Test the Waters: A Step-by-Step AI Visibility Audit for small businesses

Imagine a potential customer asking an AI tool, “What do I need for my first fly fishing tackle box, and where can I buy it?” and getting a short list of shops. Is yours one of them?

AI tools are now part of how many people search for information. For small businesses, that makes it worth understanding whether these tools mention or cite their websites. It is critical that we optimize our websites so they are visible to AI. We want Claude to mention and cite our small business when responding to prompts. Before getting started on your content optimization plan, you must consider your audience. Like any good marketer, this is usually the best place to start.