New Tool Helps Small Businesses Get Found By AI

For years, getting your local business to rank high on Google was the key to attracting customers. Now, with more and more people using AI tools like ChatGPT to ask questions and find recommendations, the game is changing. Imagine asking an AI chatbot, "Where's a good local café near me?" or "Can you recommend an electrician in Brisbane?" If your business isn't set up to be found by these AI systems, you could be missing out on new customers.

A new startup called Pie has just raised a significant amount of money – almost $20 million – to tackle this very problem. Their goal is to help small businesses like your local bakery, hairdresser, or plumber make sure they appear in these new AI-powered search results. They want to prevent smaller operations from being overlooked in favour of bigger, more established brands that might have more resources.

Think about it like this: just as you optimised your website for Google in the past, Pie wants to help you optimise your business's online presence for AI search. It's about ensuring that when someone asks an AI for a service or product you offer, your business is among the top suggestions. This could be a game-changer for many local businesses, giving them a fair shot at reaching customers who are increasingly turning to AI for their everyday needs.

This trend highlights the importance for Australian small business owners to be aware of how AI is changing consumer habits. While it might seem technical, the core idea is simple: if customers are using AI to find things, businesses need to be visible to that AI. Services like Pie suggest that a whole new industry is emerging to help businesses navigate this shift, ensuring they don't get left behind.