AI is transforming the way customers search online. With Google’s AI Overviews, Microsoft Copilot, and tools like Perplexity, answers are being generated directly instead of showing traditional blue links. If your business isn’t being recognised in these results, you’re invisible to customers who increasingly rely on AI for decision-making.

At MacInnis Marketing, we work with small businesses every day to stay ahead of these shifts. Here’s a practical roadmap to help you get started.

Step 1: Audit Your Current Online Presence

The first step is understanding how visible your business is today.

• Google your business name + suburb. Does your profile appear?

• Review your Google Business Profile for accuracy—hours, services, reviews, and photos.

• Check your website’s schema markup using Google’s Rich Results Test. Schema is what helps AI read and categorise your site.

• Try searching for your business in AI tools like Perplexity to see if you’re recognised.

Step 2: Optimise for Local AI Discovery

Local searches are where AI is showing up the most—40% of local queries in Australia now display AI Overviews.

• Build city- and state-specific landing pages (e.g., “Electrician in Mornington” instead of just “Electrician”).

• Use Australian English for spelling and local terminology.

• Optimise for seasonal and cultural events such as EOFY tax time, AFL finals, or fire season.

• Strengthen credibility with .au backlinks from Australian directories, councils, and industry associations (auDA).

Step 3: Create AI-Friendly Content

AI models favour structured, conversational content.

• Build a dedicated FAQ page answering common customer questions.

• Use natural language phrasing: “How much does garden landscaping cost in Melbourne?”

• Add context like customer stories, comparisons, or product use cases.

• Use clear formatting with headings and bullet points to make your content easy to parse.

Step 4: Distribute Content Where AI Looks

AI discovers your business in three ways (via Feedonomics):

1. Web crawls (low control): Keep your website technically sound with tools like PageSpeed Insights.

2. APIs/Protocols (medium control): Share product data with Google Merchant Center.

3. Syndication platforms (high control): Use product feed management to guarantee accuracy in e-commerce.

Step 5: Measure AI-Specific Metrics

Traditional SEO alone won’t cut it. Monitor:

• AI Overview Visibility Rate ? Track via Google Search Console.

• Entity Recognition Rate ? Tools like Kalicube Pro can confirm if your brand appears in knowledge graphs.

• Conversational Query Rankings ? Check how you rank for natural-language searches using AnswerThePublic.

• Zero-Click Engagement ? Measure actions taken from your GBP (calls, directions) without a website visit.

Step 6: Budget-Friendly Options

Free steps you can take now:

• Set up and monitor Google Search Console.

• Add schema with free tools like TechnicalSEO’s generator.

• Fully optimise your Google Business Profile.

• Create FAQ content in-house.

Low-cost professional options:

• Specialist tools for AI search analytics.

• Affordable schema services for complex websites.

• Partner with agencies like MacInnis Marketing for AI optimisation strategies tailored to Australian SMEs.

Step 7: Manage the Risks

AI search is still evolving, and there are risks to be mindful of.

• Avoid putting sensitive data into free AI tools.

• Use enterprise versions where possible for security.

• Keep traditional SEO strong while building your AI search presence.

• With 58% of Australian SMEs already adopting AI, staying still isn’t an option.

Why It Matters

Businesses that adopt AI search optimisation early are seeing up to 28% more website traffic. It’s no longer just about SEO—it’s about being recognised as a trusted entity when customers ask AI about your industry.

Ready to future-proof your business?

At MacInnis Marketing, we help small businesses optimise for AI search with practical strategies that work in the Australian market. Get in touch with us today.