Startups adapt to AI-driven visibility, as chatbots replace human clicks

Startups are pivoting from SEO to AI visibility, as brands now need to think about how chatbots like ChatGPT or Perplexity scrape and deliver their info directly. Companies like Athena, Profound, and Scrunch AI are tracking how bots relay brand details and optimizing for AI referrals, which can boost sign-ups by 9%. The market for AI-tuning tools is small compared to the $90 billion SEO world, but early adopters are seeing real lifts as chat interfaces become the norm.

Locafy Limited, a global leader in location-based digital marketing, has launched its suite of AI-powered SEO products for fiscal year 2026, aimed at enhancing online visibility for local, national, and e-commerce businesses [1]. The newly available tools, following successful market testing, are designed to improve search results across organic, AI, and marketplace platforms.

The new suite of products includes automated content production and engagement, such as the creation of AI-search-ready landing pages, thereby presenting new monetization opportunities. Locafy's offerings focus on online business listings, local SEO, and AI-powered engagement tools, leveraging a massive database of business listings to enhance clients' online presence.

The company believes its innovations in AI search signify a significant growth opportunity for FY2026. Locafy's Localizer solution combines multiple functionalities that may improve customer satisfaction and enhance client visibility in local search results. The company has a substantial total addressable market (TAM) of over 40 million businesses in key geographic areas, highlighting the potential for growth and expansion.

Locafy's platform improves visibility across organic, AI, and marketplace search results, helping businesses rank higher in searches. The Localizer solution integrates listing syndication, AI-search optimization, review management, and Google Map Pack enhancement. The AI Voice Concierge is a virtual receptionist that can manage bookings and customer interactions 24/7 using AI technology.

Locafy currently manages over 63 million business listings worldwide, with more than 40 million in key markets like the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The company is focused on three primary solution categories: Online Business Listings, Local SEO, and AI-powered engagement tools.

While the market for AI-tuning tools is small compared to the $90 billion SEO world, early adopters are seeing real lifts as chat interfaces become the norm. Companies like Athena, Profound, and Scrunch AI are tracking how bots relay brand details and optimizing for AI referrals, which can boost sign-ups by 9% [2].

References:
[1] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/locafy-launches-fy26-suite-ai-powered-seo-products-enhance-visibility-local-national-and-e
[2] https://www.quivernews.com/startups-pivoting-seo-ai-visibility