Search is changing – fast. Customers aren't just on Google anymore. They're turning to ChatGPT, voice assistants, and other AI-driven tools to ask direct questions and get instant answers (with more context, intent, and expectations than ever before). That shift is especially hard on small businesses (SMBs), where time and resources are already stretched thin.
In this Visibility Brief: Deep Dive, Tami Cannizzaro, CMO of Thryv, joins Rebecca Colwell, SVP of Marketing at Yext, for a conversation about what this change really means on the ground. From websites and listings to reviews and automation, Tami shares how small businesses can show up, stay visible, and compete – even as the rules of discovery keep changing … while wearing every hat required to run their business.
What you'll learn
How AI search is changing how customers find SMBs
People don't just search – they ask. AI tools like ChatGPT are answering questions about your services, instead of listing links, which is why traditional discovery tactics aren't enough. Learn what's changed and what still works.
Why websites and local pages matter more than ever
AI looks for clear, structured, first-party information. Having an accurate, well-structured website with FAQs and up-to-date information isn't just good for customers – it's key to being included in AI answers
Why listings and directories are back in the spotlight
The publishers you thought were "nice to have" are now increasingly cited sources in AI search. Hear why accurate, up-to-date listings across long-tail directories are suddenly more important than ever.
How reputation management influences visibility
AI wants recent, consistent signals – and reviews are one of the strongest. Learn why responding to reviews and keeping information fresh helps build trust (with both customers and machines).
How automation helps SMBs do more with less
Small business owners don't have time to manage every daily marketing task manually. Tami shares how smart automation and AI can help SMBs keep up, without doing more. AI-driven tools and advisors help automate responses, follow-ups, and lead handling, making sure opportunities aren't missed while owners focus on running their businesses.
Why watch
If you work with or market to SMBs, this episode gives you a real-world lens into what's working — and what's not – to help owners stay visible. You'll gain insight into how discovery is changing, where SMBs should focus first, and how technology can reduce complexity instead of adding to it.
This deep dive is especially valuable if you're:
Supporting local or service-based businesses
Navigating the shift from Google-first to AI visibility
Looking to simplify marketing and visibility for resource-constrained teams
Why it matters
Visibility is everything for a small business – but in today's AI-driven world, it's also easier to lose. When customers ask a question and get one answer, showing up is non-negotiable.
The good news? The fundamentals still work – when done right. This episode shows how strong websites, accurate listings, reviews, and automation can help SMBs compete and even win against larger competitors – no matter how discovery evolves.
