5 simple ways to prepare your website for ai search tools
Fast, practical steps small businesses can implement today to improve how AI-driven search systems find and use your content.
AI search (chat-style results, generative answers, and answer boxes) rewards clarity, structure, accuracy and performance. These five techniques make your site easier for AI engines to read and more likely to show up in concise, high-value results.
1. Add structured data (schema)
Structured data is the single most actional technical signal for AI search tools. It tells machines exactly what your page is about—business info, services, FAQs, products, and how-to steps.
What to add
- LocalBusiness or ProfessionalService (name, address, phone, openingHours)
- FAQ schema for pages with questions and answers
- HowTo schema for step-by-step guides
- Product/Service schema for key offerings
Simple JSON‑LD template (LocalBusiness)
Paste this into your page head (or in a CMS snippet). Validate with Google’s Rich Results Test or schema.org validator.
2. Format content for AI-friendly snippets
AI search systems rely on clear, concise snippets and lists. Make important facts easy to extract by using headings, short paragraphs, lists, and direct Q&A sections.
Practical formatting rules
- Use H1 for page topic, H2 for main sections, H3 for subpoints
- Lead with a one-sentence answer (50–80 words) for pages targeting "how/what/why" queries
- Use bullet lists or numbered steps for processes
- Include labelled Q&A blocks (FAQ schema will amplify this)
Example: FAQ block
Write the question as a heading and the answer in 2–3 short sentences. That structure is ideal for AI extraction.
3. Improve performance & user experience
AI tools and search engines prioritise fast, mobile-friendly pages. Slow pages are less likely to be surfaced as concise answers.
Key actions
- Ensure mobile-first design and fast rendering (target < 2.5s on mobile)
- Use compressed images (WebP when possible) and lazy-loading for offscreen images
- Enable server-side caching and a CDN
- Minify CSS/JS and avoid large render-blocking scripts
Tools to help
4. Strengthen on-page signals
AI systems still rely on classic SEO signals: clear titles, meta descriptions, headings, and high-quality links. These are quick wins that help both traditional search and AI-based answers.
Checklist
- Unique, descriptive title tags (50–60 chars) with target phrase near the start
- Concise meta descriptions (120–160 chars) that summarise the direct answer
- Use H-tags to reflect page structure and include keywords naturally
- Internal linking from related pages to boost authority for key topics
- Authoritative external references for factual claims
Small copy edits that help
Rewrite key sentences so they directly answer common queries. Example: instead of "We offer fast plumbing services", write "We provide emergency plumbing—on-site within 90 minutes in Sydney CBD."
5. Design pages for conversational queries
AI search often answers natural language questions. Make your pages speak the way people ask—use conversational headings, FAQs, and short direct answers.
How to write conversationally
- Use question headings: "How quickly can I get service?" rather than "Service Times"
- Include one-sentence answers immediately after the question
- Provide short examples or short case snippets to add context
Conversational content block example
A: We usually arrive within 90 minutes in the local area and finish most residential jobs the same day.
Monitor, test and iterate
Once you've made changes, measure impact. AI search behaviour evolves quickly—test regularly and iterate.
Monitoring checklist
- Use Google Search Console (Performance > Search Appearance) to see if rich results or FAQs appear
- Track page traffic and clicks for pages you updated (GA4 or server logs)
- Re-run Rich Results Test after publishing schema changes
- Note CTR and impressions—small copy tweaks can improve snippet click-throughs
Simple experiment plan
- Baseline: record current impressions and clicks for a page.
- Implement one change (e.g., add FAQ schema + answer rewrite).
- Wait 2–4 weeks, then compare metrics.
- If positive, roll change to similar pages; if neutral, try alternate phrasing.
Quick implementation checklist (1–2 days)
- Add LocalBusiness JSON‑LD to homepage
- Convert 3 important pages to Q&A + short lead summary
- Compress images and enable lazy load
- Update title tags and meta descriptions for 5 top pages
- Validate schema and check Search Console for rich result appearance
Top three tools to use now
Frequently asked questions
Will adding schema guarantee my content appears in AI answers?
Can I add schema without a developer?
How often should I review content for AI optimisation?
Ready to test your pages for AI readiness?
Start by adding one schema block and converting a high-traffic page to a Q&A format—then watch Search Console for results. If you'd like a fast check, try our automated demo to see what structured data and speed improvements are recommended.
No obligation—just actionable insights you can apply today.
