The Search Landscape Is Changing—Fast

Something significant is happening in how people find businesses online. For years, “Google it” was the default answer to any question. But increasingly, people are turning to AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and others for recommendations and advice.

Why? Because AI conversations feel more natural than scrolling through pages of search results. Instead of wading through adverts and SEO-optimised content that may or may not answer their question, people can simply ask an AI assistant and get a straightforward recommendation based on what they actually need.

This shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity for small businesses. The businesses that get their fundamentals right now—the ones that establish genuine authority and visibility in their field—will be the ones AI assistants recommend when people ask for help.

A Real-World Success Story: Victorian Sash Windows

We’ve been working with Victorian Sash Windows since 2023, providing our Silver SEO service. The work we’ve done has always focused on the fundamentals: optimising their website content, managing their Google Business Profile, building pages that target specific geographic areas and search terms, and ensuring their technical SEO is spot on.

Recently, we decided to test something. We asked both ChatGPT and Claude: “Can you recommend a sash window specialist in East Kent to work on my period house?”

The results? Victorian Sash Windows came up as the primary recommendation from both AI assistants:

What We Did (And Why It Works for AI Search)

This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of the groundwork we’ve been laying for the past two years. Here’s the thing about AI recommendations: they’re not fooled by keyword stuffing or dodgy backlink schemes. AI assistants are trained on vast amounts of web content, and they look for signals of genuine authority, relevance, and trustworthiness.

The SEO fundamentals we applied for Victorian Sash Windows tick all these boxes:

Geographic Optimisation

We built targeted pages for specific towns and areas across East Kent—Deal, Whitstable, Dover, Canterbury, and beyond. Each page provides genuine value about working with period properties in that specific location. When an AI is asked about “East Kent,” it has clear, authoritative content to reference.

Specialist Content That Demonstrates Expertise

We didn’t just optimise for “sash windows.” We created content that shows Victorian Sash Windows’ deep understanding of period properties, traditional craftsmanship, and the specific challenges of restoration work. This establishes them as experts, not just another contractor.

Google Business Profile Management

A properly managed Google Business Profile sends strong signals about legitimacy and local presence. Regular updates, accurate information, and positive reviews all feed into the data that AI models use to assess businesses.

Technical SEO Excellence

Our automated scanning catches and fixes SEO issues before they become problems. Clean, well-structured websites are easier for both search engines and AI models to understand and index properly.

Review Management

Positive customer reviews across the web reinforce authority and trustworthiness—exactly what AI assistants look for when making recommendations.

Why This Matters for Your Business

If you’re a tradesman, retailer, or small business owner in a specialist field, this shift to AI search could be your competitive advantage. While your competitors are still focused solely on gaming Google’s algorithm, you could be positioning yourself as the go-to recommendation for AI assistants.

The best part? The fundamentals that work for AI search are the same fundamentals that work for traditional SEO. You’re not choosing between one or the other—you’re building a solid foundation that works across all platforms.

The Ethical Approach Wins

At mtstudios, we’ve never used shortcuts or dodgy tactics. We focus on what actually works long-term: creating content people want to read, optimising for genuine user intent, and building real authority in your field.

This approach is more important than ever now. AI models are sophisticated enough to recognise manipulation, and they’re getting better at it every day. Businesses that have built their presence on black-hat SEO tactics will find themselves ignored by AI assistants. But businesses with solid, ethical foundations will be recommended again and again.

Get Ahead of the Curve

The shift to AI search isn’t coming—it’s already here. People are already asking ChatGPT and others for recommendations instead of searching Google. The question is: will your business be one of the ones they recommend?

Victorian Sash Windows is now positioned perfectly for this new landscape because we got the fundamentals right. Their website is authoritative, their content is valuable, their local presence is strong, and their reputation is solid. When AI assistants look for a sash window specialist in East Kent, all the signals point to them.

Your business could be in the same position.

Ready to Move with the Times?

Whether you’re a specialist tradesman like a thatcher or restorer, a local retailer, or a service provider in a competitive field, now is the time to get your SEO fundamentals right.

At mtstudios, we build SEO strategies that last. We focus on ethical, sustainable growth that keeps you visible whether people find you through Google, an AI assistant, or any other platform that emerges in the years to come.

We offer tailored SEO packages starting from just £59 + VAT per month, with options to suit specialist trades, competitive industries, and everything in between. Every package includes the fundamentals: technical optimisation, content strategy, local SEO, and Google Business Profile management.

Don’t get left behind as search evolves. Book a call with us today and let’s discuss how we can position your business for the future of search—whatever form that takes.

Because when the fundamentals are right, you’re ready for anything.

Want to see more examples of our SEO work? Check out our SEO services page for case studies including Craftwork Master Thatchers and Contemporary Flowers.