If you're a business owner in Kelowna, you've probably spent years trying to rank higher in Google. You've invested in SEO, blog posts, backlinks, and maybe even Google Ads. While those things still have value, the way people search is changing rapidly.
Today, more people are asking ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity for recommendations instead of typing keywords into Google. They aren't searching for "Kelowna accountant." They're asking questions like:
- Who's the best accountant in Kelowna?
- Can you recommend a roofing company in Kelowna?
- Who installs synthetic grass in Kelowna?
- What's the best physiotherapy clinic near me?
That changes everything.
In my opinion, the businesses that understand this shift early are going to have a significant advantage over those who continue relying solely on traditional SEO.
The Biggest Mistake I See Businesses Making
The biggest mistake I see is that most companies are still trying to rank the way they did five years ago.
They're focused almost entirely on keywords, backlinks, and Google's search algorithm. While those strategies still have their place, AI search doesn't work the same way.
AI platforms aren't simply looking for the page with the best keyword optimization.
They're trying to recommend the most trustworthy, authoritative, and helpful answer.
That's a completely different way of thinking.
Instead of asking, "How do I rank for this keyword?" businesses should be asking, "How do I become the business AI trusts enough to recommend?"
What We Discovered Working With Clients
One of the biggest eye-openers for us while building EMEST AI was discovering how few businesses actually knew whether they were appearing in AI search results.
Most had no idea.
We started asking questions across the major AI platforms and measuring how often our clients were being recommended.
Then we compared those results against their competitors.
What we found was fascinating.
Some businesses that ranked well on Google barely appeared in AI search results.
Others that weren't dominating Google were being recommended repeatedly by AI.
That showed us something important.
Ranking in AI isn't simply an extension of traditional SEO. It's a different strategy with different signals.
That realization led us to develop a consistent process for measuring AI visibility, identifying which competitors were being recommended, and improving the digital signals that help businesses earn more AI recommendations.
AI Is Looking for Authority, Not Just SEO
When business owners ask me how to rank in AI search, I usually tell them to stop thinking only about Google.
AI models aren't trying to find the page that repeated a keyword the most.
They're trying to find the answer they trust.
That means your website should:
- Answer the questions your customers are actually asking.
- Cover topics thoroughly instead of writing thin content.
- Demonstrate real expertise.
- Provide helpful, accurate information.
- Build credibility beyond your own website.
That's a major shift from traditional SEO.
Your Website Isn't Enough
One of the biggest misconceptions is believing your website alone determines whether AI recommends your business.
It doesn't.
Your online reputation matters. Your social media matters. Mentions of your business across the web matter. Your overall digital footprint matters.
In my experience, businesses that consistently show expertise across multiple platforms create stronger authority signals than businesses that only publish content on their own website.
The goal isn't simply to have a website.
The goal is to become a recognized source of trustworthy information within your local community and industry.
Why Kelowna Businesses Have a Huge Opportunity Right Now
I think local businesses in Kelowna have an incredible opportunity because most companies haven't started thinking seriously about AI search yet.
They're still focused on traditional SEO, paid advertising, and publishing blogs without considering how AI evaluates businesses.
Meanwhile, more consumers are beginning their searches inside AI platforms.
Personally, I use AI search for the vast majority of my own searches now.
Instead of opening Google, I'm asking ChatGPT or another AI platform for recommendations, comparisons, and advice.
I'm not alone.
As more people change how they search, businesses that establish authority today will be much better positioned over the next several years.
The First Thing Every Business Owner Should Do
If you're wondering whether your business is showing up in AI search results, here's the first thing I'd recommend.
Open ChatGPT. Then open Gemini. Try Claude. Try Perplexity.
Now ask the same questions your customers would ask. For example:
- Who's the best accountant in Kelowna?
- Recommend a roofing company in Kelowna.
- Who installs synthetic grass in Kelowna?
- What's the best chiropractor in Kelowna?
- Which chiropractor is open on Saturdays?
Then ask yourself three simple questions:
- Does my business get mentioned?
- If not, who does?
- Why are they being recommended instead of me?
Those three questions can reveal more about your AI visibility than almost anything else.
Once you understand where you stand, you can begin improving your website, strengthening your online authority, and building the signals AI platforms use when deciding which businesses to recommend.
My Final Thoughts
I don't believe the businesses that win over the next few years will necessarily be the ones with the biggest marketing budgets.
I think they'll be the businesses that become the most trusted source of information in their industry.
That's what AI appears to reward.
And based on everything I've seen working with businesses and measuring their AI visibility, I don't see that changing anytime soon.
If you're a Kelowna business owner, now is the time to start paying attention. Because your future customers may never search Google first — they may simply ask AI who they should hire.
Want to see where your business stands? Explore our Kelowna AI search optimization services and find out if you're being recommended by AI.
