The six kinds of question buyers ask AI about you
Buyers ask AI six kinds of question: who to choose, who fits their situation, whether a business is any good, how the options compare, what it costs, and the practical details. Each one needs something different from your business, so you can be ready for one and invisible on another.
Buyers now ask AI tools for recommendations. They do not type “dentist Cork”. They ask full questions, and the type of question decides whether your business gets mentioned.
The six kinds
Who should I choose?
Example: “Who is the best dentist in Cork?”
The big one, and the one every business wants to win. The AI names a short list, so being on it matters far more than being tenth in a long one. It leans towards businesses that are described clearly, talked about by others and consistent everywhere it looks.
Who does this, near me, for my situation?
Example: “Emergency plumber who can come out on a Sunday”
Here the buyer adds a detail: a service, a place and a need. The AI can only match you if your site and profiles say those things plainly. If you do emergency call-outs or take new patients, state it in words, not just in your head.
Is this business any good?
Example: “Is Murphy Physio in Douglas any good?”
The buyer already has a name and wants a second opinion. The AI pulls together reviews, mentions and anything else it can find. Recent, specific reviews help, and so does replying to them: Google says helpful replies can help a business stand out. Silence reads as neglect.
How do they compare?
Example: “Gym A or Gym B, which is better for beginners?”
The AI sets two or more options side by side and picks out the differences. If your pricing, services and strengths are vague, you get described in vague terms. A clear page about who you are best for gives it something sharper to say.
What will it cost, and what is involved?
Example: “How much does a boiler service cost, and how long does it take?”
These questions come early in the buying process. A business that answers them openly gets quoted. A business that says “contact us for a price” and nothing else gives the AI nothing to quote, so it quotes someone else. You do not need exact prices, but ranges and what affects them help.
Can I get the practical details?
Example: “What time does it open, and how do I book?”
The simplest question, and an easy one to get wrong. Hours, address, phone number and booking link should be right and identical on your website, Google profile and directory listings. A wrong answer here sends a ready customer to the wrong place.
Where to start
You do not need to cover all six at once. Pick the question you most want to win, ask it yourself in ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity, and see what comes back. Then check the other five the same way. The gaps tend to show up quickly: a missing price, a wrong opening time, a competitor named where you should be.
Want a second pair of eyes? Our AI visibility audit at Aid-I tests the questions buyers actually ask about your type of business, shows how you are described compared with your competitors, and tells you what to fix first. The prompt test asks 120+ of them on five AI assistants. If you would like to see where you stand, get in touch.