How to Show Up in AI Searches as a Small Business
AI search is reshaping how Australians find businesses online. Google’s AI Overviews, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity are pulling in answers—not just links. If your company isn’t visible in these answers, you risk being invisible to customers. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to start optimising. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Audit Your Current Online Presence
Google your business name + suburb. Does your profile appear?
Check that your Google Business Profile is complete with opening hours, services, and photos.
Review your website’s schema markup (you can test it with Google’s Rich Results Test).
Search for your business in AI tools like Perplexity or ChatGPT to see if it recognises you.
Step 2: Optimise for Local AI Discovery
Local intent is huge: AI Overviews appear in 40% of local searches in Australia.
Create state-or city-specific landing pages (e.g., “Plumber in Geelong” instead of just “Plumber”).
Use Australian English and cultural references—AI models prefer regionally-accurate language.
Tap into local events and seasons (e.g., EOFY tax time, AFL finals, bushfire preparedness).
Build authority with “.au” domains and Australian backlinks (directories, councils, industry groups).
Step 3: Create AI-Friendly Content
AI loves clear, conversational, helpful content.
Add an FAQ page answering the exact questions customers ask you.
Use natural language: “How much does a safety inspection cost in Melbourne?”
Break up content with headings and bullet points.
Add context, like use cases, customer stories, or comparisons.
Step 4: Distribute Content Where AI Looks
Feedonomics highlights three ways AI finds your business:
Web crawls (low control): Make your website technically clean—test with PageSpeed Insights.
APIs/Protocols (medium control): Use Google Merchant Center for product feeds.
Syndication platforms (high control): Consider feed management services (e.g., Feedonomics) for e-commerce.
Step 5: Track AI-Specific Success Metrics
Traditional SEO metrics don’t tell the whole story anymore. Start watching:
AI Overview Visibility Rate → Check in Google Search Console.
Entity Recognition Rate → Use tools like Kalicube Pro to see if your brand is recognised in knowledge graphs.
Conversational Query Rankings: Track performance in AnswerThePublic or similar tools.
Zero-Click Engagement: Review call-to-action clicks inside GBP without website visits.
Step 6: Budget-Friendly Ways to Start
Free options:
Google Search Console to track AI Overview impressions.
Free schema markup generators.
Could you complete your Google Business Profile?
Build FAQ content yourself.
Low-cost options:
Analytics tools that specialise in AI search.
Affordable schema markup services.
Partner with local digital marketing agencies experimenting with AI optimisation.
Step 7: Manage the Risks
Don’t upload sensitive info into free AI tools.
Use enterprise-grade tools for business-critical data.
Keep traditional SEO strong while AI search matures.
Remember: 58% of Australian SMEs are already using AI tools—staying still risks falling behind.
Why Start Now?
Early adopters are already seeing 28% traffic increases from AI search optimisation. The sooner you get your schema markup, FAQs, and local pages in order, the more likely you are to show up when customers ask AI about your industry.
👉 Want practical prompts and templates to optimise your business for AI search?
Explore our AI Business Tools Prompt Pack at the Small Biz Prompt Shop.
