Why ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are the new Google, And How to Get Your Business Discovered

Introduction

Something fundamental changed in how people search for things online — and most businesses haven't noticed yet.

A year ago, if someone needed a plumber in Boston, they'd Google "plumber near me" and scroll through ten blue links, reading reviews and comparing websites.

Today? They open ChatGPT and ask: "I have a leaking pipe under my kitchen sink in Boston. Who should I call?"

And ChatGPT gives them one answer. A specific recommendation. With reasoning.

No scrolling. No comparing. No decision fatigue.

This is the new search. And if your business isn't structured for it, you're invisible.

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The Shift Nobody's Talking About

According to recent data, 43% of people now start their search in an AI assistant rather than a traditional search engine. That number was 12% just 18 months ago.

But here's what's wild: Google searches still work the same way they did in 2010. You type keywords, you get links, you click around.

"Traditional SEO was about keywords and backlinks. AI search is about structured data and trust signals." — Marcus Webb, Search Engineer

AI search is completely different:

• Conversational — People ask questions like they're talking to a friend

• Contextual — The AI remembers what you said three messages ago

• Decisive — Instead of 10 options, you get 1-3 recommendations with reasoning

When someone asks ChatGPT, "Where should I get my car detailed in Austin?" — it doesn't give them a list of every detailing shop. It gives them the answer it thinks is best, with specific reasons why.

If you're not in that answer, you don't exist.

What AI Platforms Actually Look For

AI assistants don't "see" your website the way humans do. They can't appreciate your beautiful homepage design or clever tagline.

AI assistants don't "see" your website the way humans do. They can't appreciate your beautiful homepage design or clever tagline.

They read structured data. Think of it like this:

What Humans See:

"Welcome to Mike's Plumbing! Serving Boston since 1987.  We're available 24/7 for emergency repairs. Call us today!"

What AI Sees:

ERROR: Cannot determine service areaERROR: Cannot find phone numberERROR: Cannot verify business hours

Unless your business information is structured properly — using something called schema markup — AI platforms can't understand or recommend you.

The 4 Things AI Needs to Know About Your Business

1. Who You Are (Identity)

• Legal business name

• What you actually do (clear category)

• Years in business / founding date

• Credentials or certifications

2. Where You Are (Location)

• Legal business name

• Service area (specific cities/regions)

• Contact information (phone, email, website)

• Hours of operation

3. What People Say (Social Proof)

• Reviews (especially 4-5 star)

• Customer testimonials

• Case studies or success stories

• Industry recognition

4. What You Publish (Content Signals)

• Blogs that answer common questions

• Videos explaining your services

• FAQs specific to your industry

• Fresh, regularly updated content

The catch? Most businesses have this information scattered across Google, Yelp, Facebook, their website, and nowhere in a format AI can actually read.

Real Example: Why One Business Shows Up and Another Doesn't

Let's compare two plumbers in Boston: