Artificial intelligence is redefining how people search and make purchasing decisions. More and more consumers are turning to conversational assistants like ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, Gemini, or Perplexity to discover products, plan activities, or choose local services. The era when Google and traditional search engines monopolized discovery is coming to an end — we are now entering the era of answer engines.
So, how can small and medium-sized businesses make sure they’re visible to AI?
Here are 6 key strategies to adopt today.
1. Structure your data for machines
AI doesn’t guess — it reads what is clear, structured, and machine-readable.
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Complete your Google Business Profile with accurate and consistent information
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Use Schema.org tags on your website (e.g.,
LocalBusiness,Product,Review) -
If you run an online store, provide well-formatted product feeds
These elements make it easier for AI tools to index your content and include it in their answers.
2. Understand the two main types of AI
Visibility strategies vary depending on the type of AI reading your content:
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Trained AI (like Gemini): relies on pre-existing indexed data (SEO, Google profiles, citations in crawled content). It favors businesses with a strong web presence history.
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Real-time connected AI (like ChatGPT with browsing, or Perplexity): accesses the web live to find the most relevant, recent, and well-structured answers.
Key insight: What works for ChatGPT (Wikipedia, neutral sources) may not work for Gemini (blogs, niche communities). A multichannel approach is crucial — and many future AI models will use a hybrid of both.
3. Create conversational content
Hybrid AIs aim to answer like a human. To increase your chances of being cited:
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Structure content as question-and-answer formats (FAQs, “how-to” blog posts)
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Use natural, clear, and educational language
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Include real-life examples and use cases
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Organize pages with meaningful headings (H2/H3), bullet points, and short paragraphs
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Make content easily summarizable and reusable
This kind of content is often quoted directly by AI tools when responding to user prompts.
4. Strengthen your digital footprint consistency
AI systems check for data reliability:
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Ensure consistent contact info across your website, directories, Google profile, and social platforms
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Encourage recent and authentic customer reviews across various platforms
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Maintain an active presence on relevant networks
A solid digital reputation increases your chances of being trusted — even by an algorithm.
5. Be present in AI-friendly ecosystems
Some platforms are already integrated with AI assistants:
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Shopify is connected to ChatGPT for product suggestions
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Yelp, OpenTable, and Booking.com are queried by various voice assistants
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Bing Copilot prioritizes businesses listed in Microsoft Business
Make sure your business is properly listed on these platforms according to your industry.
6. Prepare for the future of AI-based search
AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization) doesn’t replace SEO — it complements it.
To build long-term visibility, businesses must:
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Combine semantic content, technical structure, and a trustworthy tone
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Focus on helpful, reliable, and AI-quotable answers
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Get ready to appear in diverse environments: voice search, connected devices, AI-driven apps
Final thought: How to stand out to AI?
AI-based optimization is already a reality.
Businesses that adapt their content strategy, digital structure, and reputation today are more likely to be recommended — by machines.
Acxcom can help you craft a customized AIO strategy tailored to your industry and audience.
Need help making your business AI-friendly?
Let’s talk.
