Social Search and AI Results: How Businesses Like Yours Can Get Found

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For years, ranking on Google has been the primary way to get discovered online. But the way people search is changing. Buyers are increasingly turning to social platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, as well as AI-powered search tools, to research suppliers, compare options and make buying decisions.

For SMEs, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. If your business does not appear in these searches, you risk being invisible to potential customers. However, with the right approach, you can position your company to be discovered across multiple channels and remain competitive as search behaviour evolves.

What Is Social Search?

Social search is the process of using social media platforms as search engines. Instead of typing into Google, people search directly on LinkedIn to find an industry expert, browse Instagram for inspiration, or look up how-to videos on YouTube. In some industries, TikTok has even overtaken Google as the go-to search tool.

This means social media is no longer just about brand awareness. It has become an active discovery channel where potential customers are looking for answers, advice and businesses to work with.

What About AI Search?

At the same time, AI tools are now influencing how buyers find information and suppliers. Search engines such as Bing AI and platforms like ChatGPT do not simply display a list of websites. They generate answers, recommend businesses and highlight brands that demonstrate authority and trustworthiness.

This means companies that publish valuable content, maintain a strong online presence and share customer proof are more likely to appear in AI-generated results. If your business is absent from these spaces, you risk losing visibility to competitors who are consistently active.

Why Social and AI Search Matter for SMEs

If you rely only on your website and Google rankings, you risk being invisible where your buyers are actually searching. Social and AI search:

• Surface businesses that publish useful, regular content
• Reward authenticity, with videos, posts and customer stories often ranking highest
• Encourage engagement, with active and responsive profiles more likely to be shown
• Highlight trusted and visible brands in AI-powered recommendations

The businesses that succeed are not always the biggest, but the ones that are most consistent and most visible online.

How to Build Visibility in Social and AI Search

To make sure your business shows up in these searches, focus on the following:

1. Optimise Your Profiles: Ensure LinkedIn, YouTube and other channels are complete, professional and consistent with your brand.
2. Publish Helpful Content: Share articles, videos and posts that directly answer your customers’ questions.
3. Use Keywords and Hashtags: Both social platforms and AI tools rely on these to connect your content to searches.
4. Showcase Case Studies and Expertise: Evidence of results builds credibility with both people and algorithms.
5. Encourage Interaction: Comments, likes, and reviews improve your visibility and authority.

The more active and valuable your content, the more likely you are to appear when your next customer searches for your services on social media or through AI tools.

Ready to Be Found Where Your Buyers Are Looking?

If your business is not showing up in LinkedIn, Instagram, or other platforms, you are missing valuable opportunities. Book a free consultation with one of our experts today to find out how JDR can help you take advantage of both social and AI search.

For practical next steps you can implement straight away, download your free copy of our guide: How to Use Social Media For Business. It is packed with strategies to elevate your visibility and ensure your business is found where your buyers are actively searching.