AI Search Optimization Checklist
What local service businesses need in place to get cited by AI
2026
Google Business Profile & directories
Claimed, verified, consistent
Claim and fully complete Google Business Profile
Claim Bing Places and Apple Business Connect
Pick the most specific primary category
Get listed in 2-3 directories for your trade
Fix your record at the data aggregators
Structured data & schema
Machine-readable facts
Add LocalBusiness schema (or trade subtype)
Add Service schema for each offering
Add FAQPage schema to FAQ sections
Match schema data to your GBP exactly
Validate with Google's Rich Results Test
Content & FAQs
Answers AI can quote
One dedicated page per service you offer
A location page for each city you cover
FAQ answers written the way customers ask
Real cost ranges, not "call for pricing"
Plain text, not facts buried in images
Reviews & reputation
What customers actually say
Steady review volume across platforms
Reviews that name specific services
Reviews that mention neighborhoods served
Automated review requests after each job
Owner replies that restate what you do
NAP consistency
Identical name, address, phone
Pick one address format and reuse it
One phone number on every listing
Same business name everywhere, no variants
Retire old addresses and dead numbers
Mirror the same details on your website
AI-answer monitoring
Check what AI says about you
Ask ChatGPT who to call in your city
Check Google AI Overview for your top services
Note which competitors get named
Confirm the facts AI states are correct
Re-check quarterly as answers shift