Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about AI visibility and how we help businesses succeed in AI-powered search
AI Search & Market Reality
Is AI search really a big deal, or just hype?
AI answers condense results into a single recommendation. If your brand isn't eligible to be cited, you miss demand that's shifting from lists of links to one clear answer.
Quick facts & sources:
- Structured data helps systems understand content; appearance is never guaranteed. Search Central (Intro) · Policies
- Independent studies report reduced organic clicks when AI Overviews appear, e.g., ~34.5% drop to position‑1 CTR. Ahrefs 2025 · Seer 2025 · BrightEdge
- Baseline CTR for position 1 averages ~28.5%. Sistrix study
Why should my business care if we already do SEO?
SEO earns a slot on a list. AEO aims to be the single trusted answer. That concentrates attention and makes selection more valuable than small rank moves.
Quick facts & sources:
- FAQPage guidance, policies, and validation tools. FAQPage · Policies · Rich Results Test
- AIO's CTR impact documented by: Ahrefs · Seer · BrightEdge
Are customers using AI to find local businesses?
Yes. Usage is highest among younger adults and is growing across age groups. AI tools are now a regular part of information search.
Quick facts & sources:
- Usage levels by age and year: Pew 2025
- AI information-seeking among young adults: AP‑NORC 2025
How does AI visibility turn into sales?
AI answers meet buyers at decision time, which lifts lead quality. In high-ticket local services, one additional job can cover the cost of getting visible.
Quick facts & sources:
- Local search intent converts: 76% visit within a day; 28% purchase.
- HVAC ticket sizes for ROI math: HomeAdvisor
Our Approach & Implementation
What does Mainstay Automation do to make us visible?
We build authority and clarity. GEO strengthens trust signals across the web. AEO structures concise answers and valid markup so assistants can cite you.
Quick facts & sources:
- Implementation links: Ask Google to recrawl · FAQPage JSON‑LD · Schema.org FAQPage
Customers expect fast answers. How do you help?
We add a 24/7 site assistant and fast lead routing so prospects get immediate help and your team gets a qualified handoff.
Quick facts & sources:
- Responding within 5 minutes: ~100x more likely to connect; 21x to qualify vs 30 minutes. Harvard Business Review
- Real-time expectations: Salesforce Research (overview)
Do inconsistent reviews hurt AI recommendations?
Yes. Assistants check ratings, review recency, and consistent NAP data. Gaps lower confidence to recommend. We clean up listings and set a repeatable review program with timely responses.
Quick facts & sources:
- Local ranking signals (relevance, distance, prominence): GBP Help
- Consumer review expectations and recency: BrightLocal 2025
What's the difference between SEO, AEO, and GEO?
SEO earns a rank on a list. GEO builds web-wide trust so models can rely on you. AEO structures clear answers and valid markup so assistants can lift and cite your content.
Quick facts & sources:
- FAQPage JSON‑LD & Schema: Search Central · Schema.org
- Local entity and review guidance: Google Business Profile Help
Results & Timeline
What happens after text answers?
Voice often yields a single spoken answer. Building authority and clarity now positions you to be that answer. Treat market-size estimates as directional.
Quick facts & sources:
- Voice assistant market estimates: Yaguara 2025 · DemandSage 2025
How long until we see results?
First movement often appears in 60 to 90 days as content ships, listings are cleaned up, reviews ramp up, and assistants re-crawl your brand. Competitive markets can take longer.
Quick facts & sources:
- Crawling/indexing timelines and caveats: Search Central
- Validate eligibility/markup: Rich Results Test
Which industries benefit most?
High-consideration local and services categories see the biggest lift. If shoppers ask specific questions before they buy, AEO helps.
Quick facts & sources:
- Local intent conversion benchmarks: Think with Google
What does this cost and what's the ROI?
Cost depends on scope and competition. ROI comes from high-intent leads captured at the answer moment. In categories where one job is worth thousands, a small lift in chosen‑answer visibility can pay for itself.
Quick facts & sources:
- Use credible cost ranges for your vertical. Example HVAC: HomeAdvisor · Angi
How do we measure success?
Track on-assistant citations, qualified inquiries, conversion rate, review recency and volume, and listing consistency. The goal is to be the stated recommendation for your priority questions.
Quick facts & sources:
- Validate eligibility and fix issues: Rich Results Test · FAQPage doc
- Maintain review health and NAP consistency: GBP ranking help · Get more reviews
Still Have
Questions?
We're here to help! Get in touch with our team for personalized answers and a free AI visibility assessment.
Typical response time: within 24 hours