For years, businesses have focused on showing up on Google. We’ve learned how to use keywords, write blog posts, build backlinks, and follow SEO best practices. It’s been the default way to get found online. But now, search behavior is shifting—fast. More people, especially younger users, are asking ChatGPT instead of Googling. They want fast, clear answers. They want suggestions that feel tailored and personal. They don’t want to spend time clicking through five websites just to find a simple solution.
That brings us to an important question. When someone asks ChatGPT about a product or service you offer, does your name show up? If the answer is “probably not,” don’t worry. You’re not alone. But it’s time to start adjusting your strategy. Here’s how to help your business become more discoverable in the world of AI-powered search.
Start with a clear, human-friendly website
ChatGPT doesn’t crawl websites like Google, but it pulls answers from publicly available online content. That means the clearer your website is, the more likely AI tools can understand what you do. Avoid vague or overly abstract wording. Make it easy for anyone—human or AI—to grasp exactly what services you provide, who they’re for, and what problems you help solve. For example, a sentence like “We offer private and small-group Pilates sessions in Vancouver, taught by certified instructors” is easy to understand and extremely helpful. On the other hand, phrases like “We guide your movement journey” sound nice but don’t offer useful detail. Keep your language simple, specific, and direct. The clearer your message, the easier it is to be found.
Make sure you’re on the right platforms
AI tools pull data from multiple sources to answer questions. Your website is just one part of the puzzle. Tools like ChatGPT may also reference your Google Business profile, Yelp reviews, LinkedIn page, or even your Shopify store. If your business isn’t showing up in these places, or if the information listed is outdated or incomplete, you’re harder to recommend. Take time to claim and update all your key business listings. Add high-quality photos, accurate business hours, service descriptions, and links to your website. Being active and consistent across trusted platforms gives your business more chances to appear in AI-generated answers.
Write content that answers real questions
You don’t have to be a professional writer to create helpful content. The best starting point is to think about the questions your clients or customers ask you regularly. Write down the answers on your website, blog, or FAQ page. These types of posts help AI tools connect your content to actual search intent. For example, if you run a Pilates studio, you could write a short blog post explaining the difference between reformer and mat Pilates. If you sell skincare, you could create a guide on how to choose the right products for sensitive skin. Keep your tone friendly and conversational, like you’re speaking to a real person, not a search engine. The more helpful and clear your content is, the more likely it is to be picked up and used in AI-generated recommendations.
Ask for specific, helpful reviews
Online reviews have always mattered, but now they’re becoming even more important. When someone asks ChatGPT something like “What’s the best Pilates studio near me?” or “Where can I find reliable skincare advice in Vancouver?”, the AI takes reviews into account. But not all reviews are equally helpful. Encourage your customers to write about their specific experience—what service they used, what results they noticed, and who helped them. A generic “Great service” is nice, but not useful. A review like “Jenny was incredibly patient during my first one-on-one class and helped relieve my back pain in just two sessions” gives real context. These detailed reviews help the AI connect your business with people looking for exactly what you offer.
Keep your content up to date
Stale content is easy to ignore—not just by human visitors, but by AI tools as well. If your website hasn’t been updated in two or three years, there’s a chance it won’t be seen as relevant anymore. That doesn’t mean you need to write new content every week. Small updates can go a long way. Refresh your homepage copy to reflect any changes in your services. Add a new client testimonial. Post a short blog answering a common seasonal question. The goal is to show that your business is active, relevant, and paying attention to what your audience needs right now.
Final thoughts
Google is still important, and traditional SEO strategies still work. But they’re no longer enough on their own. In 2025, people are exploring new ways to search—and ChatGPT is becoming one of the most popular tools. To stay visible, you need to meet your audience where they are. That means writing clearly, staying active on key platforms, answering real questions, and making it easy for both people and AI to understand what you do. The goal isn’t to be everywhere. The goal is to be findable where it matters most. That’s how your business stays relevant and continues to grow in a new era of search.
