How to check whether AI assistants mention your business
Buyers now ask AI assistants for recommendations. Here is a simple, honest way to test whether your business gets mentioned, and what the results can and cannot tell you.
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Put this into practice
Start with the questions buyers actually ask
Write five to ten questions a customer might type, such as the best provider of your service in your city, or how to choose between two options. Avoid questions that include your own brand name, because those prove nothing about discovery.
Ask each question and record what happens
For every question, note three things:
- Whether your business is named at all
- Which competitors are named instead
- Which websites the answer cites as sources, if it shows any
Read the results with care
AI answers vary from one run to the next, and between assistants. One check is a snapshot, not a ranking. Repeat the same questions every few weeks and look at the trend. Treat any tool that promises guaranteed citations with suspicion.
What can you change?
The sources an answer cites show which pages the assistant trusts. If competitors are cited from directories, reviews or comparison articles, those are places to make sure your business is accurately listed. Fix factual gaps on your own site first: clear service pages, an About page, and structured data.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check?
Monthly is enough for most small businesses. Answers move slowly, and more frequent checks mostly add noise.
Can I pay to be mentioned?
No. Assistants do not sell placement in their answers today. Be wary of anyone who claims otherwise.