Get Recommended by AI: 3 Tips for Your Business

Is How Customers Find Businesses Changing? The Dawn of the AI Search Era

"Is there a cafe nearby that's easy to enter alone?"
"Show me a restaurant with parking where I can have lunch with my kids."

Until now, it was common to type questions like these into a smartphone's search bar. But now, more and more people are asking conversational AI like ChatGPT and Gemini directly, as if they were talking to a person.

Like a skilled concierge, AI sifts through vast amounts of online information to select and present a single, optimal answer. For business owners and corporate web managers, this is a huge opportunity. Why? Because if AI recommends your business as "the best choice," it can lead to powerful customer acquisition.

However, this also presents a new challenge. If your business is left off AI's recommendation list, you might not even make it into the customer's consideration set, as if you don't exist at all.

In this article, we will explain the AIO (AI Optimization) measures you should start right away to ensure your business gets chosen in the age of AI search. We'll break it down with concrete steps, making it easy for anyone without specialized knowledge to understand. There's no complex jargon—just practical tips you can act on today.

Why is AI Optimization (AIO) Necessary Now?

You might be thinking, "We've been working hard on SEO and MEO, so we're fine." Of course, those efforts are not wasted. In fact, they form the crucial foundation for your future AIO strategy. However, it's important to understand that the rules of the game are changing slightly with the advent of AI search.

Difference #1: Search Results are Shifting from a "List" to a "Single Answer"

In traditional Google search, users would look at a list of search results (websites ranked 1 through 10), compare them, and decide which information was right for them. In other words, the user had the power of choice.

In contrast, AI search tends to have the AI compare and consider information on the user's behalf, presenting a single, summarized response in a "this is the best answer" format. This means if the AI doesn't select your business as the "answer," you lose the opportunity to be seen by the customer at all.

Difference #2: AI Prioritizes "Accuracy" and "Consistency" More Than Humans Do

AI collects various pieces of information scattered across the internet and learns "facts" by fitting them together like a puzzle. For example, it gathers information about your business from multiple sources like your official website, Google Business Profile, social media, and review sites.

If the address on your official website is slightly different from the one on your Google Business Profile, or if the business hours on a restaurant review site are outdated, the AI gets confused, wondering, "Which information is correct?" If your information is deemed unreliable, the AI may remove your business from its list of potential recommendations. This is why managing information accurately is even more critical than it was with traditional SEO and MEO.

Difference #3: AI Reads Your Business's "Personality" from Text

Expressions that humans understand through nuance, like "a cozy, hidden-gem atmosphere" or "artisanal specialties," can be difficult for an AI to comprehend. AI relies on concrete "words" written on websites and in reviews to determine what kind of place your business is, what services it offers, and which customers it's best suited for.

That's why communicating information about your business using "specific, universally understandable language" is key to AIO.

3 Concrete Solutions to Get Recommended Correctly by AI

So, what exactly can you do to make an AI determine that "this business is trustworthy and worth recommending to users"? Here are three crucial pillars you can start working on today.

Solution #1: Tell the AI Exactly "Who You Are and What You Do" [Thoroughly Organize Basic Information]

The foundation of everything is presenting your business information accurately and consistently across the internet. AI uses this basic information (business name, address, phone number, etc.) to recognize your business as a "real, trustworthy entity." Neglecting this can lead to the AI mistakenly thinking your business doesn't exist.

Specific Steps and Checklist

First, establish a single source of "official information" for your business. Then, correct all information across the web to match that official source, word for word.

• Business Name: Decide on an official name and ensure consistency across different spellings or variations. (e.g., Don't mix "Cafe AI" and "AI Cafe").
• Address: Write the full address without abbreviations, from the street number down to the suite number. It is especially important that the address on your Google Business Profile and your official website match perfectly.
  (Example: 1F Nagoya Building, 3-5-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0008, Japan)
• Phone Number: Include the area code and be consistent with the use of hyphens. (e.g., 052-XXX-XXXX)
• Business Hours & Closing Days: List the exact times. If there are changes for public holidays or temporary closures, it's crucial to announce them promptly on your Google Business Profile and official website.
• Website URL: Settle on a single, canonical URL, including whether to use www, http vs. https, etc.

Estimated Time Required

Approx. 1 to 2 hours
Budget about 30 minutes to compile your business's "official information." Then, allow about an hour to check and correct your company website, Google Business Profile, and major social media accounts (Instagram, X, Facebook, etc.).

Solution #2: Describe "What Kind of Business You Are" in Words an AI Can Read [Verbalize Your Services]

AI learns "what kind of features this business has" and "who it's recommended for" by reading the text on your website and blog. While beautiful photos and videos from a professional photographer are important, for an AI, "textual information" is the most crucial textbook.

Specific Steps

Step 1: Imagine the "Search Keywords" Your Customers Use
Try to imagine what words customers looking for your services might search for, or what questions they might ask an AI. For example, if you run a cafe in Nagoya, a customer might ask:

• "Are there any cafes in Naka-ku, Nagoya with power outlets where I can work on my laptop?"
• "Show me a cafe near Sakae Station that is stroller-accessible and has a diaper changing station."
• "Are there any cafes with a terrace where I can bring my pet (dog)?"

To answer these questions, make sure to state specific information like "Power outlets available," "Wi-Fi at all seats," "Stroller-friendly," "Diaper changing station available," and "Pet-friendly terrace seating" in a prominent place on your website, using text.

Step 2: Create the Ultimate Textbook: A "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)" Page
Are there questions you frequently get from customers over the phone or in person? That's exactly the kind of information that's valuable to an AI. Create a page that compiles questions and answers like the following:

• Q: Do you have parking?
  A: We're sorry, but we do not have dedicated parking. Please use a nearby paid parking lot. There are three paid lots within a 3-minute walk.
• Q: Can I make a reservation?
  A: Yes, you can book via phone or through the reservation form on our official website. We recommend booking in advance as it gets crowded during lunchtime.
• Q: Do you accept credit cards?
  A: Yes, we accept various credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX), as well as electronic money and QR code payments.

An FAQ page is an extremely powerful tool for AIO. AI can learn directly from this Q&A format and may use it to answer user questions.

Step 3: Translate Abstract Expressions into Concrete Language
Do you use expressions like these on your business's website?

• "A cozy atmosphere" → "A warm and friendly shop centered around counter seating, where staff and customers are always chatting."
• "Carefully selected ingredients" → "We use fresh seafood sourced from the XX Market every morning and organic vegetables from our partner farms."
• "The best service" → "To ensure solo diners can relax comfortably, our staff will not interrupt you unnecessarily. Please feel free to call us when you need anything."

By replacing abstract phrases with concrete language that evokes the same image for anyone who reads it, you enable AI to understand the appeal of your business more accurately.

Estimated Time Required

Approx. 2 to 4 hours
A good estimate is 1 hour to brainstorm keywords customers might use, 1-2 hours to create 5-10 FAQs, and about 1 hour to review the text on your website's main pages.

Solution #3: Show AI "How You're Rated by Customers" [Leverage Reviews and Reputation]

AI places great importance not only on the information a business provides about itself but also on evaluations from third parties—your customers (reviews). High-quality reviews prove your business's credibility and serve as strong evidence for AI to conclude, "This business is supported by many people."

The key here isn't just to increase the number of reviews. The "content" of the reviews and the business's "replies" to them are extremely important for AIO going forward. This has always been a key point in traditional MEO, but its value is even greater in the era of AI search.

Specific Steps

Step 1: Create a System to Ask Customers for Reviews
Satisfied customers are potential reviewers. However, many customers either don't know how or simply forget. It helps to give them a little nudge.

• Place a sign at the register: Put up a small sign with a QR code that links to your Google Business Profile review page.
• Hand out thank-you cards: When they pay, give them a card with a QR code and say something like, "If you have a moment, we'd love to hear your feedback to help us improve our service."
• Ask directly: For customers who seem particularly pleased, you can politely ask, "Thank you so much for visiting today. If you wouldn't mind, a review on Google Maps would be a huge encouragement for our team."

*Note: Avoid offering incentives in exchange for positive reviews, as this may violate guidelines.

Step 2: Reply Thoughtfully to Every Review
Replying to reviews sends a powerful signal to AI that "this business engages with its customers sincerely." Be sure to reply to all reviews, both positive and negative.

• Example reply to a positive review: "Thank you so much for visiting us! We were all thrilled to read your comment that 'the [specific dish] was delicious.' We look forward to welcoming you back again soon."
  → By mentioning specific details in your reply, you help the AI learn that "the [specific dish] at this restaurant is popular."
• Example reply to a negative review: "We sincerely apologize that our service did not meet your expectations on this occasion. We have shared your feedback regarding [the specific issue] with our team and will work immediately to make improvements. Thank you very much for your valuable feedback."
  → A sincere apology and a commitment to improve demonstrate a conscientious attitude to other customers and to AI.

Step 3: Use Reviews as "Customer Feedback" to Improve Your Service
Reviews are a treasure trove of information. Collect feedback like "I wish you had [menu item]" or "The background music is a bit too loud," and if there are points you can actually improve, do so. Then, announce those improvements on your website or social media: "In response to customer feedback, we've introduced [new feature]!" This entire cycle is recognized by AI as very positive information, showing that "this business is customer-centric and constantly evolving."

Estimated Time Required

Ongoing task (approx. 15 minutes per day)
Ideally, you should set aside time each day to check and reply to reviews. Once you get the hang of it, each reply should take less than 5 minutes. Make sure to allocate time to handle a few reviews per day.

Start Today! AIO First Steps Checklist

After reading this far, you might be thinking, "I understand what I need to do, but where do I start?" To help, we've broken down the first steps into a 4-step plan you can complete in just two hours today. Let's begin here.

• □ Step 1: Create Your Business's "Official Profile" (Time: 30 mins)
  In a notepad or Excel sheet, accurately write down the basic information mentioned in Solution #1: "Business Name," "Address," "Phone Number," "Business Hours," "Website URL," etc. This will be the "master copy" for all future information.
• □ Step 2: Compare Your Google Business Profile and Official Website (Time: 30 mins)
  Check if the information on your live Google Business Profile and official website perfectly matches the "Official Profile" you created in Step 1. If there are any discrepancies, correct them on the spot.
• □ Step 3: Create 3 "Q&As" from a Customer's Perspective (Time: 45 mins)
  Imagine you are a customer. What would you want to know before visiting your business? Create three question-and-answer sets based on this. Once done, post them in an easy-to-find spot on your website (e.g., at the bottom of your "About Us" page).
• □ Step 4: Reply to Just One Recent Review (Time: 15 mins)
  Open your Google Business Profile and find the most recent review that you haven't replied to yet. It doesn't matter if it's positive or critical. Just start with one, and use the examples in this article to help you write a thoughtful reply.

Conclusion: AIO Starts with Sincere Customer Engagement

When you hear the term "AIO," you might feel it requires special skills or technical knowledge. However, its essence is very simple.

1. Communicate your information accurately and consistently.
2. Describe your appeal in concrete language that anyone can understand.
3. Listen sincerely to customer feedback and respond to it.

These are all principles that have long been valued in business. AIO is nothing more than the process of translating these "business fundamentals" into a digital format that an AI can understand.

The era of AI search is already here. But there's no need to panic. By steadily starting with the first steps we introduced today, you can build a business that gets chosen—by AI and, more importantly, by your future customers. Start by creating your business's "official profile."

For a more systematic approach to AIO, please see the details in the TrendPackage AIO Package.