Big changes are coming to how people search online. Instead of just typing into Google, more people are asking AI tools like ChatGPT to help them find what they need. This could change everything about how customers find your business.
Think of it this way: instead of searching "best pizza near me" on Google, people might ask ChatGPT "What's the best pizza place in my area that delivers fast and has good reviews?"
This is already happening, and it's growing fast. The good news? You can get ready for it now.
What's Really Happening?
Here are the facts:
- 61% of adults have used AI tools in the last 6 months
- Young people (ages 18-34) are using AI search every week
- 75% of businesses are already using AI tools
- ChatGPT gets 37.5 million searches per day (and growing fast)
Google is still the king of search - they handle 14 billion searches every day. But AI search is growing so fast that experts think it might take over in some areas by 2026-2030.
How People Use AI Search
AI search is different from regular search. People ask longer questions and have conversations. Instead of typing "car repair," they might ask:
- "My car is making a weird noise when I brake. What could be wrong and who can fix it near me?"
- "I need a restaurant for a birthday party with 10 people. What are my options in downtown?"
- "What's the best dentist in my area that takes my insurance and is good with kids?"
This means AI needs to understand what people really want, not just match keywords.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Right now, if someone searches for your type of business, you might show up in Google results. But with AI search, the AI picks just a few businesses to recommend. If you're not one of them, you're invisible.
The challenge: You need to demonstrate to the AI that you're the absolute best recommendation for the user.
But here's the good news: when people do visit from AI search, they're more interested. They stay longer on websites and are more likely to become customers.
Simple Steps to Get Ready
You don't need to be a tech wizard to prepare. Here are easy things you can do today:
1. Write Like You Talk to People
- Answer the questions your customers actually ask
- Write in simple, clear language
- Create pages that fully explain your services
- Include your location and what makes you special
2. Show You're an Expert
- Add your credentials and experience to your website
- Get customer reviews and display them
- Write helpful articles about your industry
- Make sure your contact info is clear and up to date
3. Organize Your Information
- Use clear headings on your web pages
- Add FAQ sections to answer common questions
- Include complete business information (hours, services, prices)
- Make sure your website works well on phones
4. Focus on Your Local Area
- Mention your city and neighborhood often
- Get involved in local events and mention them online
- Keep your Google Business Profile updated
- Get reviews from local customers
What to Do This Week
Monday: Make a list of the top 10 questions customers ask you
Tuesday: Check that your Google Business Profile is complete and accurate
Wednesday: Add a FAQ section to your website with those customer questions
Thursday: Ask 3 recent happy customers to leave you a review
Friday: Write one helpful article about something you know well
Don't Panic - You Have Time
This change won't happen overnight. Google is still the main way people search, and that won't change quickly. But businesses that start preparing now will have a big advantage.
Think of it like this: when websites first became important, the businesses that got online early did better. The same thing is happening with AI search.
The Bottom Line
AI search is coming, and it will change how customers find businesses. The companies that get ready now will be the ones that succeed.
You don't need to understand all the technical stuff. You just need to focus on:
- Creating helpful, detailed content
- Showing that you're trustworthy and experienced
- Making it easy for AI to understand what you do
- Staying active in your local community
Need Help Getting Ready?
This stuff can feel overwhelming, especially when you're busy running your business. Daevara Consulting helps small businesses prepare for changes like this. We can help you get your website and online presence ready for the AI search future.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business stay ahead of the competition.