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Want to Rank in AI Results? Google Just Told Us How

  • Colleen Brabender
  • 6 days ago
  • 3 min read

Google recently sent out an SMB newsletter that basically handed us a cheat sheet for getting found in AI search. And considering AI is quickly taking over more and more of local search through Google AI Mode, AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and other AI search tools, that's a pretty big deal for local businesses. Think about it this way: people aren't just asking Google, “Where's a good plumber near me?” anymore. They're asking AI to find

Hand holding phone showing Google AI results for coffee shops near Ludington, MI, beside text Rank Your Business in AI Results.

the best insured plumber that can fix a leaking Toto toilet for them in the middle of night. If you want those AI tools recommending your business in 2026, you need to make sure they actually understand all the little details of what your business does. Luckily, Google's latest newsletter gave us some pretty clear hints about how to do exactly that.



The Top 3 Secrets to Ranking in AI Results:

  1. Get Your Business Listed Everywhere: AI often cites business directories like Apple

  2. Maps, Bing or YellowPages as sources and uses them to learn about your business.

  3. Make sure your business is listed on as many business directories as possible (or let MWW GBP do it for you!)



Add Lots of Photos & Videos: Google AI pays close attention to visual content, so don't let your Google Business Profile's photo section become the digital equivalent of an abandoned strip mall. Add photos of your team, products, services, location, projects, equipment, and anything else that helps Google and your customers understand what you do. (MWW GBP can automate this for you!)



Tell Google Everything: Don't just say you're a “plumber” when you actually specialize in tankless water heaters, bathroom remodels, emergency repairs, and installing fancy toilets. Add as much detail to your profile and website as possible (services, business description, products, attributes, etc) so AI understands all the different things your business can help people with. (MWW GBP also automates this!)



The big takeaway? AI can't recommend you for something it doesn't know you do. The more complete and detailed your online presence is, the more information AI has to work with when deciding which businesses to recommend. So if you haven't started optimizing for AI search yet, now would be a pretty good time to get moving. Or, you can let MWW GBP handle all of this stuff for you while you focus on running your business. Click the button below to get started


How can a local business rank in AI search results?

Local businesses can improve their chances of appearing in AI search results by keeping their Google Business Profile complete, building consistent listings across trusted directories, adding detailed service information, and regularly uploading photos and videos.

Yes. A detailed Google Business Profile gives Google more information about your services, location, products, attributes, photos, and business details, which can help AI systems better understand when your business is relevant to a search.

AI search tools may use information from directories such as Apple Maps, Bing, YellowPages, and other trusted business databases to verify and understand a company. Consistent listings can strengthen your overall online presence.

They can. Photos and videos give Google and potential customers additional context about your business, including your services, products, team, equipment, location, and completed projects.

Yes. The more specific you are, the easier it is for search engines and AI tools to understand what you do. Instead of only listing a broad category like “plumber,” include specific services such as emergency plumbing, tankless water heater installation, toilet repair, and bathroom remodeling.

AI tools like ChatGPT can surface or recommend businesses when they have enough reliable information available to understand what the business does and why it may be relevant to a user's request. Maintaining a detailed and consistent online presence can help.


What is AI search optimization for local businesses?

AI search optimization is the process of making your business information clear, detailed, consistent, and easy for AI-powered search tools to understand. It overlaps heavily with local SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, directory management, and website content.

Yes. MWW GBP can help manage and optimize your Google Business Profile, business listings, photos, services, and other information that helps Google and AI search tools better understand your business.


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