How to Get Your West Coast Business Found in AI Searches (And Why It Matters in 2025)

AI powered search tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot and Perplexity are changing how customers find local businesses. If you want more people to discover you online, especially on the West Coast, optimising for AI search visibility is now just as important as traditional SEO.

Why AI Search Matters for West Coast Businesses

When someone searches in an AI powered engine, they don’t just see a list of websites. They get a direct answer.If your business isn’t being quoted or mentioned in those answers, you’re missing out on high intent customers.

Key benefits of AI search optimisation:More local exposure – AI pulls from trusted, relevant sources. If you’re optimised, you’ll appear in the top summaries.Higher conversion rates – People using AI search are often ready to buy or book.Faster trust building – Being featured in an AI answer makes your business look credible.

Step 1: Make Your Content AI Friendly

AI search engines prefer clear, concise answers to specific questions.On your website:

• Add FAQ sections to your homepage and service pages.

• Write in a Q&A format for common customer queries.

• Use short sentences and bullet points for easy parsing.

Step 2: Add Structured Data (Schema)

Schema markup tells AI exactly what your business does, where you are and who you help

.• Use LocalBusiness schema for location targeting

• Use FAQPage schema for Q&A content.

• Keep your contact details consistent across your website, Google Business Profile and social media.

Step 3: Optimise for Your Location

If you’re in Māwhera / Greymouth or anywhere on the West Coast, make sure your location is in your headings, text and image alt tags. Example: “Website Design in Greymouth | Coastal Designs Marketing”.

Include photos of local landmarks or your workspace for authenticity.

Step 4: Get Mentioned Across the Web

AI tools don’t just read your website. They scan multiple sources.

• Get listed in local business directories.

• Collaborate with other local businesses for cross promotion.

• Pitch stories or case studies to West Coast community news.

Step 5: Keep Your Content Fresh

AI search engines value recent updates.

• Add new blog posts monthly.

• Refresh old pages with updated information.

• Share seasonal or trending local topics.

Quick Checklist for AI Search Optimisation

Add FAQ section to main pages

Install LocalBusiness and FAQ schema

Include your location in headings and text Get backlinks from reputable sites[ ] Update your content regularly

FAQs

1. What is AI search optimisation?It’s the process of making your website and content easy for AI search tools to understand, quote and recommend.

2. How is it different from SEO?Traditional SEO focuses on ranking in search results. AI search optimisation focuses on being included in the AI generated answer.

3. How long does it take to see results?Typically 1–3 months if you publish fresh, well structured content regularly.