AI Is Changing How Customers Find Your Business

When your customer searches for "best restaurant in Lisbon for a romantic dinner" or "accountant specializing in freelancers Porto," what happens today is different from two years ago.

Google now presents an AI-generated answer at the top of the page — a paragraph that directly answers the question, before showing any list of websites. ChatGPT and other AI assistants do the same when people ask them directly.

The result? Many users read the AI answer and don't click on any website. For businesses that rely on online searches to attract customers, this is a major change.

In March 2026, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated a presentation to the topic "AI Is Changing Search — Is Your Business Ready?" — a clear signal that this change affects all SMBs, regardless of sector.

The good news is that AI does not eliminate the possibility of appearing online — it only changes where and how your business appears.

Google's and ChatGPT's AI systems are based on information that already exists on the internet about your business. If that information is clear, detailed, and up to date, your business has a better chance of appearing in automatic answers.

The problem is that most SMBs have:

• A website with little information (just an address, phone number, and generic text)
• An incomplete or outdated Google Business profile
• No presence in directories and review platforms
• Few or no online customer reviews

With these conditions, AI has no raw material to include your business in its answers — and your competitors with more online information will appear instead.

You don't need to hire an agency or make large investments. There are three concrete actions any SMB can take right now:

1. Complete your Google Business Profile If you don't have one yet, create it for free at business.google.com. If you already have one, check that it is complete: opening hours, current photos, business description, correct categories. Complete profiles are much more likely to appear in AI answers.

2. Ask satisfied customers for reviews Google reviews are one of the signals AI systems value most. Create a simple habit: when a customer is satisfied, send them a message with a direct link to leave a review. Even five new reviews per month make a difference.

3. Add a frequently asked questions section to your website AI systems love content that directly answers questions. A page with the ten most common questions your customers ask — with clear, simple answers — is one of the most effective ways to appear in automatic responses.

Restaurants and hospitality: When someone asks ChatGPT "restaurant with terrace in Cascais," it pulls information from platforms like TripAdvisor, Google Maps, and the business's own website. Having updated menus, terrace photos, and recent reviews is essential.

Accounting offices: Clients search for "accountant for sole trader" or "help with tax returns for freelancers." A page on the website that specifically addresses these situations — in plain language — increases the chances of appearing.

Health clinics: People ask "general practitioner near me" or "nutrition consultation Lisbon price." A complete Google profile with specialties, hours, and accepted health plans is critical.

Retail stores: Searches like "sustainable clothing store Porto" or "where to buy building materials Braga" depend on Google profiles with photos, hours, and correct categories.

The change in online searches is not a threat — it is an opportunity for SMBs that act first.

Large companies have entire departments dedicated to this topic. SMBs have a different advantage: they can act faster and, with the right information, can appear in AI answers just as well as any larger competitor.

At Line Consulting AI we help SMBs ensure their online information is structured to appear in the new AI-powered searches — from their Google Business profile to website content. If you want to understand how your business is positioned today, talk to us.