What This Is

When someone asks ChatGPT, Google's AI Overview, Perplexity, or Siri which roofer, HVAC company, or foundation repair contractor to call — does your business come up?

For most home service contractors, the honest answer is: they have no idea.

AI search is now handling a growing share of the buying decisions that used to flow through Google's traditional results. The contractors who show up in those answers are winning leads they'll never know they competed for. This checklist tells you where you stand — fast.

Work through each item and mark it Pass or Fail. Be honest. The score at the end tells you what to do next.

How to score: Check the box = Pass. Leave it unchecked = Fail. "Not sure" always counts as a Fail. Tally your section scores as you go and add them up at the end.

Section 1: Your Google Business Profile

4 points possible
My GBP is claimed and verified.
My business name, address, and phone number on GBP exactly match what's on my website and everywhere else online — character-for-character, no abbreviations or variations.
My GBP has at least 25 reviews with a 4.0+ average, and I've received at least one new review in the last 60 days.
My GBP services list includes specific services — not just "Roofing" but "Roof Replacement," "Roof Repair," "Storm Damage Repair," etc.
Section 1 score: ___ / 4

Section 2: Your Website Content

5 points possible
My homepage clearly states what I do, who I serve, and where I serve them — in the first paragraph, not buried at the bottom.
I have individual pages (or dedicated sections) for each of my main services — not one generic "Services" page that lists everything.
My service pages include specifics about my process, materials or equipment, and why it matters — not just "We install roofs."
My website mentions my city and service area prominently in body copy, not just the footer.
I have a FAQ section somewhere on my site that answers real questions customers ask before hiring me.
Section 2 score: ___ / 5

Section 3: Schema Markup

3 points possible
My website has LocalBusiness schema — structured data that tells AI tools my name, address, phone, hours, and service area.
My service pages have Service schema so AI tools know the specific services I offer.
My website has Review schema so AI tools can read my ratings directly.

Not sure if you have schema? Paste your URL into Google's Rich Results Test: search.google.com/test/rich-results

Section 3 score: ___ / 3

Section 4: Online Citations & Mentions

3 points possible
My business is listed on major directories (Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Houzz, BBB, and at least 10–15 others) and the information is consistent across all of them.
My business has been mentioned by name on at least one third-party site that isn't a directory — a local news outlet, trade publication, community blog, or partner site.
My business name is used consistently everywhere — no variations like "ABC Roofing LLC" on one site and "ABC Roofing" on another.
Section 4 score: ___ / 3

Section 5: Review Signals

3 points possible
My Google reviews mention specific services — not just "great job!" but reviews that say what was done, where, and why the customer was satisfied.
I respond to reviews — especially negative ones — professionally and promptly.
I have reviews on at least two platforms beyond Google — Yelp, Facebook, BBB, Angi, or a trade-specific platform.
Section 5 score: ___ / 3

Section 6: Content & Authority Signals

4 points possible
My website has a blog or resource section with at least 5 published articles relevant to my trade and service area — actual useful content, not filler.
At least one page on my site explains my process in enough detail that a homeowner who read it would understand how I work and why it matters.
My site has been updated in the last 90 days — new content, updated service pages, or a new blog post.
I have at least one backlink from a legitimate local or industry site — a chamber of commerce, supplier, local news outlet, or trade association.
Section 6 score: ___ / 4

Section 7: Entity Clarity

3 points possible
My business name is used consistently everywhere — no nicknames, abbreviations, or variations across platforms.
My About page tells the story of the business clearly — who founded it, how long it's been operating, what it specializes in, and where it operates.
If someone Googled my business name right now, the first page of results would clearly and accurately represent what I do and where I am.
Section 7 score: ___ / 3

Your Total Score

___ / 25

Add up all seven section scores above

20–25: Strong Visibility

AI search tools have enough information to recommend you confidently. Focus on maintaining and expanding — new content, new reviews, new citations.

13–19: Partial Visibility

You're visible in some searches but gaps are costing you. The Fails you marked are where competitors are beating you before anyone calls. Fix those first.

7–12: Low Visibility

You're largely invisible to AI search. Most of these issues are fixable, and fixing them produces compounding returns — but it requires a systematic approach.

0–6: Not Visible

AI search tools have almost no clear picture of your business. You're not competing in AI-driven results at all. This is fixable, but it needs to start now.

The Most Common Fails — And What They Mean

NAP Inconsistency (Sections 1 & 4) The most common issue — and one of the highest-impact fixes. If your business name, address, or phone appears differently across directories, AI tools treat those as potentially different businesses and discount both.
Thin Service Pages (Section 2) "We offer roofing services in Austin, TX" tells an AI model almost nothing. A page that explains your process, materials, warranty, and why a homeowner should choose you gives AI enough to recommend you with confidence.
No Schema Markup (Section 3) Schema is a machine-readable version of your key business info. Without it, AI tools are guessing what you do. With it, you're telling them directly.
No FAQ Content (Section 2) FAQ content is especially valuable for AI Overviews because it mirrors the question-and-answer format AI uses. If your site answers the questions customers ask, your content gets pulled into AI answers.
Generic Reviews (Section 5) "5 stars, great experience" doesn't tell an AI model what service was performed or why the customer was satisfied. Encourage customers to be specific — it helps in both traditional and AI search.

Ready to Fix What This Found?

If you scored below 20, the most efficient next step is a full LLM Visibility Audit — a structured review of your entire online presence through the lens of AI search.

Frontburner conducts these audits for home service contractors across roofing, foundation repair, HVAC, plumbing, pest control, and other trades. You'll walk away with a prioritized action list you can start working through the same week.

Request Your Free Audit Consultation
Or reach Kyle directly: kyle@frontburnermarketing.net  |  512-876-9111