Getting found online by Google AND AI - things to consider

By Corey Hinde

Getting your business found online requires more than just search engine optimisation (SEO).

People are searching Google AND AI (for example chatGPT) to find what they want online.  

If you want your business to rank well on Google and also be recommended by AI chatbots like ChatGPT, you need a strategy that caters to both.

Why It’s Important to Optimise for Both Google & ChatGPT

Google is still the main place people search, but AI chatbots are changing this. 

Many people now ask AI for recommendations, skipping normal search results.  Sometimes, they check both to be doubly sure. 

Key Differences Between Google & ChatGPT Search

• Google Search: Uses algorithms to rank web pages based on keywords, backlinks, and site authority.

• ChatGPT Search: Generates answers based on high-quality, relevant content from trusted sources, prioritising clear information.

Recently we’ve been doing quite a lot of research into which types of sites rank well on both Google and ChatGPT, this article summarises our research. 

How to Optimise Your Business for Google

Google’s ranking factors have evolved, but the fundamentals remain the same. 

Follow these steps to ensure your solar business ranks well:

1. Keyword Optimisation

Use relevant keywords that potential customers search for, such as:

• “Best (Electrician) near me”

• “How much does “xyz” service cost”

• “Cafe near me” for example

• “Best Building Inspector (your town)”

2. High-Quality Content

Google prioritises the best content. 

Create blog posts, guides, and case studies that answer common questions about whatever it is your business does. 

Keep your content updated and factual.  

Make it as good as possible.

3. Technical SEO

• Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure your website works well on all devices, especially mobile.

• Fast Loading Speed: Optimise images and use caching to speed up your site.

• Secure Website (HTTPS): Ensure your website is HTTPS secured. 

4. Backlinks and Local SEO

• Get Featured on Industry Websites: Partner with industry blogs and news sites if possible to gain backlinks.

• Google Business Profile Optimisation: Ensure your profile is up-to-date with accurate business details, customer reviews, and images. 

5. Structured Data Markup

Use schema markup to help Google understand your content better.  

Consult an SEO professional about this.  

This is especially useful for reviews, FAQs, and service listings.

How to Optimise for ChatGPT and AI Search

AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT prioritise clear, factual, and well-structured content. 

Here’s how to ensure your business is featured in AI responses:

1. Provide Clear and Concise Answers

ChatGPT pulls information from well-written, straightforward content. 

Write short, direct answers to common customer questions before expanding on details.

Something we recommend (you’ll notice it in this article), is to ALWAYS include a checklist, and an FAQ or Q and A section in your articles.  

This appeals to both Google and AI search. 

2. Create Conversational Content

Since AI tools are designed to mimic human conversation, your content should be easy to understand. Avoid overly technical jargon when explaining industry specific concepts.

3. Optimise for Voice Search

Many ChatGPT-powered tools are used for voice search. 

Optimise for natural language queries like:

• “Who are the best (your industry) near me?”

• “How do I get better Mortgage Rates?” as an example. 

4. Use FAQs and Structured Lists

FAQs and bullet-point lists make it easy for AI tools to extract relevant information. 

Place FAQ sections at the end of your blog posts and service pages.

5. Build Authority with AI-Friendly Sources

ChatGPT relies on data from trusted sources (yep, including Google). 

Ensure your content is cited by reputable websites, and consider guest blogging on established platforms if you can.  

Building safe backlinks to your business always helps. 

Checklist: How to Optimise Your Solar Business for Google & ChatGPT

✓ Conduct keyword research and integrate relevant terms into your content

✓ Write clear, concise, and informative blog posts and guides

✓ Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly

✓ Secure your site with HTTPS

✓ Get featured on industry websites and obtain high-quality backlinks

✓ Optimise your Google Business Profile

✓ Use structured data markup to enhance search visibility

✓ Create AI-friendly, content

✓ Optimise for voice search with natural language queries

✓ Include FAQs and structured lists on your website

✓ Build authority by getting cited by reputable sources

FAQs

1. Why do I need to optimise for ChatGPT if I already rank well on Google?

AI search tools are changing how people find information. 

If your business isn’t included in AI-generated answers, you could lose potential customers who rely on chatbots for recommendations.

2. How often should I update my website’s content?

Update your content at least every six months to ensure it remains relevant and accurate. 

Regular updates improve both Google rankings and AI search results.

3. Does local SEO still matter if ChatGPT is providing answers?

Yes! 

AI tools often pull data from Google Business Profile and other local directories (don’t forget Bing, and Open Street Map - our research shows that AI is gleaning information from these). 

AI tools don’t actually have their own list or index or rank  - they are scraping data from other places. 

Optimising your local SEO ensures you’re featured in chatbot responses for location-based queries.

4. How can I check if my website is AI-friendly?

Run a test by asking ChatGPT or other AI tools questions related to your business. 

If your website isn’t referenced, improve your content structure and credibility by following this guide.

5. What’s the biggest mistake solar businesses make with SEO?

Many businesses focus only on keywords without providing valuable content. 

Google and AI tools prioritise helpful, structured information. 

Ensure your website offers value beyond just keywords.  Pretend YOU are your ideal client - would this article help you out in some way?

To succeed now, your business must be optimised for both Google and AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT. 

By combining traditional SEO strategies with AI-friendly content, you’ll increase your chances of being found by customers, whether they’re searching on Google or asking AI for recommendations.

Case In Point Design works with Corey from Good Oil Marketing to help our Wix Website customers continue to reach there SEO goals after their sites are built.

Corey is on a mission to help business owners Win on Google. Looking for one-on-one support visit Good Oil Marketing