Why Getting Found by AI Tools Is Now Critical
The way people search online has fundamentally changed. Traditional search engines like Google are no longer the only gatekeepers of information — users now turn to ChatGPT, Claude, Google’s AI Overviews, and Perplexity for fast, trusted answers.
What does this mean for you?
Your future customers are not just typing in keywords. They’re asking AI tools:
- “What’s the best sustainable candle for allergies?”
- “Who’s a trusted marketing strategist for nonprofits?”
- “Which dog leash brand is safest for large breeds?”
And if your website isn’t set up to be read and recommended by AI, you’re invisible.
Here are the 5 most important strategies to get discovered by AI tools — and how to implement them starting today.
1. Write Like a Human Expert (Because AI Can Tell)
AI tools behave like superpowered research assistants. They don’t respond well to keyword-stuffed content or bland AI-generated filler. They prioritize clear, organized, and helpful information.
Best Practices for AI-Friendly Content
- Use proper headings (
<h2>
,<h3>
, etc.) — they help AI understand structure - Write in a clear, confident tone — as if explaining to a smart colleague
- Include:
- Bullet points
- Comparison tables
- “What is…” and “How to…” sections
- Answer questions clearly and specifically
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re selling clean-burning candles, explain what ingredients make them “clean,” why that matters, and how it impacts people with asthma — don’t just say “premium quality.”
2. Claim Your Authority with Author Bios and Source Links
AI doesn’t just care what you say — it cares who is saying it. That’s why showing your expertise and credibility is more important than ever.
How to Demonstrate E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
- Add author bios to every blog post
- Include credentials, relevant experience, and a headshot
- Use author schema in your blog template
- Build a robust About page — showcase your background, mission, and values
- Reference trusted sources when sharing facts or research
- Include case studies and testimonials to prove real-world results
Schema Tip: Add
Organization
orPerson
schema to your About page and author bios.
3. Be Everywhere AI Looks (Not Just Your Site)
Your website isn’t the only thing AI crawls. These tools scan the entire internet — looking for reputation, consistency, and authority.
Get Talked About Online
- Participate in Reddit and industry-specific forums (with value, not self-promo)
- Share educational content on LinkedIn that gets reshared and discussed
- Publish guest posts on small and large blogs in your niche
- Collaborate with partners for co-branded content
One client of mine consistently added meaningful advice to niche Reddit threads. After 60 days, her name began appearing in AI answers related to her industry. That’s real organic reach.
4. Answer the Questions People Are Actually Asking (and Use FAQ Schema!)
People are asking AI tools detailed questions. And if your site provides better answers than your competitors, you win visibility — fast.
How to Be the Answer AI Recommends
- Add a FAQ section to your service pages and blogs
- Mark it up with
FAQPage schema
- Use tools like:
- Google’s People Also Ask
- AnswerThePublic
- ChatGPT itself (ask what people want to know!)
- Answer common sales or support questions in depth
5. Use Structured Data to Speak AI’s Language
Structured data — or schema markup — tells AI exactly what your content means. It’s the difference between a messy drawer and a labeled filing cabinet.
High-Priority Schema Types
Article
— for blogs and resourcesLocalBusiness
— if you serve a geographic areaProduct
— for eCommerceFAQPage
— for Q&A sectionsOrganization
andPerson
— for About pages and author bios
🎉 Bonus: Tools like Yoast make this easy to add without coding.
Don’t Forget: Let the Bots In
Even the best content and schema won’t matter if bots can’t access your site. Here’s how to fix that.
Robot-Friendly Checklist
- Ensure your
robots.txt
file doesn’t block AI tools like:GPTBot
(OpenAI)ChatGPT-User
AnthropicBot
(Claude)PerplexityBot
- Use tools like https://robotstxt.dev to test access
- Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools
Final Thoughts: You’re Early — Use That Advantage
AI-powered search is not coming — it’s here. The businesses who prepare now will earn an edge that compounds over time.
Here’s what to do this week:
- Run an AI query about your industry on ChatGPT or Claude
- See who shows up — and who doesn’t
- Start implementing these five steps and track what changes