Answer for local business owners
How can I tell whether AI is merely mentioning my company or actually recommending it?
If AI only lists your company, you were mentioned. If it explains why your company fits the buyer's need and points the buyer toward you as a good option, you were recommended.
Your name can appear and still not win the call
A homeowner asks AI for help after a pipe break.
Your company appears in a list of five.
Then AI explains why another company handles emergency extraction, hidden moisture, and fast response in that area.
You got the name. They got the reason.
Here is the simple difference
- Mentioned: your name appears
- Cited: AI points to your page or information
- Compared: AI discusses you beside another company
- Recommended: AI says you may be a good fit and gives a reason
Do not count every appearance as the same win
A yes/no 'Did we show up?' report hides too much.
The reason AI gives matters because that is closer to how a buyer makes a choice.
Measure the movement
Ask the same important buyer questions over time.
Look for the move from absent → mentioned → cited or compared → recommended.
That tells you where the communication is getting stronger.
Where this answer came from
Sources we checked
Platform facts and source material
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