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How to Use AI to Get Found by AI: Real-World Examples from Local Businesses

By Corey Hinde

AI-powered search is no longer a thing of the future — it’s here.

Tools like ChatGPT, Google SGE, and AI assistants in platforms like Siri and Alexa are changing the way customers discover businesses.

But here’s the challenge: AI can’t recommend you if it doesn’t understand you.

This article will show you how small businesses are using AI tools to make sure AI-powered search engines can easily find, understand, and recommend them.

I’ll also feature some real businesses listed on Marketers List — so you can see exactly how this works in action.

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Step 1: Use AI Tools to Check How You Show Up Online

Tool to use: ChatGPT or Perplexity.ai

Start by asking AI tools simple questions about your business:

  • “Who are the top landscapers in Auckland?”
  • “Where can I buy organic vegetables in New Zealand?”
  • “Find me a tree removal expert in Papamoa.”

➡️ Example: Vida Landscape Solutions (Auckland)

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We asked ChatGPT to “recommend a good landscaper in Auckland” — but it couldn’t give a straight answer.

Fix: Ensure Vida Landscape’s website and social media clearly state:

  • Business Name + Category (e.g., “Vida Landscape Solutions – Auckland Landscaping Experts”)
  • Location mentions (use suburbs like Mt Eden, Parnell, Newmarket in content)
  • Updated Google Business Profile and local directories.

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Step 2: Fill “Content Gaps” AI is Looking For

Tool to use: ChatGPT + AnswerThePublic.com

AI models scan the web for authoritative, concise answers. If your website or blog answers common customer questions, you’re more likely to get picked up.

➡️ Example: Simply Organic (New Zealand)
If customers are asking:

  • “What are the best organic products for gut health?”
  • “Where can I buy certified organic veggies online NZ?”

Simply Organic can write blog posts or FAQs that specifically answer these.

Use ChatGPT to generate lists of commonly asked questions, then AnswerThePublic to validate them.

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Step 3: Optimize for AI-Generated Snippets

Tool to use: Frase.io or SurferSEO

AI search often pulls short, well-structured snippets from websites. Use a tool like Frase or SurferSEO to:

  • Add short, answer-style paragraphs to your blog posts.
  • Use headings like “Best [Product] in [Location]” or “Top 5 [Service] Tips.”

➡️ Example: Better Trees BOP (Mount Maunganui / Papamoa)


Creating an article titled “Best Tree Removal Services in Papamoa – What You Need to Know” with clear bullet points helps AI models summarize and present your business in local search queries.

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Step 4: Create “AI-Friendly” Business Profiles Across the Web

Tool to use: Yext or manual directory submissions

AI search relies heavily on structured data from:

  • Google Business Profile
  • Yelp, Yellow Pages, Hotfrog, etc.
  • Industry-specific directories (like MarketersList.co)

➡️ Example: Project Specialists Ltd (Tauranga)


Ensure they are listed with consistent Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) across all directories. Use AI to scan for inconsistencies.

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Step 5: Use AI to Monitor and Improve Your Visibility

Tool to use: Google Search Console + ChatGPT summaries

Download your search performance data and paste it into ChatGPT.
Ask:

  • “What are my top performing pages?”
  • “Which keywords should I target next?”
  • “Where am I missing opportunities for AI snippets?”

➡️ Example: Aotea Electric Auckland can analyze their GSC data and identify new content topics like “Emergency Electricians Auckland” if search impressions are trending that way.

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Conclusion: Make it Easy for AI to Find You

AI search is ruthless in its simplicity. If your information isn’t structured, clear, and visible across the web, you’re invisible.

But with the right AI tools (and a little effort), you can flip the script and ensure AI assistants start recommending your business first.

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Want Help?

Explore the businesses on MarketersList.co — they’re already making moves to get found by AI.

If you want to join them, start with these steps, or reach out for tailored advice.

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AI Tools Mentioned:

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Businesses Featured:

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