You don't need expensive tools or a marketing agency to get a rough idea of how visible your business is to AI search engines. This five-step audit takes about five minutes, and the results might surprise you.
Check 1: Google Your Own Business
Search for your business name plus your category plus your city. For example: "best pizza restaurant Scottsdale" or "family dentist Phoenix AZ." Look at the first page of results. Are you there? Now look at Google's AI Overview at the top. Are you mentioned?
Score yourself: In the AI Overview = 2 points. On page 1 organically = 1 point. Neither = 0.
Check 2: Ask ChatGPT Directly
Open ChatGPT and type: "Recommend the best [your category] in [your city]." Does your business appear? Try three different phrasings. The more you show up, the stronger your AI visibility.
Score yourself: Mentioned in all three = 3 points. One or two = 1 point. Zero = 0.
Check 3: Schema Markup Check
Go to Google's Rich Results Test (search.google.com/test/rich-results) and enter your website URL. Does it detect LocalBusiness, Organization, or other structured data? Schema markup is how you make your business machine-readable.
Score yourself: Valid schema detected = 2 points. Errors or warnings = 1 point. No schema = 0.
Check 4: Count Your Third-Party Mentions
Search for your business name in quotes on Google (e.g., "Wise Roots LLC"). How many unique websites mention your business? Not just directories, but articles, press mentions, blog posts, and partner sites.
Score yourself: 20+ mentions = 2 points. 5 to 19 = 1 point. Under 5 = 0.
Check 5: Google Business Profile Completeness
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Open your GBP dashboard. Is every field filled out? Business description, categories, services, hours, photos, Q&A, and posts? A complete profile signals legitimacy to both Google and AI systems.
Score yourself: Everything filled = 1 point. Missing sections = 0.
Your Score
- 8-10 points: You're ahead of most local businesses. Keep building content depth and citations.
- 4-7 points: You have a foundation but significant gaps. Focus on content and schema.
- 0-3 points: You're essentially invisible to AI search. This is urgent but fixable.
This quick audit gives you a snapshot. For the full picture, including which competitors are outranking you in AI search and exactly what to fix, get your free MAISEL competitive intelligence report.
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