answer with 2-3 recommendations or sources.
And if your business isn't recommended or cited, you don't exist to that customer.
Why This Is Different from Google
When someone searches Google, they might click on 5 different websites before making a decision.
When someone asks ChatGPT, they get one answer. Maybe two sources cited. That's it.
The opportunity is smaller. But the impact is bigger.
If ChatGPT cites your content, that customer is already halfway to trusting you. The AI recommended you.
How AI Tools Actually Find Your Business
Here's what most business owners don't understand: AI tools don't make things up. They pull from real websites.
When ChatGPT recommends advice or cites a source, it's pulling from content it found online—usually from:
Your website
Blog posts you've written
Articles about your industry
Reviews and mentions
If your website doesn't have clear, helpful content, AI tools have nothing to cite.
What AI Tools Are Looking For
AI tools prioritize content that:
Directly answers a specific question
Is clear and easy to understand
Comes from a credible source
Is well-organized (not buried in long paragraphs)
Here's the difference:
Google rewards: Websites that keep people engaged, have lots of backlinks, and match search intent.
AI tools reward: Content that clearly answers the question and is easy to understand.
Why Most Businesses Aren't Showing Up in AI Search
Most business websites are built to look professional, not to answer questions.
Your homepage says: "We provide high-quality services with a focus on customer satisfaction."
That's fine. But it doesn't answer any questions.
When someone asks ChatGPT "How do I know if I'm being overcharged by my accountant?" your homepage doesn't help.
The Content Problem
Most business websites have:
A homepage with generic copy
An "About Us" page
A "Services" page with vague descriptions
Maybe a blog with a few posts from years ago
That's not enough for AI tools to cite you.
AI tools need content that:
Answers specific questions
Explains your expertise
Shows why you're credible
Is updated regularly
If you don't have that, you're invisible to AI search.
What You Need to Do to Show Up in AI Search
The good news? You don't need to be a tech expert to fix this. You just need to think differently about your content.
1. Write Content That Answers Real Questions
Think about the questions your customers actually ask:
"How much should I expect to pay for this service?"
"What red flags should I watch for when hiring a professional?"
"How often do I need this service?"
"What's the difference between option A and option B?"
Write blog posts that answer those questions directly. Not vague, generic posts. Specific answers.
Example:
Instead of: "The Benefits of Professional Accounting Services"
Write: "How to Know If You're Paying Too Much for Accounting (And What to Do About It)"
The second one answers a real question. AI tools will cite it.
2. Make Your Content Easy to Read
AI tools prefer content that's organized and scannable:
Short paragraphs (2-3 sentences)
Clear section headers
Bullet points and numbered lists
Bold key takeaways
If a human can scan your content and find the answer quickly, AI tools can too.
3. Show Your Expertise
AI tools prioritize credible sources. Show why you're an expert:
Include your credentials and experience
Reference real projects or clients (without violating confidentiality)
Link to other authoritative sources
Update your content regularly
The more credible you appear, the more likely AI tools will cite you.
4. Keep Your Content Fresh
AI tools prefer recent, updated content. If your last blog post is from 2022, you're not going to be cited.
Update old posts. Add new content. Keep your site active.
5. Focus on One Topic and Go Deep
Don't try to be everything to everyone. Pick one thing you're great at and create multiple pieces of content around it.
If you're a plumber, write 10 posts about common plumbing problems. If you're a salon owner, write 10 posts about hair care.
AI tools prioritize businesses that are clearly experts in a specific area.
You Still Need Google. But Now You Need AI Too.
Here's the important part: this isn't about choosing between Google and AI search.
You need both.
Google rankings still matter. Most people still use Google. But AI search is growing fast, and the businesses that optimize for it now will have a massive advantage.
The good news? The strategies overlap.
Content that ranks on Google (clear, helpful, well-organized) is the same content that gets cited by AI tools.
You're not doing twice the work. You're doing the same work, but smarter.
The Competitive Advantage: Most Businesses Aren't Doing This Yet
Right now, most of your competitors aren't thinking about AI search. They're still chasing Google rankings.
But that's changing fast.
Within 2-3 years, being cited by ChatGPT will be as important as ranking on Google.
The businesses that start now will win.
They'll be recommended by AI tools. They'll get customers who never even visit Google. They'll have an advantage their competitors don't.
The Bottom Line
Your customers are asking ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI tools for recommendations and advice.
If your business isn't showing up, you're losing opportunities.
The fix isn't complicated:
Write content that answers real questions
Make it clear and easy to read
Show your expertise
Keep it fresh
Do that, and you'll show up in both Google and AI search.
The businesses that adapt will win. The ones that don't will be invisible.
If you want to make sure your business shows up when people ask AI for recommendations, let's talk about how to optimize your content.