Getting Your Shop Suggested by AI [E174]

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueled

AI search isn’t the future, it’s already here, and it’s changing how people find your auto repair shop. Brian Walker just came back from teaching a four-hour class on AI search optimization at the ASTA Expo, and he’s breaking it all down so you can take action now. From getting your shop mentioned in AI overviews to the practical steps that help you get recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, Brian shares what you can do today to stay ahead of the curve.

If you want your shop to show up when drivers ask AI for help finding trusted auto repair, you need to hear this one. Hit play and learn how to position your business for the next big wave in search.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Podcast Introduction (00:00:01) Brief intro to the Aftermarket Radio Network and the podcast host, Brian Walker.
• AI Search Optimization Overview (00:00:10) Brian introduces the topic: how auto repair shops can get found and recommended by AI search tools.
• Asta Expo Recap & Class Mention (00:01:17) Brian discusses teaching a four-hour class on AI search optimization at the Asta Expo.
• Why AI Search Matters Now (00:02:28) Explains current AI search usage (5% of searches), its rapid growth, and why shops should prepare early.
• SEO vs. AI Search Optimization (00:03:46) Compares traditional SEO and AI search optimization, noting similarities and key differences.
• Defining AI Search Optimization Terms (00:05:14) Clarifies terminology: SEO, AIO, GEO, and the preferred term "Search Everywhere Optimization."
• Action Step 1: Reviews Everywhere (00:06:48) Emphasizes the importance of gathering reviews on multiple platforms, not just Google.
• Action Step 2: Schema Markup (00:10:59) Explains schema markup, its role in helping AI and search engines understand website content.
• Action Step 3: Deep Service Page Content (00:15:31) Advises updating service pages with detailed, unique content and using AI carefully for content creation.
• Action Step 4: Long-Form Content & Search Behavior (00:17:48) Discusses the value of long-form content for AI/search engines and how AI search queries differ from traditional ones.
• Action Step 5: Summaries and FAQs (00:20:57) Recommends starting pages with summaries and ending with FAQs to help AI generate overviews.
• Action Step 6: Team Member Visibility (00:23:06) Encourages showcasing staff bios, certifications, and training to build trust with AI and customers.
• Action Step 7: Directory Listing Consistency (00:25:31) Stresses the importance of consistent business information (NAP) across all online directories.
• Action Step 8: Memberships, Affiliations, and Media (00:26:33) Suggests creating a website page listing shop memberships, certifications, and media mentions to build trust.
• Action Step 9: Social Profiles & SameAs Schema (00:28:49) Advises linking to all social/web profiles and using SameAs schema to strengthen the business entity online.
• Action Step 10: Personal Branding & Content Creation (00:29:56) Highlights the value of building personal brands and creating content under personal names for AI recognition.
• Action Step 11: Book Recommendation (00:34:33) Recommends reading "Endless Customers" by Marcus Sheridan for AI-focused content strategy.
• Closing Remarks & Contact Info (00:35:38) Wraps up with ways to connect, encourages joining the Facebook group, and thanks listeners.

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