How to optimise your website for AI search (non-tech guide)

If you have only just got your head around SEO, hearing that search is changing again might make you want to throw your laptop. I get it! As a small business owner, you’re already wearing ALL THE HATS. You don’t need another complex task on your to-do list.

But here’s the good news: optimising for the new wave of AI search isn’t actually about learning a new coding language. You’re probably already optimising for AI search without realising – by being helpful, human and clear.

Search engines like Google are using AI to give people direct answers instead of just a list of links. This is sometimes called GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation). While the jargon sounds daunting, the fix is simple. It means writing content that is easy for a robot to read but interesting enough for a human to trust.

Here is a jargon-free guide to future-proofing your website in 2026, even if you have zero tech skills.

Focus on answering questions directly

AI search acts more like an “answer engine”. When someone asks, “How do I plan a wedding on a budget?”, the AI wants to find a clear, direct answer to pull out and show them immediately.

I’ve previously described Google as a taxi service, wanting to get you from point A (looking for an answer) to point B (having that answer) as effectively and efficiently as possible. 

To help AI pick you, try the “inverted pyramid” writing style.

• Start with the answer: Don’t bury the lead. If you are writing a blog post about “The best fabrics for sensitive skin”, list them in the first paragraph.
• Expand later: Once you have given the quick answer (around 40-50 words), you can go into the “why” and “how” in the rest of your post.
• Try a TL;DR Summary Box: Consider adding a 1-2 sentence summary at the very top of your post. It acts like a quick cheat sheet that AI bots can easily grab and serve to searchers.
• Use questions as headings: Instead of a heading like “Fabric Types”, try “What fabrics are best for sensitive skin?”. This mirrors exactly what your customers are typing into Google.

Show your human experience

AI tools can write generic text in seconds. What they cannot do is share YOUR real-life experience. Search engines now look specifically for E-E-A-T signals, that stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness. Basically, they want to know if a real person is behind the keyboard.

• Use “I” and “we”: Don’t be afraid to write in the first person, especially as a solo or small business owner. Say things like “in my ten years as a florist, I have found that…”
• Share stories: If you are a potter, mention the time a specific clay cracked in the kiln. If you are a coach, briefly mention a client struggle (remove their identifiers) and how you solved it.
• Update your About page: Make sure your bio clearly states who you are and why you are qualified. I know it can feel a bit cringe or vain at times but it helps the search engines trust you and shows readers your authority on the subject matter. 
• Add an Author Bio: Ensure every blog post has a small “About the Author” section at the bottom. It tells the search engine, “A real expert wrote this,” rather than an anonymous content mill.
• Keep your content updated: AI prioritises fresh information. If your theme allows it, ensure your blog posts show a “Last Updated” date at the top, not just a “Published” date.

Structure your content for skimming

Both humans and AI bots hate walls of text. If your website is one long block of writing, the AI might miss the golden nuggets of information hiding inside. And the likelihood is, readers will skip past it too! You want to “chunk” your content to make it easy to digest.

• Use bullet points: Whenever you have a list, use bullets. AI loves lists because they are easy to extract and present to searchers.
• Try a Table: If you are comparing things (like prices, sizes or pros/cons), use a standard Table block. AI loves structured data and can read rows and columns much faster than paragraphs.
• Keep paragraphs short: Stick to 2-3 sentences per paragraph.
• Add a table of contents: If you use WordPress, there are free plugins that can add a simple table of contents to the top of your blog posts or build one out yourself. This acts like a map for the search bots, showing them exactly what your page covers.
• Link to related posts: If you mention a topic you’ve covered before, link to it. It helps Google connect the dots between your ideas.

The technical bit made easy: Schema

Okay, this is the only “techy” word I’ll use but I promise to make it simple. 

Schema is like a digital business card you hand to Google. It tells the search engine exactly what a page is, whether it is a recipe, a product, a review or a blog post. Without it, Google has to guess. With it, you are telling them explicitly.

You do not need to write code to do this. If you use a website platform like WordPress, plugins like Yoast SEO, Rank Math or Schema Pro handle this for you. 

Go into your SEO plugin settings and make sure you have selected the right “type” for your pages. If you are a local business, ensure your address and opening hours are filled in correctly in the “Local SEO” section. That’s it. You are now “speaking schema”.

Build your authority beyond your website

AI search engines don’t just look at your website, they look at what others say about you to decide if you are credible. Think of this as your “brand reputation” cloud. If other trusted websites mention you, then AI assumes you are a reliable source.

• Get on podcasts: Being a guest on a relevant podcast is a great way to get a mention and a link back to your site.
• Collaborate: Creative swaps or guest blogs with other small business owners in your niche work wonders.
• Get listed locally: Ensure you are on legitimate local directories or feature in local press if possible.

How to get recommended by ChatGPT

You might be wondering, “But what about ChatGPT? How do I get it to recommend my business?”

This is a huge topic but the short answer is that ChatGPT relies on your “digital reputation”. It looks for patterns across the web to decide if you are a real, trusted business.

• Be consistent: Ensure your business name, address and what you do are identical on your website, Instagram, LinkedIn and any directories.
• Get mentioned: ChatGPT reads the whole internet. If trusted sites mention your brand, AI learns you are a legitimate entity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions small business owners ask about this shift in search.

Q. Will AI replace my website completely?

No. AI tools need sources to get their information from. While you might get fewer “casual” visitors, the people who do click through are often more ready to buy because AI has already vetted you as the right solution.

Q. Do I need expensive AI tools to do this?

Not at all. The best tool you have is your own knowledge. Simple, clear writing beats expensive software every time. Free plugins like Yoast SEO are more than enough to handle the technical side.

Q. What is the difference between SEO and AI optimisation? 

Traditional SEO was often about pleasing an algorithm with keywords to rank #1 while being valuable to readers. AI optimisation is about pleasing the user with the best answer. If you answer the question well, AI will likely favour you.

Final thoughts

Please don’t let the rise of AI search paralyse you. At its core, this shift is actually great for small businesses. It changes the focus to “who can provide the most helpful, human answer”.

You have the experience. You have the stories. You just need to package them up in a way that is clear and easy to read. Start with one blog post, tweak the structure, and see how it feels. You’ve got this!