Fair warning: the information on this page could blow your mind – and your business.

Search isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of trying to rank first on Google.

You don’t need to hope that someone will scroll down far enough to click your link.

Oh no, not anymore.

These days, consumers get answers from AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, and many other smart assistants they can access via apps on their mobile phone.

And while that might sound a bit sci-fi or “not my thing,” this shift is huge for small, local businesses.

Especially if you’re the kind of brand that wants to be seen without needing a giant ad budget or a famous cousin. 📸🕺

So, what exactly is AI search?

AI search is where people ask something like ChatGPT a question and they receive an answer.

That’s it. No blue links, no scrolling.

If an example like this is new to you, sorry to say that you’re missing out big time.

Literally millions of UK users ask ChatGPT questions like this every single day.

These consumers don’t use Google for bottom-of-funnel questions anymore.

Instead of surfing through a list of website links, consumers just ask AI, which says:

“Here’s what we found – and here’s the best answer for you and your needs.”

The brand that shows up in the AI answer? Yep. They’re the ones who get picked.

Here’s the Local Angle (And Why It Matters)

If you run a local service, be it a plumber, photographer, therapist, personal trainer, hairdresser, dog whisperer, whatever.

This is a literal gold mine that nobody is talking about – yet.

Why? Because AI search doesn’t just pull from the “top 10” Google results anymore.

Instead, it pulls from websites that answer the user’s question the best.

To do that, ChatGPT and other AI will use:

• Your website content
• Your FAQs
• Your Google Business info
• Review sites that you pop up on
• Forums, social posts, videos

You name it.

Let me be clear for those at the back:

You can be quoted in a ChatGPTl AI result even if you’re not ranking on Google.

So long as you write content that’s clear, helpful, and locally relevant, AI tools will pull your content straight into their answers.

What local brands can do NOW to get featured👇

Past! Even big brands can’t do this like a small business in your community can.

If you’re even half-serious about being found online for the next decade plus, you only need to do a few simple things.

1. Answer customer questions

No, I’m being dead serious:

• “How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Lancaster?”
• “What should I ask a wedding photographer before booking?”
• “Is a sports massage good for back pain?”

Create blog posts (just like this one), FAQs,and one-page guides that answer the questions your customers ask.

AI tools literally eat this stuff up!

2. Use Schema markup on your website

This tip is so good, it’s like feeding AI with a spoon. AI wants to be spoon fed, and this is exactly how to do it.

If you’re on WordPress, get a plugin that helps you add schema for things like:

• FAQs
• How-tos
• Reviews
• Local business info

This makes content easier for machines to understand (assuming it matches what you have described in the schema markup).

3. Make sure your contact details are accurate (pretty much everywhere)

Name, address, phone number. Make sure it’s consistent across your website, Google Business, and directories.

It’s a small detail, but it’s a massive signal to AI assistants that you’re trustworthy.

4. Write for PEOPLE, structure for AI

No keyword stuffing. No awkward robot sentences.

Don’t do it. No. Bad boy. 🐶

Just talk like a human.

But also lay things out clearly with headers, bullet points, and clear structures.

The Bottom Line

AI isn’t coming. It’s already here.

And it’s changing the way people find local services right now.

If you’re not adapting, you’re falling behind.

If you want to get ahead of it, all you need to do is start showing up where it matters.

Be helpful. Be clear. Be local.

Your customers are asking questions. Let’s make sure you’re giving the answer.

👀 Want help with this?

If you’d rather not figure all this out alone (fair), this is exactly what we help with.

If you’re the owner of a local brand trying to punch above its weight in AI search results, your opportunity is here and now.

Book a call with us today. Let’s get your brand showing up in all the right places.