Homeowners Are Asking AI for Contractor Recommendations. Are You Getting Cited?
When someone tells ChatGPT “I need a plumber in Phoenix” or asks Gemini for a roofing company, AI doesn't pull up a list of ten blue links. It gives one or two names. If your business isn't structured for AI, those names won't include yours.
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Google Search vs. AI Search: A Different Game
Traditional SEO gets you on the list. AI search gets you the recommendation. Here's how the experience differs for a homeowner looking for help.
Homeowner searches “best plumber near me”
Gets a map pack + 10 organic results + ads
Scrolls through reviews, clicks 3-4 sites
Compares prices, reads About pages
Calls 2-3 companies
Average time to decision: 15-30 minutes
Homeowner asks “I need a reliable plumber for a slab leak in Scottsdale”
AI responds with 1-2 specific companies
Includes why they're recommended (specialties, reviews, years in business)
Provides phone number and service details
Homeowner calls immediately
Average time to decision: 30 seconds
Why Traditional SEO Alone Won't Cut It
Great SEO still matters. But AI engines process information differently than Google's traditional algorithm.
AI Needs Structure, Not Just Keywords
AI engines don't crawl and rank pages the way Google does. They need clean, structured data about your services, areas, and credentials to build a recommendation.
Location Specificity Matters More
When someone asks AI for a contractor in a specific city or neighborhood, AI needs to confidently know where you operate. Vague service areas get skipped.
Trust Signals Are Weighted Differently
AI looks for licensing info, years of experience, specific credentials, and structured review data — not just star ratings and keyword-stuffed pages.
Every Trade, Every Service Call
Here's what homeowners are actually asking AI — and the kind of business that gets recommended.
Plumbing
“I need a plumber who handles slab leaks in Austin”
Electrical
“Find me a licensed electrician for a panel upgrade”
Roofing
“Who does the best roof replacements in my area?”
HVAC
“I need an AC repair company that can come today”
Painting
“Recommend a house painter with good reviews”
Landscaping
“Find a landscaper who does hardscaping and irrigation”
General Contracting
“I need a contractor for a kitchen remodel”
Fencing
“Who installs wood fences near me?”
How llms.txt Gets Your Contracting Business Found
One file on your website that tells AI engines exactly who you are, what you do, and where you do it.
Services & Specialties
List every service you offer so AI can match you to the right queries — from slab leaks to whole-house rewires.
Service Areas
Define the exact cities, zip codes, and neighborhoods you serve. No guesswork for AI.
Credentials
Licensing, insurance, certifications, years in business — the trust signals AI needs to recommend you.
Contact & Availability
Phone, email, hours, emergency service — everything a homeowner needs to take action.
AI Search Guides by Industry
Get Your Contracting Business AI-Ready
Most contractors haven't optimized for AI search yet. That's your advantage. Generate your llms.txt file now and start getting cited in AI recommendations.
Free tool. Takes 30 seconds. See your AI visibility score.