AI Search FAQs

If you're confused about AI search... you're not alone. Nearly every business owner we talk to is asking some version of these same questions.

The truth is, as uncomfortable as it may be, there isn't one setting you can turn on for AI. There isn't an "Optimize for ChatGPT" button. There isn't an "Appear in AI" plugin. There's documentation. There's authority. There's trust. And there's a lot of work.

What is AI Search?

AI Search allows people to ask questions in natural language and receive answers instead of a list of links. Learn more → What is AI Search?

How does AI Search work?

AI attempts to understand a question, gather evidence, evaluate confidence, and generate an answer. Learn more → How AI Search Works

Is AI Search replacing Google?

No. Google is investing heavily in AI. AI Search isn't replacing search engines. It's changing how people use them.

Can AI recommend my business?

Yes. But AI usually recommends businesses it understands and trusts. Learn more → AI Recommendations

Why doesn't ChatGPT know my business?

Usually because your business doesn't have enough connected digital evidence. Learn more → Why doesn't ChatGPT know my business?

What are AI Trust Signals?

Trust signals help AI decide whether your business is legitimate and should be recommended. Learn about AI Trust Signals.

What are AI Citations?

AI uses many sources to understand businesses. Those sources become citations. Read about AI Citations.

What is Entity SEO?

Entity SEO teaches AI exactly who your business is. Learn about Entity SEO.

Do websites still matter?

Absolutely. But their job is changing. Instead of only attracting visitors, websites increasingly document businesses for AI systems.

Is ranking #1 enough anymore?

No. Ranking is valuable. Being recommended is better. The two often overlap, but they are no longer the same thing.

Can AI read structured data?

Structured data helps machines understand your website with greater clarity. Learn about Structured Data.

What should I fix first?

If we were starting today we'd work on:

What does Firm IQ believe?

We believe businesses don't have an AI problem. Most have a documentation problem. AI can only recommend what it understands. Our job is making your business impossible to misunderstand.