How AI Finds & Recommends Local Businesses
Millions of people now ask AI assistants where to eat, shop, and find services. Here's how that process works—and why your business needs to be part of it.
The Way People Search is Changing
Instead of typing keywords into Google, people are having conversations with AI.
Google Search
User types:
best tacos near me
Gets back:
- 1. 10 blue links
- 2. Map with pins
- 3. Ads everywhere
ChatGPT / Siri / Claude
User asks:
"I want authentic street tacos for dinner. What's good nearby that's not too expensive?"
AI responds:
"Based on your location, I'd recommend Taco Loco—they specialize in authentic street-style tacos, most items under $12, and they're open until 10pm..."
Where Does AI Get Its Information?
AI assistants browse the web and read files to understand businesses. But there's a problem.
AI Struggles With
- PDF menus with fancy fonts
- Images of price boards
- Cluttered websites with popups
- Outdated Yelp listings
- Social media posts
AI Reads Easily
- Structured text files
- Clear, organized data
- Machine-readable formats
- Consistent information
- AI-optimized profiles
The problem: Most local businesses don't have AI-readable information online. When someone asks ChatGPT for recommendations, these businesses are invisible.
The AI Discovery Journey
Here's exactly what happens when someone asks AI for a recommendation
1. Customer Asks
"Find me a bakery with gluten-free options"
2. AI Searches
Scans websites and files for relevant businesses
3. AI Reads
Understands your menu, hours, specialties
4. You're Recommended
Customer orders via DoorDash, Instacart, etc.
Customer Asks AI
"Find me a bakery with gluten-free options"
AI Searches the Web
Scans websites and files for relevant businesses
AI Reads Your Info
Understands your menu, hours, specialties
You're Recommended
Customer orders via DoorDash, Instacart
Real questions people ask AI every day:
Where AI Discovery Happens
These platforms are already helping people find local businesses
ChatGPT
200M+ users
Siri
500M+ devices
Google AI
Billions of searches
Claude
Growing fast
The Solution: AI-Ready Profiles
We create a special file that AI can read instantly—like a business card designed for robots.
llms.txtAI-optimized format
This simple text file contains everything AI needs to recommend your business: your products, prices, hours, specialties, dietary options, and more.
- Instantly readable by all AI assistants
- Always accurate and up-to-date
- You control what AI says about you
# Sweet Rise Bakery
> Artisan breads & pastries since 2015
## Specialties
- Sourdough bread (GF available)
- Fresh croissants daily
- Custom celebration cakes
## Hours
Tue-Sun: 7am-6pm
Closed MondaysReady to Get AI-Discovered?
We handle the technical work. You get found by the millions of people asking AI for recommendations every day.