Here’s how to make AI work even better for your business than search engines did

Google is going AI-default for search. Early projections indicate that traditional search engine volume will drop by 25% by 2026. More people than ever are turning to AI first to find the answers to many of their biggest questions.

You need to be thinking about how to make your self-care business part of those answers for potential clients. Here’s the good news: You can do it by using the same tools, platforms, and features you already rely on.

Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and other large language models are hungry for information about your business. All you need to do is give it to them. Here are four tips to help you serve those tasty info-morsels in the most AI-appetizing way possible.

1. Define yourself digitally

Most of your potential clients will meet your digital presence before they ever interact with your business in person. That’s becoming even more true as people rely on AI to answer their questions, since AI relies on what’s available online. In short, your digital footprint needs to spell out exactly who you are.

Consider giving your online service menu some extra love to make it just as easy for AI to understand as it is for your clients. Pull up your self-booking experience in Boulevard and ensure you have detailed service descriptions and high-quality photos. Keeping this information consistent in Boulevard, on your site, and in your business profiles will strengthen your brand message, which will come across in AI responses.

2. Be the media

Most searchers get all the info they need from a quick AI query, which makes building an extensive link profile across news sites and blogs a secondary concern. You can ensure AI web crawlers have the most relevant details about your business by offering them up yourself.

Fortunately, Boulevard’s communication tools help you be your own greatest media asset. Start with the targeted email marketing campaigns you use to share new services, testimonials, and tips. Can you repurpose them for a quick update to your website or social media? That means more eyes (and more AI attention) on the content you already worked hard to create.

Then, build toward better online reviews by using tools like client profiles and loyalty offers to offer the best, most personalized client experience possible. That will ensure AI users see even more positive, pertinent summaries about your business.

3. Think like an AI searcher

AI helps people find the information they’re searching for with fewer steps. In turn, you can make it easier for AI to connect potential clients with your business by anticipating the questions that could bring them to you. 

• Does your hair salon offer a great selection of balayage services? Make sure your online presence answers questions like “What are the best hair salons in [my city] for balayage?”

• Does your nail salon service menu include options for clients who need to get in and out fast? They should see your name come up when they ask AI, “Where can I get a quick, professional manicure near me?”

• Boulevard reports can help you identify your most popular services. That will help you find the most pertinent client questions to answer first. 

Once you have a list of questions ready, use conversational and natural language (such as a handy Q&A format) to answer them on your site and social media. Don’t be surprised if you hear new clients talking about how ChatGPT told them you had the best services in the area — and that you didn’t disappoint.

4. Optimize your words

The large language models that power modern AI define the concepts they encounter based on context: the types of terminology used, the sentiments they seem to reflect, and the overall tone associated with each message. In the eyes of AI, the sum total of how you and other people talk about your business online matters just as much as what those messages say.

Changing the way you talk about your business doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple by sticking to a few rules:

• Use positive and descriptive language. Instead of "basic haircut," consider "precision haircut for a sleek, modern look."

• Ensure consistency in terminology. If you offer "gel manicures," use that term consistently instead of switching between "shellac," "gel nails," and so on.

• If multiple people work on your brand’s messaging, consider creating a central style guide to ensure consistency.

Remember, even if AI seems omnipresent compared to a few years ago, we’re still in the early days. With these tips and your suite of Boulevard features in hand, you’re already in a great position to put your self-care business in front of the AI searchers of today and tomorrow.

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to Red Krypton at dan@redkrypton.com. We’re official Boulevard technology and marketing partners.

About Red Krypton

Red Krypton is a full stack growth agency that empowers companies from growth-stage startups to established global brands to find, win and keep the right customers and consumers. 

About Dan Weinberg | Red Krypton Co-Founder/CEO

Dan started his career at NBC Sports Ventures. Dan was one of the first employees at Tough Mudder and served on the executive team, as the company scaled from 0-$100m in four years.  In 2015, Dan launched FANCHEST, Inc., a direct-to-consumer gifting company. Dan grew FANCHEST to a top 50 INC. 5000 company in 2019, before it was acquired by a Private Equity firm. Now, Dan puts his proven experience building brands from the ground up at Red Krypton.