1. Make sure AI search crawlers can reach you
Check your robots.txt. Search features use their own crawlers (for example OAI-SearchBot for ChatGPT search and PerplexityBot for Perplexity) separate from AI training crawlers like GPTBot. Blocking search crawlers can keep you out of answers; whether to allow training crawlers is your choice. Google’s AI features use the normal Googlebot index.
2. Rank in regular search first
Google says its AI Overviews and AI Mode draw on the same index and ranking systems as Search, with no special extra requirements. ChatGPT, Copilot and others lean on web search results too. Solid SEO is the foundation.
3. State the facts plainly
On your homepage and an About page, say exactly: who you are, what you do, for whom, where, prices or ranges, hours, years in business, credentials. Use the same name, address and phone everywhere (website, Google Business Profile, directories, social profiles).
4. Add structured data
Organization or LocalBusiness, Service, FAQPage, BreadcrumbList and Review markup (only for real, first-party reviews) help machines understand your pages.
5. Write answer-first pages
For each service: a 2-3 sentence answer at the top (what it is, who it’s for, price range, timeline), then details, comparisons and an FAQ. Specific facts are quotable; vague marketing copy isn’t.
6. Earn mentions elsewhere
AI tools weigh what others say: reviews, local directories, industry associations, press, “best of” lists and community discussions. Ask happy customers for reviews and keep listings up to date.
7. Keep it fresh and fast
Show “last updated” dates, refresh key pages, and keep pages fast and mobile-friendly.
8. Measure
Use Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools, and watch analytics for referrals from chatgpt.com, perplexity.ai and similar sources.
What about llms.txt?
It’s a proposed summary file for AI models. Adding one is harmless, but the major AI search products haven’t said they use it: do the steps above first.
