Here's something most Perth business owners haven't clocked yet. When someone asks AI for the best in your industry, something decides whose name comes up. It's not random.
Quick version: it depends which AI. Google and ChatGPT don't work the same way. But the thing that gets you picked on both is the same — content that actually answers what people are asking. No one can promise you a spot, but you can absolutely stack the odds.
there's no single "ai search"
This is where everyone goes wrong. They talk about AI search like it's one thing with one rulebook. It's not. Google's AI and ChatGPT are two different beasts, and they pick who to mention in completely different ways. Lump them together and you'll pour effort into the wrong stuff.
how google picks
Google's AI runs on the same ranking system it always has. Same engine under the hood. So whatever earns you rankings is what gets pulled into the AI answer. I'll say it plainly: optimising for Google's AI is still just SEO. There's no secret button.
Google's been clear on what matters most, too — genuinely useful content only you can make. Then the boring stuff: consistent business details, a Google Business Profile that's actually current, and content kept fresh.
how chatgpt picks
ChatGPT's a different story. There's no official guide for showing up in it. What we do know is you've got to let it crawl your site so you're even in the running. After that it leans more on what's being said about you around the web — mentions, reviews, the picture the internet paints of you. You can't fake that, though. Made-up noise falls over fast.
what actually gets you recommended
The reality is, it's the same work on every engine:
- Useful content that answers the real questions your customers ask. This is the one that matters most.
- Your business details consistent everywhere.
- A Google Business Profile that's actually up to date.
- Fresh content — a page you haven't touched in three years isn't getting picked.
And ignore the "GEO" hacks people are flogging — llms.txt files, schema tricks, buying mentions. Google says skip it. So skip it.
the bit i'll always be straight about
No one can guarantee you'll show up. Anyone telling you they can is having a lend. What you can do is stack every signal in your favour, so when someone asks AI for the best in your market, you're the obvious answer.
That's exactly what we do at Reps — build content that answers what your customers are actually asking, so you're the one AI names. If that sounds like a fit, let's jump on a call.
book a callAI-search guidance cross-checked against official Google and OpenAI documentation. This space moves fast — re-check before quoting any single stat.