How It Works

The Magic Behind AI Business Score Explained

Overview

AI Business Score combines three powerful technologies to give you the most accurate picture of your AI visibility:

1. Real AI Testing - We query actual AI systems
2. Machine Learning Prediction - 93% accurate visibility forecasting
3. Multi-Source Data Collection - Fresh data from Google, Yelp, your website, and more

Let's break down each component.

Component 1: Real AI Testing

What We Do

We generate realistic customer queries and submit them to leading AI platforms:

• OpenAI ChatGPT (GPT-4)
• Google Gemini
• Anthropic Claude
• Perplexity AI

Example Queries

Instead of searching "Acme Pizza Austin" (which would obviously find you), we ask:

These are pure intent queries—the kind real customers actually ask.

What We Measure

• Mention Rate: How often does AI recommend you?
• Position: Are you mentioned first, second, or third?
• Context: What does AI say about you?
• Competitor Comparison: Who else gets recommended?

Component 2: Machine Learning Prediction

The Challenge

Real AI testing takes time (2-3 minutes per business). For instant snapshots, we needed a faster solution.

Our Solution

We built a custom XGBoost machine learning model trained on 4,938 real queries. It predicts your visibility score in under 1 second with 93% accuracy.

Input Features (29 total)

The model analyzes:

Output

A predicted visibility score (0-100) showing how likely AI systems are to recommend you.

Validation

We then validate predictions with real AI testing. Final scores blend:

• 70% real AI test results
• 30% ML prediction

This gives you the best of both worlds: speed AND accuracy.

Component 3: Multi-Source Data Collection

Where We Get Your Data

Data Freshness

• Snapshot reports use cached data (up to 7 days old)
• Full reports pull fresh data in real-time
• Subscriptions include monthly refreshes

Privacy & Security

• ✅ We only collect publicly available data
• ✅ No proprietary or sensitive information accessed
• ✅ GDPR & CCPA compliant
• ✅ Data encrypted at rest and in transit

The Scoring Formula

Your overall visibility score (0-100) is calculated as a weighted blend of 5 key categories:

Each category is scored 0-100 based on:

• Objective metrics (rating, review count, website status)
• AI interpretation (how AI systems perceive you)
• Competitive benchmarking (vs. others in your category)

Then adjusted for:

• Confidence level (how much data we have)
• Industry baseline (restaurants vs. lawyers have different expectations)
• Location competitiveness (NYC vs. small town)

What Makes Our Scores Unique?

1. Blended Approach

We don't rely on just AI testing or just ML prediction. We combine both for maximum accuracy.

2. Real-World Validation

Every score is validated against actual AI responses. We show you the receipts.

3. Dynamic Benchmarking

Your score is relative to your industry and location—not a generic standard.

4. Forward-Looking

We predict visibility, not just measure current performance. Know what's coming.

Transparency & Limitations

What We're Good At

• ✅ Local businesses with Google Business Profiles
• ✅ Established businesses with ratings/reviews
• ✅ Categories AI systems commonly recommend (restaurants, services, retail)

What's Harder to Measure

• ⚠️ Brand-new businesses (< 5 reviews)
• ⚠️ Niche B2B services AI rarely recommends
• ⚠️ Businesses without any online presence

When Scores May Vary

• AI systems update their models frequently
• Seasonal trends affect recommendations
• Competitive landscape shifts
• Your business changes (new reviews, updated info)

Common Questions

Q: Do you game AI systems?

No. We measure and report what AI systems do—we don't manipulate them. Our recommendations focus on legitimate optimizations (better content, accurate listings, improved reputation).

Q: How often do AI systems change?

Frequently. That's why we recommend monthly monitoring for businesses serious about AI visibility.

Q: Can I see the actual AI responses?

Yes! Full reports include transcripts of AI responses so you can see exactly what customers see.

Q: What if AI doesn't recommend businesses in my category?

We'll tell you. Some industries (e.g., legal, medical) have restrictions. In those cases, we focus on brand awareness and informational queries.

Next Steps

Now that you understand how it works, let's get you started:

Or dive deeper:

• Understanding Your Score →
• The 5 Key Categories Explained →
• Best Practices for Improving Visibility →