Here’s something most SEO guides won’t tell you: ChatGPT can write content, sure. But if you’re asking it the wrong questions, you’re getting generic fluff that won’t rank anywhere—not in Google, and definitely not inside AI assistants like Claude or Perplexity.
I’ve spent the last 18 months building AI search visibility for local businesses. HVAC companies, estate law firms, medspas, real estate brokerages—the works. And I’ve learned this: the prompt makes the difference between content that gets cited by AI and content that gets ignored.
So let’s break down 36 AI prompts that actually move the needle. These aren’t theory. They’re the exact prompts we use at SwiftAISEO to help local businesses show up when potential customers ask AI assistants “Who’s the best [service] near me?”
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Your next customer might not find you on Google. They might ask ChatGPT. Or Claude. Or their car’s voice assistant.
When someone asks an AI “Who should I call for emergency HVAC repair in Austin?” and your competitor’s name comes up but yours doesn’t? That’s not bad luck. That’s bad content structure.
AI engines scan for:
- Clear, structured answers
- Entity-rich content (names, locations, services)
- Consistent information across pages
- Authority signals (reviews, citations, expertise)
Traditional SEO teaches you to rank. AI SEO teaches you to get cited.
Let me show you how.
1. Keyword Research (For Humans AND AI)
Keywords aren’t dead. They’ve just evolved. You need to target both traditional search phrases AND conversational AI queries.
Prompt 1: Generate Local Seed Keywords with Intent Mapping
You're an SEO strategist working with a [YOUR BUSINESS TYPE] in [YOUR CITY]. Generate 20 seed keywords that potential customers would search for when they need [YOUR SERVICE] urgently. Group them into three categories:
1. Informational (research phase)
2. Local service (comparison phase)
3. Transactional (ready to book)
Make sure keywords reflect how real people talk—not just how marketers think they search.Why this works: You’re forcing the AI to think like your customer, not like a keyword tool. The intent mapping helps you understand where each keyword sits in the buyer journey.
Example output for an HVAC company:
- Informational: “how often should I service my AC,” “signs AC compressor is failing”
- Local: “best HVAC company Austin TX,” “AC repair near me reviews”
- Transactional: “emergency AC repair Austin,” “24/7 HVAC service cost”
Prompt 2: Discover Voice Search & AI Assistant Queries
I run a [SERVICE BUSINESS] in [CITY]. People are now asking AI assistants about [YOUR SERVICE] instead of typing into Google.
Generate 15 conversational, voice-search-style queries that someone would ask ChatGPT, Siri, or Alexa when they need [YOUR SERVICE]. Focus on natural language—full sentences, local intent, urgency.
Examples: "Who can fix a leaking roof tonight in Dallas?" or "What's the best medspa in Miami for Botox?"Why this works: Voice queries are longer, more specific, and intent-heavy. If your content answers these exact questions, AI assistants will cite you.
Follow-up prompt:
From that list, which 3 queries have the strongest commercial intent? Why? And what type of content should I create for each one—service page, blog post, or FAQ?Prompt 3: Build Keyword Clusters for Topical Authority
Here's a list of 25 keywords related to [YOUR SERVICE]:
[paste your keyword list]
Cluster these keywords by topic and search intent. Output in a table with these columns:
- Cluster Name
- Primary Keyword
- Supporting Keywords
- Intent Type
- Suggested Content Format (service page, guide, FAQ)
Make sure each cluster can support a standalone content hub.Why this works: Google and AI engines reward depth, not just coverage. Building content clusters around core topics signals you’re an authority—not just someone who wrote one blog post.
2. Competitor Analysis (Find What They’re Missing)
You don’t need to outspend your competitors. You need to out-structure them.
Prompt 4: Run a Content Gap Analysis
Analyze my competitor's site [COMPETITOR URL] and compare it to mine [YOUR SITE].
Identify 10 content gaps where they rank and I don't. Focus on:
- High-intent local service queries
- Questions customers actually ask
- Topics where their content is thin or outdated
For each gap, suggest whether I should create a service page, guide, or FAQ to fill it.Reality check: ChatGPT can’t actually crawl URLs in real-time. But if you feed it competitor page titles and meta descriptions, it can spot patterns you’re missing.
Follow-up:
Of those 10 gaps, which 3 would give me the best ROI in the next 90 days? Prioritize based on search volume, buyer intent, and ease of ranking.Prompt 5: Identify Weak Competitor Content You Can Outrank
My competitor ranks for [KEYWORD] with this page: [URL or description].
Their content is [too short / outdated / missing visuals / lacks structure].
Give me a step-by-step plan to create a better version:
1. What structure should I use?
2. What information should I add that they missed?
3. What on-page SEO signals should I strengthen?
4. What internal links should I include?Why this works: You’re not just rewriting their content—you’re systematically beating it.
3. On-Page SEO (The Basics Still Matter)
AI might be the future, but title tags and headers still drive rankings today.
Prompt 6: Generate SEO-Friendly URLs
Create a short, SEO-optimized URL for a service page about [SERVICE + LOCATION].
The URL should:
- Be under 60 characters
- Include the primary keyword naturally
- Be readable by humans (no random strings or dates)
Example format: yourdomain.com/service-cityExample output: yourdomain.com/roof-repair-dallas
Follow-up:
Explain why this URL structure helps both search engines and users. Should I avoid using stop words like "the" or "and"?Prompt 7: Optimize Header Tags for Readability and SEO
I'm writing a service page titled "[PAGE TITLE]" for a [BUSINESS TYPE] in [CITY].
Suggest an optimized header structure (H1, H2, H3) that:
- Improves readability for mobile users
- Includes keyword variations naturally
- Follows a logical flow from problem → solution → CTA
Keep the tone conversational, not robotic.Why this works: Headers aren’t just for SEO—they guide AI engines through your content logic. If your H2s answer clear questions, you’re more likely to get cited.
Prompt 8: Place CTAs Where They Actually Convert
Review this page outline for a [SERVICE] company:
[paste your outline]
Where should I place calls-to-action (CTAs) to maximize phone calls and form submissions? Consider:
- Mobile user behavior
- How far someone scrolls before deciding
- Natural decision points in the content flow
Suggest 3 high-converting CTA examples optimized for service businesses.Pro tip: Don’t just say “Contact Us.” Try CTAs like “Get Your Free Roof Inspection,” “Book Your Consultation Today,” or “See Availability Now.”
4. Content Optimization (Make It AI-Readable)
Here’s the shift: Google ranks pages. AI assistants cite answers.
Your content needs to work for both.
Prompt 9: Improve Title Tags for Click-Through Rate
My current page title is: "[CURRENT TITLE]"
This page is about [SERVICE + LOCATION]. My primary keyword is [KEYWORD].
Suggest 3 alternative title tags that:
- Are under 60 characters
- Include strong intent words (best, top, emergency, affordable)
- Make people want to click
Then explain which version you'd recommend and why.Why this works: A 0.5% increase in CTR can mean hundreds of extra visitors per month. Small tweaks compound over time.
Prompt 10: Write Meta Descriptions That Drive Action
Generate a 155-character meta description for a [SERVICE] business in [CITY].
Include:
- The primary keyword "[KEYWORD]"
- A clear benefit
- A call-to-action
Provide two tone variations:
1. Professional and authoritative
2. Friendly and approachableExample output:
- “Expert Botox clinic in Miami. FDA-approved treatments, board-certified staff. Book your consultation today.”
- “Looking for Botox in Miami? We make it easy, safe, and affordable. See why clients love us—book now!”
Prompt 11: Add LSI Keywords Without Keyword Stuffing
I'm writing about [PRIMARY KEYWORD].
Suggest 10 related semantic keywords (LSI keywords) that:
- Support the main topic naturally
- Help AI engines understand context
- Can fit into paragraphs without sounding forced
For each keyword, suggest where it fits best: intro, service description, FAQ, or internal link anchor text.Why this works: AI engines scan for semantic relationships. If you mention “HVAC repair,” they expect to see “furnace,” “air conditioning,” “ductwork,” and “thermostat” nearby.
Prompt 12: Rewrite for NLP-Friendly Clarity
Rewrite the following paragraph to make it clearer for both AI engines (like ChatGPT and Google SGE) and human readers:
[paste paragraph]
Goals:
- Use shorter sentences
- Remove jargon
- Answer the question directly
- Keep it conversational
Don't make it sound robotic—keep the human voice intact.Reality check: If ChatGPT can’t understand your content, it won’t cite you. Simple as that.
5. Technical SEO (The Stuff Most People Ignore)
You don’t need to be a developer. But you do need to get the basics right.
Prompt 13: Create an XML Sitemap Structure
I run a [BUSINESS TYPE] website with:
- 5 core service pages
- 10 location-specific pages
- 1 blog with 20 posts
Generate a valid XML sitemap structure for WordPress. Explain where and how to upload it using Yoast or Rank Math.Follow-up:
Should I submit separate sitemaps for services, blog posts, and location pages? What are the benefits?Prompt 14: Configure Robots.txt Correctly
Write a robots.txt file for a [SERVICE BUSINESS] website that:
- Blocks /cart/, /login/, /admin/, and /checkout/
- Allows all other pages to be crawled and indexed
- Includes a sitemap reference
Explain 3 common mistakes small businesses make when setting up robots.txt.Why this matters: If you accidentally block your service pages, Google can’t index them. I’ve seen this happen more than you’d think.
Prompt 15: Fix Duplicate Content with Canonical Tags
I have two blog posts targeting similar content:
1. [URL 1]
2. [URL 2]
Show me how to use canonical tags in WordPress to:
- Prevent duplicate content penalties
- Consolidate ranking authority to one primary page
Explain which URL should be the canonical version and why.Pro tip: Always canonicalize to the most complete, highest-quality version of the content.
6. Blog & Content Writing (Scale Without Losing Quality)
AI can’t replace strategy. But it can speed up execution.
Prompt 16: Draft Engaging Introductions
Write a short, engaging introduction for a blog post titled "[BLOG TITLE]" about [TOPIC].
The intro should:
- Hook the reader in the first sentence
- Include the primary keyword "[KEYWORD]" naturally
- Explain what the reader will learn
- Be under 100 words
Keep it conversational—like explaining to a friend.Why this works: Most people skim. Your intro needs to earn the next 30 seconds of attention.
Prompt 17: Create Blog Outlines for Local Businesses
I'm writing a post called "[BLOG TITLE]" for a [BUSINESS TYPE] in [CITY].
Create an SEO-optimized outline (H2 and H3 headings) that:
- Answers common customer questions
- Includes keyword variations naturally
- Appeals to local homeowners/businesses
- Flows logically from problem to solution
Suggest 2-3 internal links to my other articles on [RELATED TOPIC].Follow-up:
Which sections should include images, infographics, or customer testimonials for maximum engagement?Prompt 18: Expand Thin Content into Rich, Helpful Sections
Act as an expert [INDUSTRY] writer. Expand this paragraph into 150 words:
[paste paragraph]
Add:
- Specific examples
- Smooth transitions
- A conversational tone
Make it educational, not salesy.Why this works: Google and AI engines reward depth. One-sentence answers don’t cut it anymore.
Prompt 19: Add Visual and CTA Placement Recommendations
Review this blog post outline:
[paste outline]
Suggest where to place:
- Images or infographics
- Customer testimonials
- Call-to-action buttons or banners
- Internal links to service pages
Consider scroll depth and mobile user behavior.Example recommendation:
- Place a testimonial graphic after the “Results” section
- Add a CTA banner at 75% scroll depth
- Include 2-3 internal links in the first 500 words
7. Bonus: Advanced AI SEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
If you want AI assistants to cite your business by name, you need to think beyond traditional SEO.
Prompt 20: Generate Featured Snippet Answers
Write a concise, 40-word answer to this question:
"[QUESTION CUSTOMERS ASK]"
Use:
- Professional tone
- Clear formatting (bullet points if needed)
- The primary keyword naturally
This answer should be snippet-ready for Google and AI assistants.Example: Q: “How long does HVAC installation take?” A: “Most HVAC installations take 4-8 hours for a single unit. Complex systems or multi-zone setups may require 1-2 days. Professional installation ensures safety, efficiency, and warranty coverage.”
Prompt 21: Create Schema-Ready FAQs
Generate 3 FAQ questions and answers for a [SERVICE] page targeting [KEYWORD].
Each Q&A should:
- Answer a real customer question
- Be formatted for FAQ schema markup
- Include the primary keyword naturally
- Be under 75 words per answer
Provide the schema code snippet for WordPress (using Rank Math or Yoast).Why this matters: FAQPage schema helps Google and AI engines understand your content structure—and cite you directly in results.
Prompt 22: Craft AI-Optimized Business Descriptions
Write a 120-word AI-optimized description for a Google Business Profile of a [BUSINESS TYPE] in [CITY].
Include:
- Brand name
- Core services
- Location entities (city, neighborhood, landmarks)
- Key differentiators (24/7 service, licensed, veteran-owned, etc.)
This description should help AI assistants recognize and recommend this business.Example output: “ABC Roofing is a family-owned roofing company in Dallas, Texas, specializing in residential roof repair, replacement, and storm damage restoration. Serving North Dallas, Plano, and Richardson since 2008, we’re fully licensed, insured, and offer 24/7 emergency service. Our team has completed over 3,200 projects, earning 4.9-star reviews for quality craftsmanship and transparent pricing. Whether you need a minor leak fixed or a complete roof overhaul, ABC Roofing delivers reliable, affordable solutions backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty.”
Why These Prompts Actually Work
Most AI prompt guides give you generic templates. “Act as an expert…” and then nothing specific.
These prompts work because they’re built for local service businesses with real constraints—limited budgets, competitive markets, and customers who make decisions based on trust, not trends.
Here’s what makes them different:
- Context-specific: Every prompt is tailored to local businesses (HVAC, medspas, law firms, real estate)
- Intent-focused: We’re optimizing for buyer intent, not just search volume
- AI-citation-ready: Content structured to be cited by ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity
- Actionable: No fluff—just clear inputs and expected outputs
How to Actually Use These Prompts
Don’t try to implement all 36 at once. That’s a recipe for burnout.
Here’s what I recommend:
Week 1: Start with keyword research (Prompts 1-3). Build your foundation.
Week 2: Fix on-page SEO (Prompts 6-8). Clean up titles, URLs, and headers.
Week 3: Optimize existing content (Prompts 9-12). Improve what you already have.
Week 4: Create new content (Prompts 16-19). Build fresh blog posts and guides.
Week 5+: Layer in technical SEO (Prompts 13-15) and advanced AI optimization (Prompts 20-22).
Consistency beats perfection. One optimized page per week adds up to 52 better-ranking pages by next year.
What We’ve Learned About AI SEO in 2025
Here’s the reality: AI search isn’t replacing Google. It’s adding another layer.
Your customers are now asking AI assistants the same questions they used to type into search bars. If your content isn’t structured for AI citation, you’re invisible in half the conversation.
The businesses that win in 2025 aren’t the ones with the biggest ad budgets. They’re the ones with the clearest answers, the best structure, and the most consistent presence across search and AI platforms.
These 36 prompts are how you get there.
Next Steps
Want to see how your site stacks up? Run Prompts 4-5 on your top competitors. You’ll spot gaps faster than any SEO tool can show you.
Need help building this into a system? We help local businesses implement AI search visibility strategies—from content clusters to technical optimization to getting cited by ChatGPT.
You don’t need to master every tool. You just need the right system.
And if you want to talk through your specific situation—HVAC, medspa, law firm, or real estate—we’re here. No pitch. Just a conversation about what’s working and what’s not.
Final Word:
AI SEO isn’t about gaming algorithms. It’s about making your expertise clear, accessible, and structured—so when someone asks “Who should I hire?” the AI knows exactly who to recommend.
Start with one prompt today. See what happens. Then come back tomorrow and try another.
That’s how you build visibility that lasts.