To get your business mentioned in Google’s AI Overviews and in ChatGPT answers, you mostly need the same things that win on Google already: pages that Google and OpenAI’s crawlers can read, clear facts about what you do, where and for whom, real proof such as client results and reviews, and consistent business details across the web. There is no secret “AI SEO” switch. This guide explains what actually matters for a small business in Chennai, and what you can ignore.
What “being cited by AI” means
When someone asks Google a question, an AI Overview may appear at the top with a short answer and a few links to the websites it used. ChatGPT’s search feature works the same way: it writes an answer and shows the pages it took the information from. Being one of those linked sources puts your business in front of people at the moment they are deciding.
What Google says, in plain words
Google’s own documentation for site owners is clear on three points:
- A page can only appear as a link in AI Overviews or AI Mode if it is indexed and eligible to show in normal Google results. If Google cannot index a page, AI cannot cite it either.
- There are no extra technical requirements and no special markup needed for AI features.
- Normal SEO fundamentals still do the work: helpful, original content, a page Google can crawl, and a good experience for visitors.
Google has also said that terms like “AEO” and “GEO” are part of SEO for Google Search, and that tricks such as writing separate content just for AI are not needed. Be wary of anyone selling a special AI package that skips the basics.
What ChatGPT needs
ChatGPT’s search answers draw on pages crawled by OpenAI’s search crawler, OAI-SearchBot. OpenAI says sites that block it will not be shown in ChatGPT search answers. Many websites block AI crawlers by accident, through a hosting firewall, a security plugin or a broad robots.txt rule. Ask your web developer to confirm OAI-SearchBot is allowed. Blocking GPTBot, OpenAI’s training crawler, is a separate choice and does not remove you from ChatGPT search.
7 practical steps for a local business
1. Make sure your important pages are indexed
Open Google Search Console, inspect your homepage and main service pages, and fix anything marked “not indexed”. Submit your sitemap. This single step decides whether AI features can use your site at all.
2. Answer the main question in the first two or three sentences
AI tools look for a clear, self-contained answer. Start each service page with what you offer, who it is for, where you work and roughly what it costs. Long introductions about “the digital world” get skipped.
3. Show proof with real numbers
AI answers favour specific, verifiable facts over slogans. “Our client ranks #1 on Google for ‘rehab center chennai'” is quotable; “we deliver amazing results” is not. Publish case studies that name the client (with permission), what you did and the measurable result. See ours: Ayya Trust and K Square Construction.
4. Keep your business details identical everywhere
Your business name, address and phone number should match exactly on your website, Google Business Profile, JustDial, Facebook and every directory. When the facts agree across many sources, AI systems can state them with confidence.
5. Build a strong Google Business Profile and reviews
For “near me” and local questions, Google relies heavily on Business Profile information and reviews. Choose the right categories, add real photos, post updates, and ask happy customers for reviews every month.
6. Get mentioned on other websites
What other sites say about you carries more weight than what you say about yourself. Local news, industry associations, client websites (“website by…”), directories and genuine lists all help. Avoid paying for fake mentions or reviews; Google’s guidance specifically warns against inauthentic mentions.
7. Use structured data and a clear site structure
Structured data (schema) is not required for AI features, but it helps search engines understand your organisation, services, articles and reviews. A logical menu, with each service on its own page, makes your site easier for both people and crawlers.
What you can ignore
- Writing for robots. Content stuffed with keywords or written only for AI reads badly and does not help.
- Special files promised to “rank you in ChatGPT”. Files like llms.txt are harmless, but Google has said it does not need them for its AI features.
- Buying mentions or reviews. It risks penalties and damages trust.
How to check if it is working
AI Overview clicks are counted inside your normal Google Search Console performance report. Watch impressions and clicks for questions-style searches about your services. You can also ask ChatGPT and Google about your service and area (“best preschool marketing agency in Chennai”) every month and note whether your business appears.
Want help?
Design Digi helps local businesses in Chennai get found on Google, Google Maps and AI search tools. See our SEO services in Chennai or message us on WhatsApp at +91 77081 20096.
Frequently asked questions
Is AI SEO different from normal SEO?
For Google, no. Google says the same SEO fundamentals apply to AI Overviews and AI Mode, with no special requirements. For ChatGPT, the main extra step is making sure OpenAI’s search crawler can access your site.
How long does it take to appear in AI answers?
Usually as long as it takes to rank well in normal search for that topic: weeks for small local topics, several months for competitive ones.
Can I stop AI from using my website?
Yes, through robots.txt and Google’s controls, but blocking them also removes you from those answers, so most local businesses should keep them allowed.
Raja Murugan is the founder of Design Digi, a digital marketing agency with a branch in Padappai, Chennai, and of DesignDigi Academy. He leads the SEO, website and social media work for clients such as Ayya Trust, K Square Construction and Kids Wania, and trains new marketers in practical, real-world skills. Read more on his site: SEO expert in Chennai.
