How it differs from Google, and what still counts
AI search builds on the same web as Google, so the basics still count. What's different: no rankings, more weight on other sites, and answers that change.
You'll hear new names for this, like GEO (generative engine optimization) or AI SEO. You don't have to choose between it and Google: they build on the same web, and most of the work helps both.
What still counts
- A website search engines and AI can read, with a clear page for each thing you do.
- A complete, accurate Google Business Profile: Google's AI leans on it heavily.
- Reviews, and the same facts about you everywhere.
What's different
- No positions: you're named or you're not, and there's no page two.
- More weight on other websites: directories, review sites and best-of lists, not just yours.
- Answers change: ask the same question twice and you may get different names, so one check tells you little.
- Each assistant reads different sources, so you can be strong on one and missing on another.
So keep doing the Google basics, and add the AI side: get onto the sites assistants read, make your pages easy to quote, and measure across several asks and several assistants.
Do this before the next lesson
- Search Google for your main service and town, then ask ChatGPT the same thing.
- Compare who shows up in each. The businesses named in both are doing the basics and the AI side.
In Groow
Groow tracks both side by side: your Google rankings and Maps spots, and how often each AI assistant names you.
Put this to work on your business
Groow checks how ChatGPT, Google and Google Maps see your business every week, tells you what to fix first, and drafts the work for your OK.