For entrepreneurs who are building their presence in a competitive market, this shift is a huge opportunity. AI doesn’t just provide a list of websites; it delivers direct answers, highlighting a few businesses that best match the request, and has now begun guiding users straight to specific webpages.

That means if your business information isn’t set up correctly, AI tools may skip over you. But the good news? With a few easy steps, you can help AI “see” your business and increase your chances of being recommended to potential customers.

What is the difference between a Google search and an AI search?

AI assistants work differently from traditional search engines. While Google scans millions of websites and shows you a list of options, AI assistants try to summarize the best answers for you conversationally.

For example, if someone asks: “What are the best women-led coffee shops in Vancouver?”

An AI assistant will not only consider Google results but also business directories, reviews, and trustworthy online mentions to create its answer. Businesses that appear consistently across platforms and show trust signals (like reviews, credibility, and local presence) are far more likely to be included.

How AI Chooses Which Businesses to Recommend

AI doesn’t “think” like a human, but it does weigh information from multiple places. Key factors include:

• Business Listings: Google Business Profile, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and local directories.
• Reviews and Ratings: Strong, recent, and authentic reviews across platforms.
• Website Content: Clear, relevant, and easy-to-understand text.
• Local Authority: Mentions in news articles, blogs, and local organizations.
• Consistency: Matching business name, address, and phone number (NAP) everywhere online.

This is why visibility isn’t just about having a website anymore. It’s about being findable, trustworthy, and consistent across AI’s data sources.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Business Basics Are Online and Accurate

Have you done the most elementary task of claiming your Google business profile yet? If you haven’t then this is your number one priority. AI assistants often pull data directly from Google Business Profiles. Make sure yours is:

• Verified and complete (business hours, address, website, services).
• Updated regularly (holiday hours, promotions, new photos).
• Engaging (encourage happy customers to leave reviews).

One key “mistake” that many folks make us to not keeping their information consistent across directories! If your website says “Suite 101” but Yelp/Google says “#101,” AI may treat that as two different businesses. Audit your listings and keep your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) identical everywhere.

Also, while you are at it, don’t forget to register in local and industry-specific directories. In British Columbia, valuable directories include:

• Local Chamber of Commerce directories (e.g., Vancouver Board of Trade, Surrey Board of Trade).
• Tourism BC directories if your business is in hospitality, food, or attractions.

These listings give AI multiple “signals” that your business is legitimate and active.

Step 2: Speak the Language of AI (and Your Customers)

The idea is to use natural language and FAQs on your website. AI tools are designed to understand everyday, conversational questions. That means your website should reflect the way real customers ask for information. An easy way to do this is by creating a simple FAQ page. Think about the common questions you hear from customers, such as:

• “What’s the process to book an appointment?”
• “Do you offer delivery or local pickup?”
• “How much does your service cost?”

By writing out these questions (and your answers) in plain language, you make it easier for AI to connect your business with someone searching for the same thing.

Beyond FAQs, aim to write blog posts, product descriptions, and even social media updates that provide clear, straightforward answers. For example, instead of saying: “We deliver holistic culinary experiences for local communities.”

You could say: “We provide healthy, ready-to-eat meal kits for families in Vancouver.” That kind of clarity makes your business easier for AI and people to understand.

Step 3: Optimize for Both Search Engines and AI Assistants

Here is another important question to ponder: does SEO still matter in the AI Era?

Even though AI is growing, it still relies heavily on traditional search engines like Google. That means basic SEO keywords, titles, and meta descriptions still matter.

Don’t overcomplicate your keywords. Think of keywords as the questions people ask AI or Google. Use natural, everyday phrases that sound like something your customers would type or say, such as:

• “Where can I find eco-friendly clothing in Nanaimo?”
• “What’s the best place to get freshly-baked croissants in Kelowna?”
• “How do I book a mobile hairstylist in Surrey?”

By weaving these kinds of real-world questions into your website and content, you help AI connect your business to the customers who are looking for exactly what you offer.

Another great idea for creating conversational content for chatbots is writing in a Q&A style. Imagine how you’d answer a friend’s question about your business and put that into words on your website.

Step 4: Build Trust Signals That AI Can Recognize

Did you know that customer reviews and testimonials are gold? Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. AI assistants scan these reviews, and a business with strong ratings is more likely to appear in results.

Look for opportunities to partner with local organizations and ask for a mention. Links from reputable local organizations are very helpful. If your business is mentioned on a university blog, nonprofit site, or government resource, AI considers you more credible.

Step 5: Keep Your Business Active Online

Posting regular updates on social media and websites goes a long way. AI tools look for signs that your business is active. An updated blog, a new Instagram post, or a recent news mention all help.

Continue to share educational content and success stories. Ensure to highlight customer success stories, tips for entrepreneurs, or updates about your industry. This positions you as an authority, which AI notices.

Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Your Business AI-Searchable

• Ignoring your Google Business Profile.
• Using inconsistent business information across platforms.
• Writing only for humans, not for AI (forgetting to include FAQs or conversational content).
• Neglecting reviews and online mentions.
• Assuming a one-time setup is enough. AI prefers businesses that stay active

FAQs on Getting Your Business Found by AI

Q1: Do I need a website, or is a Google Business Profile enough?

A website gives you more control and credibility. Ideally, you should have both.

Q2: How do reviews impact AI recommendations?

Reviews are one of the strongest signals. More positive, recent reviews = higher chance of being recommended.

Q3: Is social media activity important for AI searchability?

Yes. Consistent, recent activity shows that your business is active and relevant.

Q4: Do AI tools cost money to list my business?

No. Most AI assistants pull data from existing free directories, search engines, and reviews.

Q5: How often should I update my business information?

At least quarterly or any time your hours, services, or location change.

Q6: Can small businesses really compete with big brands in AI searches?

Yes! In fact, AI often prioritizes local and specific results, which is a big win for small businesses.

Getting AI to find your business isn’t about complex technology; it is about being clear, consistent, and visible online. By keeping your information accurate, using conversational language, and staying active on trusted platforms, you give AI the right signals to recommend your business.

For entrepreneurs in BC, this is more than just a marketing trend; it’s a chance to make sure your business stands out, reaches new audiences, and competes on an equal playing field. The future of business discovery is here, and AI can be one of your strongest allies if you set yourself up properly.

The post Will AI recommend YOUR business? Here’s how to make sure it does. appeared first on WeBC.

This seminar will provide you with an overview of the digital ecosystem including search engines and analytics. Join our digital marketing expert Warren Thompson, Co-Founder of Ollo Metrics as he helps you learn who your customers are and how they find you online.

What Will I Learn?

• The steps to setting up your Google Analytics account (free checklist provided)
• Free methods to learn more about your customers with real data
• How to find your “rock star” products, services, or staff that are attracting visitors
• Ways to figure out your competitors’ marketing strategy and use it to your advantage
• Learn what search terms your visitors are using and better target people like them
• Improve user experience by removing confusing pages or poor navigation design
• Tips on improving your website’s ranking on search engines for search engine optimization (SEO)

Register: https://smallbusinessbc.ca/education/how-to-drive-more-traffic-to-your-website-2022-10-13

The post How to Drive more Traffic to your Website appeared first on WeBC.

This fast-paced and interactive webinar focuses on key strategies and common mistakes made in website development. You’ll learn how to implement best practices and maximize the effectiveness of your online presence.

Join Kris Trudeau, Founder of HPX Media, and discover how to optimize your website to meet your business goals. Together, you’ll delve into popular websites, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and develop key takeaways to boost your business website.

Recommended Pre-requisites:
– Participant already has a website, or
– Attended “Creating a Website for Your Business” webinar

What Will I Learn?

• Common mistakes businesses make that cost them sales or leads
• How to set goals, as well as strategies for how to achieve them
• Best practices to grow engagement and website conversions
• 3-5 tips you can implement today to improve overall conversion

Register: https://smallbusinessbc.ca/education/advanced-websites-how-to-turn-your-web-traffic-into-sales-2022-10-21

The post Advanced Websites: How to Turn your Web Traffic into Sales appeared first on WeBC.

Laura moved from England to the resort town of Revelstoke, BC, and fell in love with the mountain lifestyle, deciding to make it home. Enjoying the autonomy of working her own hours and being her own boss, Laura built Revy Web Design around her passion for technology and her tight-knit community.  

Six years later, I’m “Revelstuck,” as they say, married to the best chef in Revelstoke and operating my business in a community that I love.

Laura’s business is a collective of professional creatives who help local businesses and individuals create polished custom websites, and is largely community-driven. She is dedicated to building up other invested professionals to help Revelstoke thrive.

Running my business is what really fuels me. I value the connections that I make with clients-turned-friends.

Looking for the opportunity to build out her network with like-minded individuals, Laura participated in Discovery Foundation’s Leadership (EM3) Program, presented by WeBC in 2021. As a mentoring program, it is designed to support women entrepreneurs to build and grow their tech-focused or tech-enabled businesses.

The program was an excellent opportunity for me to meet and network with individuals also in a similar industry to me. I have become more confident in how I present myself in terms of body language, my speech and the language that I use. This has helped me in both my professional and personal life. Especially in how I inspire and lead my team.

Q. What is one thing you learned that you were not expecting? 

Our mentor was excellent, and she inspired me in several ways. The program taught me how to look at myself and my business as others perceive it. 

My biggest takeaway from the program was that I have developed more confidence in speaking. In particular, how I speak about my business and speak with my team.

Q. How has the program helped you to form a plan of action for the future? 

Not specifically an action plan but it has made me more intentional. It has inspired me to take my work/life balance more seriously. 

I have become more consciously aware of how I present myself; how I speak in both my professional and personal life.

Q. Do you intend to stay connected with the other program participants? 

I will stay connected with one other participant as I can relate to her; she also operates a small business like mine. The other participants ran larger organizations, but I still found listening to them insightful.

Connect with Laura White and Revy Web Design:

revywebdesign.ca 

Facebook: @revywebdesign 

Instagram: @revywebdesign 

Phone: (250) 814-8685

The post Laura White, Revy Web Design, Revelstoke appeared first on WeBC.

Here are three mistakes you can avoid so more of your happy users become happy customers.

#1. Driving traffic to sources other than your website.

You’re always going share tips, tricks, photos and posts with your followers on your social media platforms. However, it’s important that your larger, original content lives on your website. Use snippets as teasers on social media to drive users to your website for the whole enchilada.

Keeping content on your website first is not only a great way to keep people coming to your website (and one step closer to becoming a happy customer,) but it’s also helpful for your page rank in search engines. The more time users spend on your website reading articles or watching videos will demonstrate to Google that your website has content that users find valuable. This is gold for search engines, as they only want to serve up the best content to their searchers.

#2. Not putting the needs of your visitors first.

In the same way that having a phone number doesn’t guarantee people are going to call it, just having a website doesn’t mean you will get traffic, nor that it will mean instant sales.

The way consumers buy has changed. The majority of people want to do their pre-purchase research online and only want to reach out when they’re ready to buy. If your website doesn’t give users the information they need to make a purchase decision, they’ll happily click that big ol’ BACK button and visit your competition instead.

People come to your website because they are looking for somebody to solve a problem they’re having. In reality, you have built your website for your potential customers, so it makes sense to put their needs first.

#3. Spending money on ads and SEO without doing an analysis of your website first.

Google, Facebook and other platforms that sell ad space are more than happy to charge your credit card regardless of whether you’re seeing any kind of return on that investment.

Many website owners—unhappy with the conversions they’re getting—pay for ads or search engine optimization. However, for many websites, traffic isn’t the issue. It’s the website itself.

Before you budget for any kind of activity that will drive traffic to your website, it’s so important to ensure that your website has what users need to make a purchase decision. Take some time to review your website and maybe run a small focus group before making that investment.

In addition to the mistakes you want to avoid to improve your users’ experiences, there are also many simple changes you can make to your website to make it even more compelling. A better user experience reduces user friction and breeds trust which motivates your visitors to pick up the phone, download that pdf or put that product in the cart.

Join Kris’ upcoming workshop, Supercharge your website: How to turn more traffic into leads or sales on November 25^th at the WECafe. Sign up for this free seminar today and get some great tips on making your website more enticing to users.

The post Supercharge Your Website: 3 Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on WeBC.

Did you know that persons with disabilities are the third largest economic power in the world, after the US and China? While there is an increasing awareness around physical spaces there isn’t as much around online spaces.

Accessing the internet every day, 70% of persons with disabilities will leave a website instantly if it is inaccessible.

As a result, you could be losing potential customers because of something as simple as website design.

Besides the fact that eighty percent of persons with disabilities rate accessibility above price when choosing where to purchase, creating a more accessible website helps to create a more equitable world. 

On August 19, 2021, Women’s Enterprise Centre hosted Kale Gosen, Co-Founder of Humanize Consulting, for a WECafe session where she shared her expertise about creating accessible online environments.  

Here are some key insights from her session to help you make your online presence more accessible:

What is accessibility?

Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services or environments for people who experience disabilities. 

Why does accessibility matter?

In the western world these days, you might be hard pressed to find a person who doesn’t access the internet daily. 

This is acutely true for people who’s disability affects their ability to leave their home. Using the internet widely, they not only access products and services but also use it as a platform to share voices, tackle isolation and connect with their community.   

How do people with various disabilities access the internet?

There is some very cool assistive tech out there that helps to convey information on a website in different ways. For example, screen reader software and magnifiers, to name a couple. 

How you set up your website will directly affect how well this tech is able to read and convey the information presented.    

Types of barriers, and how you can minimize them

For most people, if you can’t navigate a website or find what you want within the first few minutes, you leave.  

Here are some things to consider to avoid common accessibility barriers:  

Website design

• Be mindful of your headings and subheadings – Screen readers will differentiate between H1, H2, H3 etc. allowing the user to skip through and navigate the website efficiently. 
• Pick a responsive design – Your web pages will automatically render to suit the user’s device for a better user experience.
• Use simple language – it is easier for people to understand your message and for assistive technology to convey.  

Colour Scheme 

• Use high contrasting colours for text and background – This will benefit people with low vision. It will also help people to battle eye fatigue.
• Be aware of colour blindness – when certain colours are next to each other, they might not be visible for some people. For example, text on a call to action button.
• Use high contrast images – they’re easier to see and help to distinguish text and non-text elements.

Pop-ups 

• Do not use them – They are not accessible. Instead, try an obvious button; people will sign up if they want to, regardless of whether you use a pop-up.

ALT Text 

• Use it! – It provides a short description that will show if an image is not able to load (e.g. in case of a poor internet connection or if the image blocker is activated). It can also be read by assistive tech.    
• When to use it – Any image on your website including pictures, banners, logos, icons, links and buttons.
• How to use it – Describe the context of the image. Try to use 30 words or 125 characters for readability and user experience. 

Other things to consider

• Social media Hashtags – CapitalizeEachWord, this makes it easier for everyone to read each word without running on, including assistive tech.
• Survey forms – provide an email as surveys are not always accessible.

And remember:

The power of the web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of their disability is an essential aspect.  

Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of the internet.

Watch the Recording

Gain more tips for your website in the full webinar recording!

The post Small Changes, Big Impact: Creating an Accessible Website for All appeared first on WeBC.

At Webnames, we’ve seen a lot of our customers pivot in the past few months to launch a side hustle, ramp up their freelancing or consulting work, and bring previously shelved business ideas back to life. Others have found us through our free 1-page website initiative for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. They understand that registering a domain name, setting up professional email, and developing a website are non-negotiable requirements in 2020 in order to get found online and establish credibility. Despite this understanding however, getting a website launched remains a major stumbling block for so many entrepreneurs even though it’s never been easier to do so. Why is this the case?

Over the years we have observed that many DIY small business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs significantly overestimate what they need for a successful web presence, especially when they are just starting out. This frequently leaves them bottlenecked and with no website at all.

Just like you need to learn to walk before you can run, developing the perfect website is a journey that takes time. There’s no rule out there that says you need a 5, 10, 20-page website, a blog, an online store, etc., out of the gates. What you need is what works for you—and for consultant, freelancer, side-gig or brand new business idea, a single-page website is a great way to start getting discovered, build trust in your brand, project a professional image, and bridge the gap until you can develop that dream multi-page website down the road.

Right about now you might be thinking, but it’s not as if I have no presence online—isn’t having a Facebook Business Page / Instagram profile / Google Business listing good enough for now?

No, it’s not. A sparingly populated Facebook or Instagram with no linked website account will not convince potential customers of your legitimacy, and as popular as social media platforms are, not all your prospects are on social media. Many people might actively use only one channel, while others are increasingly opting out of social media altogether due to privacy concerns. Most crucially, your social media accounts and the content you create there ultimately reside on an external platform that you don’t own or control the experience of.

When is a single-page website a good choice?

We’ve witnessed how planning a website can spark anxiety in consultants, freelancers and aspiring small business people with endless to-do lists, limited time and a desire to ramp things up quickly. Identifying requirements and mapping out a structure can feel overwhelming, nevermind developing search optimized content for multiple pages and implementing a suite of marketing tools.

The good news is that single-page websites are low barrier way to get online and a great choice for a variety of scenarios and use cases, particularly:

Pivots –  From making spirits to making hand sanitizer, coordinating events to content writing, COVID-19 has driven companies and individuals to pivot directions and lean into side-hustles.  Single page websites are a perfect way to test out the viability of new business ideas or expand the reach of an existing side hustle by making it discoverable to a wider audience. It’s a low cost, low effort, low risk investment to test the waters or soft-launch something new.

Personal and professional profiles – What do people see when they search your name online? A Google search is the first thing a prospective client or customer will do to assess your credibility. Whether it’s a simple online business card, a portfolio of your different projects, or a slightly more expansive professional profile like this example, having a personal website with your own domain and matching professional email gives you control over how you show up online and allows you to build a brand for yourself in ways that aren’t possible with a LinkedIn profile.

Single products or services – One-page websites make great, dedicated landing pages for selling a product or service of narrow scope. The page can even be built in advance to promote a product ahead of its release, then transition over to become a gateway for purchase. By keeping the focus on the product with few distractions or exit points, a single-page website can also lead to increased conversions.

Procrastinators and Perfectionists – When it comes to launching a website for a new business idea, a good plan executed now is always better than a perfect plan perpetually delayed. A one-page website is something you can get up in a matter of hours, allowing you to generate awareness for your business and start building search authority right away, instead of at some future date.

Benefits of a single page websites

Now that we have covered some scenarios where single-page websites work well, let’s take a closer look at some of their advantages.

Intuitive user experience – Single-page websites tend to promote a linear flow with a clear beginning, middle, and end, which makes their messaging easier to comprehend and well suited to a singular focused purpose. Their minimal navigation also means more scrolling and less clicking, qualities that UX studies show are both more intuitive and preferred by users.

Higher user engagement + increased conversions – The pared back user experience and focused nature of single-page websites has also been shown to increase user engagement. Calls-to-action, buttons and links to social media are upfront and easy to find, which in turn can increase conversions – for example, completions of a contact form – of up to 30% or more.

Better mobile experience + device compatibility – Multi-page sites can be challenging to navigate on mobile devices. They require more clicking and tapping, actions that can be difficult on smaller screens and a range of different devices. Also, single-page websites typically load a lot faster, something Google pays a lot of attention to when ranking a website.

Higher page authority – Links are one of the biggest factors that determine how well a website ranks. One of the benefits that a single-page website has going for it is that every link it acquires will point to the main URL. Single page websites can also be an effective way to target a specific audience using a narrow keyword focus.

Easy to build + maintain – If you’re running multiple businesses or have both a job and a side-hustle, it’s likely you don’t have a ton of spare time to spend updating a multi-page website. If you build your single-page website with a clear goal in mind, carefully considered content, smart layout, great images and focused calls-to-action, you’re going to have minimal upkeep to content with.

Ready to get online with your own domain name and single-page website, for free?

Entrepreneurship is equal parts inspiration, creativity, hard work and opportunity. While the first three factors are largely within the control of an individual, opportunity often depends on circumstance and privilege. This is why organizations that work to level the playing field for groups which historically have not had equal access to opportunities—be it women, visible minorities or LGBTQ people—play an incredibly important role helping diverse businesses succeed.

To do our part to support the small business community and diverse businesses, Webnames.ca has launched an initiative to provide a free .CA domain name, single-page LitesSite website and professional email account to Canadian small businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers that need one for one full year—no strings attached!

To learn more, claim this limited-time offer and launch your own single-page website visit webnames.ca/litesite-for-women-biz.

Want to learn more about building your own website?

Check out these recordings of webinars on building a website and growing your traffic, which we hosted in partnership with Webnames.ca in fall 2020 >>

The post Why a Single-Page Website Might be All You Need—And How to Build a Great One appeared first on WeBC.