If you run a service-based business, you’ve probably noticed all the talk about AI search tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. Some people say they’ll replace Google. Others worry SEO (search engine optimisation) is dead.
Here’s the truth: AI isn’t killing SEO. It’s sharpening it.
Why This Matters for Your Business
AI search traffic has grown by almost 1,000% this year. That means more people are asking AI tools for recommendations on things like:
- “Who’s the best plumber near me?”
- “What landscaper in Sydney does outdoor kitchens?”
- “Which electrician is most trusted in my area?”
If your business isn’t showing up in these AI answers, you could be invisible to a big group of potential customers.
Google + AI = Bigger Opportunity
Here’s something interesting: most ChatGPT users still also use Google. A recent study showed that over 95% of people using ChatGPT also went to Google. That means people aren’t replacing Google, they’re using both.
For you, this means your marketing should cover both search engines and AI tools.
How to Get Found in AI Search
It’s not about chasing tricks or pumping out AI-written pages. Instead, the businesses that are winning focus on:
- Structure: Make your website clear and well organised.
- Proof: Show real reviews, accreditations, and awards.
- Presence: Get listed in trusted directories and industry databases.
When AI looks for answers, it pulls from places it trusts. If you’re visible and verified, you have a much higher chance of being recommended.
Real Results From AI-Driven SEO
One brand used AI-assisted SEO to scale their content and manage routine tasks while keeping their important sales pages human-written. The result?
- Revenue jumped from $166K to $491K a month
- Website traffic grew by 255%
The lesson: AI should support your business, not replace your expertise.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a service business, now is the time to:
- Check if your business shows up in AI answers.
- Strengthen your online presence with reviews, listings, and partnerships.
- Use AI to help with repetitive tasks (like research or content updates), but keep your customer-facing work authentic.
The future of SEO isn’t smaller,it’s smarter. And the businesses that adapt now will be the ones customers find first.
👉 Want help making sure your business shows up in AI and Google? At Trade Up Digital, we specialise in SEO and AI tools for tradies and service-based businesses.
Ready to Get Found?
At Trade Up Digital, we help landscapers like you show up on Google, get found in AI search, and turn clicks into real jobs.
👉 Ready to start booking bigger jobs?
What is SEO, and why do I need it for my plumbing business?
SEO is just an excellent way of helping Google and AI tools understand who you are and what you do.
If you don’t do SEO, it’s like having the best landscaping gear in the shed but no one knows you own it.
SEO makes sure people in your area can actually find you online when they search for “plumber near me” or “bathroom renovations.”
Can SEO actually get me bigger jobs, or just more small ones?
Good SEO doesn’t just bring in “anyone.” Done right, it gets your business in front of people who are searching for exactly what you want. Like high-end bathroom renovations. That way, you spend less time quoting on small garden bed jobs and more time landing the big projects.
How long does SEO take to work?
SEO isn’t like turning on a tap. It’s more like planting a garden.
At first, you don’t see much, but if you water it and look after it, the results grow stronger every month. Most businesses start seeing new leads in 2–3 months, with bigger results showing up around the 6–12 month mark.