You don’t need any tools to find out whether AI assistants recommend your company. You need about 15 minutes, five good questions and a simple table. Here’s how to do it properly.
Step 1: Write 5 questions your customers actually ask
Use the words homeowners use, and include your city. For example:
- Roofing: “Who’s the best roofer in [city] for hail damage?” or “How much does a roof replacement cost in [city]?”
- HVAC: “Who does emergency AC repair in [city]?” or “Best company to replace a furnace in [city]?”
- Remodeling: “Best kitchen remodelers in [city]?” or “How long does a bathroom remodel take?”
Mix questions that ask for a company with questions that ask for information. Both can lead to you.
Step 2: Set up a fair test
AI answers can change with your account history and location. Use a private or incognito browser window, sign out where you can, and ask from the area you serve if possible.
Step 3: Ask four tools
- ChatGPT: make sure the answer searched the web; you should see sources or links.
- Perplexity: look at the numbered sources under the answer.
- Google: look for an AI Overview at the top. Not every search shows one, so note when it doesn’t.
- Microsoft Copilot: ask the same way and note the sources.
Step 4: Record what you see
Use one row per question and tool, with these columns:
| Question | AI tool | Were you named? | Position (1st, 2nd…) | Competitors named | Sources cited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best roofer in [city] for hail damage | ChatGPT | No | — | Competitor A, Competitor B | Google listings, a review site |
Step 5: Look for patterns
- Sources that keep coming up are where you need to be present and accurate: specific directories, review sites, local news.
- Competitors that keep coming up show you what a recommended company looks like in your market. Compare their website and listings with yours.
- Questions where nobody is named well are openings: a clear page on your site answering that question can get cited.
Step 6: Repeat every month
Answers vary from day to day, so a single check is a snapshot, not a verdict. Ask the same questions every month and watch the trend.
What your results mean
- Named often: protect it. Keep listings current and reviews coming.
- Named sometimes: you’re close. Work through our 10 fixes for contractors.
- Never named: start with the basics: make sure AI search crawlers can read your site, and that your listings match.
Rather not do it yourself? Run our free AI visibility check: we ask the questions across all four tools and email you the results within 1 business day.