AI Search Readiness checklist
The 2026 AI Search Readiness Checklist
Is your business visible to ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews?
AI Search Readiness
Check items below to see your readiness score update in real time.
Traditional SEO isn't enough anymore. AI "Answer Engines" are now the primary way local customers find services. If your data isn't structured correctly, you're invisible. Use this checklist to audit your presence.
1. The Foundation: Google Business Profile (GBP)
Recent, Relevant Reviews: Do you have at least 3 reviews from the last 30 days containing keywords related to your services? AI models prioritize recent citations.
Complete Attributes: Are your "Offerings" and "Amenities" lists fully populated? These are direct data feeds for AI "Best of" queries.
2. The AI Language: Structured Data (Schema)
LocalBusiness JSON-LD: Is your website using Schema.org markup to explicitly tell AI your Name, Address, Phone (NAP), and Operating Hours?
Service-Specific Schema: Do you have individual schema tags for every specific service you offer? AI needs to "see" these as distinct entities.
3. Content for "Answer Engines"
FAQ Markup: Does your site have a "How to" or "FAQ" section with conversational questions? AI loves clear Q&A formats for its snapshots.
Local Context: Does your content mention local landmarks, neighborhoods, or community events? AI utilizes location data to narrow commercial results.
Research Sources:
- Knapsack Creative: AI Search & SEO in 2026 for Small Businesses
- Peak Advisers: Structured Data & AI Search for Small Businesses 2025
- Google Search Central: Succeeding in Google's AI Search Experiences