Answers
The questions people actually ask.
These are the informational and hybrid questions where AI answers appear 92–97% of the time — the ones we track in the index. Every claim here is sourced.
Published by two7 for business owners evaluating AI visibility, search behaviour and practical AI projects. Each answer gives the direct conclusion first, then the evidence and limitations behind it.
Should we build AI in-house or bring in outside help?
There is a measured answer, and it is less flattering to in-house teams than most people expect. Here is the data, plus the honest caveat about who is telling you.
Does an llms.txt file help you show up in AI search?
No measurable effect has been found, across two large studies. If an agency sold you one as a package, that is worth knowing before you buy anything else from them.
How much should AI search optimization cost?
There is survey data on what local SEO actually sells for, and it puts most "AI optimization" pricing in context. Here are the bands, and what should make you walk away.
Which searches actually show an AI answer?
Not the ones most local SEO is aimed at. A 540-query study found AI answers on 15% of "near me" searches and 92–97% of the questions people ask before they get that far.
Why do most AI projects fail?
MIT studied more than 300 of them. 95% returned nothing measurable, and the reasons are specific enough to check your own project against.
Why does ChatGPT recommend a different business every time I ask?
Because the answers genuinely change week to week. There is published measurement of how much, and it decides how you should be buying this.
Why doesn't ChatGPT recommend my Atlanta business?
Usually not because your website is bad. Three specific mechanics decide whether an AI answer names you, and only one of them is on your own site.