What AI tools actually read
When someone asks an AI tool who to call, it builds an answer from sources it can read: your website, your Google Business Profile, directories, review sites and what other pages say about you. If those sources are thin, unclear or disagree with each other, your business is easy to skip.
No one controls the answer, and answers change over time. What you can control is how clear and consistent your business looks to the sources the tools read.
1. Let the crawlers in
Open your robots.txt file (yourwebsite.com/robots.txt) and check it does not block search or AI crawlers from your whole site. Some website builders and security tools block them by default without telling you. Also confirm you have a sitemap so pages are easy to find.
2. Say what you do and where, in plain words
Give each service its own page: what it is, who it is for, what it costs or how pricing works, and which cities you serve, spelled out. One page that says "we do everything" gives an AI tool very little to quote.
Write the way customers ask. If people ask "water heater repair in Austin", a page with that title and a clear answer beats a page of slogans.
3. Keep your name, address and phone identical everywhere
Use the exact same business name, address and phone number on your website, Google Business Profile, Facebook, Yelp and every directory. Mismatches make it harder for a tool to be sure the listings are one business.
4. Add structured data
Structured data (schema markup) is a small block of code that states your business name, type, address, phone, hours and the services you offer in a format machines read directly. Most good website platforms or plugins can add LocalBusiness markup. Check that the details match what customers see on the page.
5. Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
Your profile is one of the most-read sources about a local business. Claim it, verify it, choose accurate categories and fill in hours, services, photos and a short description. See our Google Business Profile checklist.
6. Earn real reviews and mentions
Ask happy customers for reviews on Google and the sites your customers use, and reply to them. Local news, chambers of commerce and industry directories that link to you also help show that your business is real and established. Never buy or write fake reviews.
7. Answer the questions customers ask
Add a short FAQ with real answers: prices or ranges, how fast you respond, what areas you cover, how booking works. Real, specific answers are what an AI tool can quote.
8. Check where you stand
Ask the tools the questions your customers would ask and see who they name. Our free AI visibility audit shows what AI can read on your site and what to fix first, and Foundu scores any website in about a minute.