Why Your Business Needs to Be Optimised for AI Search (Before It’s Too Late)
- Elaine Angel
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 14
We’re in the middle of a huge shift in how people search online.
As discussed in the previous post AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are quickly changing the way customers find information and businesses.
If your business isn’t showing up in AI-generated answers, you’re missing out on opportunities.
Worse… your competitors might already be there.
The Big Shift: How AI is Taking Over Search
Just a couple of years ago, getting found online mostly meant ranking on Google.
But now? AI tools are becoming the first place people go for answers before they ever search on Google.
In fact:
As of March 2025, more than 50% of adults use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini every week to search, plan, and make decisions.
Industry experts predict that traditional search engines could lose up to 25% of their traffic by 2026 because of AI chatbots.
What Makes AI Search Different & Why you should be Optimised for AI Search
AI search doesn’t give users a list of websites to click through like Google does.
Instead, it gives them a direct answer written in plain language based on content AI can understand and trust.
If your website and business content is not structured in a way AI can easily read, you won’t show up in those answers.
Even worse…AI might start referencing your competitors instead.
It’s Not About Keywords Anymore
Old SEO strategies like keyword stuffing or chasing backlinks aren’t enough.
AI search tools look for:
Context
Credibility
Clarity
Well-structured content (things like FAQs, clear headings, and easy-to-understand language)
If your content isn’t ticking those boxes, AI tools will skip over you when generating answers.
The Businesses Who Win Are Acting Now
Businesses who are optimising for AI search early are already gaining a competitive edge.
Just like with the rise of mobile or social media, early adopters win visibility before the space gets crowded.
What Should You Do Next?
Step 1: Accept that this change is happening fast.AI search isn’t a future thing, it’s here now.
Step 2: Audit your website and digital platforms. Is your content structured in a way AI tools can easily read and understand?
Step 3: Start optimising across all platforms. It’s not just about your website. Your Google Business Profile, social channels, and online listings all send signals that AI tools use to build answers.
Want Help? Let’s Talk.
If you’re not sure how your business looks to AI search tools, we offer a simple AEO/SEO Audit.
This includes:
A review of your website structure and content.
An analysis of your Google Business Profile and other digital platforms.
Actionable recommendations to help your business appear in both Google Search and AI-generated answers.
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