How to Slide Into the Consciousness of AI

Dustin Crump joined the Small Lake City Podcast to discuss AI visibility, Answer Engine Optimization, and how businesses can get found and recommended by AI assistants.

On how AI search is replacing Google:

“I've replaced 70 to 90% of things I would usually go to Google for. User behavior is shifting rapidly — people aren't just typing 'accountant near me.' They're having a full conversation with AI. It's their therapist, their business advisor, everything.”

On what the AI visibility layer actually is:

“There's this structured data, this schema markup — it's a layer of code on your site. It's not visual to you, but it's visible to the AI. I look at your site and I'm like, wow, it's a really good site for humans. But what about the robots? When we put this visibility layer on there, we tell it exactly: this is what you are, this is what you do, this is who you serve. So when AI combs your site, it knows exactly who you are.”

On real client results:

“There's Loc See Hair — a hair extension place in Holiday, Utah. They didn't show up in any of the AIs. I put their visibility layer on and they're now number one right away. The owner said, 'I don't know what you did, it's blowing up.'”

On the future of AI agents:

“Do you think Oprah goes on Google and searches for restaurants? No — she has agents. In the very near future, we're all going to be Oprah. These AI agents are going to have access to your email, your calendar, your preferences. If your website doesn't have that visibility layer, the agent is going to pass you up.”

On events and local businesses:

“AI is hungry for your events. If you have a yoga studio, a bar with trivia night, an ax throwing place — AI wants to tell people about it. People are going to be asking their AI: what can I do tonight? If that layer isn't on your site, you won't get served up.”

On embracing AI:

“You have to use it. There's never been a better time to be an entrepreneur. It's kind of leveled the playing field for everybody.”