How to Get Your Business Found on ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude in 2026

Forty percent of people under 35 now use ChatGPT or Perplexity to search instead of Google. If your business isn't showing up in AI search results, you're invisible to a huge and growing share of buyers.

What Is AI Search?

Instead of returning a list of links like Google, AI search engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Google's AI Overviews) read multiple websites and synthesize a direct answer with sources. When someone asks "best HVAC company in San Antonio" or "AI consultant near Boerne," AI search picks 3-5 businesses to mention. The rest don't exist.

How to Get Mentioned

1. Have a real website with substantial content. AI engines crawl content like Google does. Thin sites with 3 pages and no detail won't get cited. You need depth.

2. Use clear, direct language. Write content that answers specific questions. Headers like "How much does an AI agent cost?" with a clear paragraph answering it get pulled into AI responses.

3. Get listed on the sources AI trusts. Google Business Profile, Yelp, industry directories, local Chamber of Commerce sites, and high-authority publications. AI engines pull from these.

4. Build topical authority. A site with 20 articles about "AI for small business" gets cited more than a site with 3. Coverage breadth matters.

5. Structured data and schema markup. Behind the scenes, your website should tell AI exactly what your business does, where it's located, what services you offer, and your contact info.

Why This Matters Now

Google search is still bigger, but AI search is growing fast. Businesses that optimize early get cited for years before competitors catch on. The ones that wait will be playing catch-up.

How We Help

Heights Digital builds websites optimized for both traditional Google SEO and AI search engines. We structure your content so ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Google's AI can find, understand, and cite your business. Call or text (210) 729-4008 for a free site audit.