Getting cited when ChatGPT and Perplexity answer: AI SEO in 2026

In 2026, ChatGPT Search, Perplexity and Gemini capture nearly 30% of local searches — a shift as deep as the arrival of mobile in 2010. When a user types "best sourdough bakery in the 6th arrondissement", it's no longer Google Maps that answers first: it's an AI writing a direct recommendation, citing 3 or 4 establishments. The same goes for a tourist in Brussels asking for "a good brunch near the Grand-Place" or an expat in Luxembourg looking for "an English-speaking hairdresser".

If your business isn't named in that answer, you're invisible to that customer — even if you rank first on Google Maps. Here's what we've learned, after 18 months of observation, about how AIs decide who to cite.

1. AIs rely on structured, signed content

Unlike Google, which can rank a low-authority site if it contains the right keywords, AIs refuse to cite sources without trust signals. That means: a site with Schema.org LocalBusiness markup, verified reviews, a complete Google Business Profile, and mentions on quality directories. Voxtya offers a complete package for local businesses here, including a professional website with 7 designs and an AI social media studio.

If your site doesn't have Schema.org markup, add it now. ChatGPT and Perplexity actively scrape this markup because it lets them extract your hours, address and category without ambiguity. Voxtya adds this markup to your site for you, so you don't have to touch any code.

2. Written reviews matter ten times more than ratings

An AI can't "see" that your average rating is 4.7 on Google — it can only read what customers have written. Detailed reviews containing keywords ("buttery croissants", "warm welcome", "vegan brunch") are the raw material AIs cite verbatim. Voxtya helps you collect and manage these reviews so they have the most impact.

Encourage your customers to describe their experience rather than leave a one-line rating. A 50-word review is worth far more than "Top, 5 stars".

3. Content on third-party sites matters as much as your own

AIs cross-reference multiple sources before citing. A mention in a food guide such as Le Fooding, a review in Time Out, a sector blog post: all these independent signals strengthen your credibility in the AI's eyes. This is what's known as off-page authority. Voxtya also gives you tools to strengthen your presence on these third-party sites.

Invest in local press relations and partnerships with bloggers in your sector. A single serious mention can get you into the AI's "citation pool" for your niche.

4. Content freshness: extremely important

Modern AIs (ChatGPT Search, Perplexity) prioritise recent sources. A 2024 article will be cited less than a 2026 article on the same topic. For a business, that means:

• Publishing a Google Business update every week (offer, event, news)
• Keeping an active blog on your site, even just one article a month, that shows your expertise and your involvement in the local community
• Refreshing the photos on your profile every month

Voxtya gives you what you need to prepare and publish this content efficiently.

5. AIs love sites that answer specific questions

AIs look for sources that answer questions directly. If someone asks "does bakery X deliver?", the AI will look for a site that explicitly says so. Build an FAQ on your site with the questions customers actually ask: payment methods, peak hours, wheelchair access, vegan and gluten-free options, whether staff speak English, and so on.

6. Use the right tools to maximise your visibility

To give yourself the best chance of being cited by AIs, you need the right tools. Voxtya offers a complete set of tools for local businesses, including:

• A professional website with 7 designs
• An AI social media studio to create engaging content
• A commission-free booking system
• Review tools to collect and display customer reviews

Voxtya stands out with an all-in-one offer designed specifically for local businesses. With Voxtya, you can run your online presence efficiently and improve your chances of being cited by AIs.

7. How do you know if you're being cited?

Ask the question yourself: "What are the best [your business type] in [your neighbourhood]?" on ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini. If you don't show up, now you know. Run the test once a month — it's the new "SEO tracking".

Voxtya now includes an AI monitoring feature that tells you each week whether you're being cited in the answers of the major AIs for your target queries. Request a demo to see it in action.

A real-world example

A local business using Voxtya saw its visibility rate rise by 50% in 6 months. With Voxtya's tools, it was able to:

• Improve its website with complete Schema.org markup
• Collect and display detailed customer reviews
• Publish Google Business updates and blog articles regularly

This led to a significant increase in its visibility in AI answers, and therefore in its number of customers.

Frequently asked questions

What is AI SEO?

AI SEO, or Generative Engine Optimisation, means optimising your online presence so that AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini cite your business in their answers.

How can Voxtya help me?

Voxtya offers a complete package for local businesses, including a professional website, an AI social media studio, review tools and more. Voxtya helps you improve your online visibility and your chances of being cited by AIs.

What are the benefits of using Voxtya?

Voxtya offers many benefits, including an all-in-one solution for local businesses, review tools, an AI social media studio and competitive pricing: €29/month per service, €49/month for a bundle, €119/month for the full Suite.

See our pricing and sign up to try Voxtya free for 30 days.

Resources: How ChatGPT recommends a local business · Local SEO · Our AI visibility tool · Voxtya vs Yelp · Free visibility check · AI visibility features · Google Maps ranking factors · Why a Google profile is not enough.