AI Search
Customers asking AI tools for recommendations instead of typing keywords into Google.
The Tradie Take
AI search is like the old local servo that knew every good tradie. The AI is the servo now. It names the businesses that are consistent, visible, and easy to check out.
Definition
AI search is when a customer skips Google and asks an AI tool like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini "who's a good electrician near me?" The AI answers from what it can find and trust online, usually a short list of names. Being named by AI is the new version of ranking. If your business is hard to find or inconsistent online, the AI can't recommend it, because it can only recommend what it can verify.
How It Works
- 1 The customer asks the AI a question in plain language
- 2 The AI pulls from websites, reviews, and business listings
- 3 It answers with a short list of names and reasons
- 4 Being consistent and easy to verify is what gets you named
Tips for Tradies
- Keep your name, address, and phone number identical everywhere
- Get real reviews and respond to them
- Publish clear answers to common questions on your site
- Stay active in the places AI trusts: Google Business Profile, directories, your own website
Want to see the tools behind this? We run AI Search on the professional stack - Ahrefs, Semrush, Moz Pro, Screaming Frog and more. See the SEO tools we use →
Sources
We cite these so you can check the claims yourself. Links pick your local sources first.