In 2026, more customers than ever are starting their search for a tradesperson in ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity and Gemini — not just classic Google. The good news: the same fundamentals that win classic SEO also win AI search. The catch: a few specific tweaks make a huge difference in how often AI tools recommend your business.
What's Actually Changing
AI search engines don't just rank — they summarise. They read multiple sources and synthesise an answer. To get cited, your content has to be structured in a way AI can extract from easily.
Write in Direct Answer Format
AI loves clear, direct answers to specific questions. Structure key pages around questions: 'How much does a new boiler cost in 2026?' followed by an immediate, concrete answer in the first sentence.
Use Proper Schema Markup
LocalBusiness, Service, FAQ and Review schema help AI engines extract your information cleanly. Without it, you're harder to cite.
Get Mentioned on the Sites AI Trusts
AI tools weight sources heavily. Mentions on trusted UK sites — local news, trade associations, Yell, Checkatrade, council supplier lists — increase your chance of being recommended.
Strong Google Reviews Still Win
AI summaries lean heavily on review data. A trade business with 100+ Google reviews at 4.8 stars will get recommended far more often than one with 12 reviews — even if the websites are equal.
The Honest Reality for Tradespeople
AI search is real, but for local trade queries ('plumber near me'), Google Maps and classic local SEO still drive 80%+ of enquiries in 2026. Get those right first, then layer AI optimisation on top.
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