As companies seek to stay ahead of the competition, understanding how AI, like ChatGPT, evaluates and recommends local service businesses can help your company thrive. Here’s a detailed guide on how AI approaches this task and what you can do to optimize your business for better visibility and recommendations.
To gather this information, I gave ChatGPT a quick prompt which I’ve pasted below:
If someone asks you to recommend a local service company, such as a cleaning company, how would you approach this task? Please detail the steps you would take to make the recommendation and specify the data sources and criteria you would use to ensure a reliable and high-quality recommendation.
Step 1: Understanding User Requirements
AI Response: To recommend a local service company, I follow a structured approach to ensure reliability and quality. Here’s how I do it:
Identify Specific Needs:
- Type of service required (e.g., deep cleaning, regular maintenance)
- Frequency and budget constraints
- Any special requirements (e.g., eco-friendly products)
Research Local Options:
- Google Search: Look for cleaning companies in the user’s area.
- Review Sites: Utilize Yelp, Angie’s List, and Google Reviews for top-rated services.
- Social Media: Check community groups on Facebook or local forums for recommendations.
Step 2: Researching Local Options
User Inquiry: “What sources and data do you use to find local service companies?”
AI Response: I use multiple sources to find and evaluate local service companies:
Online Platforms:
- Google Search: Provides a broad list of local businesses.
- Review Sites: Yelp, Angie’s List, and Google Reviews offer detailed user feedback.
Community Feedback:
- Social Media: Local community groups on platforms like Facebook often share personal recommendations and reviews.
- Neighborhood Forums: Sites like Nextdoor can provide localized insights.
Professional Listings:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Offers business ratings, accreditation status, and customer complaints.
- Industry Associations: Lists of certified and accredited companies.
Step 3: Evaluating and Comparing Options
User Inquiry: “How do you evaluate and compare the options to make a recommendation?”
AI Response: To ensure a reliable recommendation, I evaluate and compare the options based on several criteria:
Ratings and Reviews:
- Check customer reviews and ratings on Yelp, Google Reviews, and the BBB.
Company Websites:
- Review the services offered, pricing, and any certifications or accreditations.
Certifications and Licenses:
- Look for industry certifications, licenses, and insurance information to ensure reliability.
Customer Service:
- Contact the companies to inquire about services and evaluate their responsiveness and professionalism.
Step 4: Making the Final Recommendation
User Inquiry: “How do you finalize the recommendation?”
AI Response: Based on the gathered information, I provide a shortlist of the top 2-3 companies, summarizing their ratings, services, and standout features. This ensures a reliable and high-quality recommendation tailored to the user’s needs.
How This Impacts Search and Recommendations
To ensure your business is optimized for AI recommendations, consider the following:
Encourage Positive Reviews:
- Customer reviews on Google and Yelp have a large impact on both human and AI recommendations. Encourage satisfied customers to leave a review as part of your standard operating processes.
Maintain Accurate Information:
- Keep business information up-to-date on Google My Business and other directories.
Engage with Customers:
- Respond to reviews and engage with customers on social media and review sites.
Obtain Certifications:
- Ensure your business has relevant industry certifications and licenses.
Improve Customer Service:
- Prompt and professional customer service is crucial for positive interactions and reviews.
By following these steps, your business can enhance its online presence and become more likely to be recommended by AI systems like ChatGPT.
