The New Rules of Search:
How Businesses Get Chosen in 2026
❌ SEO is Dead.
✅ AI Search is Here!
AI has completely changed how customers find, evaluate, and choose businesses. Rankings aren’t enough anymore. Recommendations are.
Join us for a live online briefing where we break down how search really works in 2026, why some businesses are getting chosen while others disappear, and what you can do now to stay visible in an AI-driven world.
When/Where: Thursday, January 8, 2026 • 2PM EST • Live Online • Free
Search Didn’t Just Evolve. It Changed the Rules.
For years, “being found” meant ranking on Google and posting on a few social platforms.
That’s over.
AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and others now scan:
Your website and landing pages
Directory listings and map results
Social media posts and comments
Reviews on multiple platforms
Blogs, articles, and anywhere your business is mentioned
Then they make a decision about who to recommend.
In 2026, you’re not just trying to rank.
You’re trying to be chosen.
This webinar will show you what that actually means.
No spam. You can unsubscribe anytime.
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PJ Dieffenbach
PJ Dieffenbach is the founder of The Web Mavericks and a 26-year digital marketing veteran. He’s built 1,400+ websites, managed $15M+ in ads, and helped clients ranging from local service companies to Kraft Foods, FedEx, PayPal, and the London Stock Exchange.
PJ created the SmartHub Website framework and teaches no-fluff sessions on AEO (Ask Engine Optimization), local SEO, AI receptionists, and social media that actually converts.
Based in East Tennessee, he’s known for practical playbooks that turn clicks into customers.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
In this free training, you’ll discover:
Forget “ranking #1 on Google.” The future of search is already here — and it’s powered by AI Engines. In this eye-opening webinar, we’ll break down:
Why traditional SEO is no longer enough
How AI search and recommendation engines look at your business differently than Google did even a year ago.How AI decides which businesses to recommend
The signals AI looks for across the web, and why “posting a few times a week” isn’t moving the needle.The shift from “being seen” to “being the answer”
Why problem-solving content and clarity beat fancy branding and generic service pages.The role of omni-presence in 2026
How to be present where it matters without burning out trying to be everywhere.The foundation of the Maverick Marketing System
A simple, practical framework you can use to realign your marketing for this new era.
WHY ATTEND LIVE
This isn’t theory—it’s what’s working right now.
You’ll leave with a clear action plan to start showing up in Ask Engines like:
AI assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini, Siri, Alexa)
Map packs & “near me” results
Review platforms
Social proof sources
Bonus Takeaways
✅ What “Answer Hubs” are and how to get listed in them
✅ Why FAQs and online directory listings are more important than ever
✅ How to write AI-optimized marketing hooks and ad copy
✅ The tools that make your copy more “AI-readable”
✅ The new AEO/SEO hybrid model that actually works
Exclusive Offer
🎁 Get a Free AI Engine Optimization Report — included when you sign up.
Learn how your business shows up (or doesn’t!) inside ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other AI tools.
Is This Webinar for You?
This session is designed for:
Local and regional businesses that rely on leads and referrals
Service-based businesses that need consistent, qualified inquiries
Owners who feel like “things stopped working” but can’t explain why
Anyone who suspects AI is changing marketing faster than they can keep up
If you’re responsible for growing a business and you want to stay ahead of the curve instead of reacting to it, this webinar is for you.
Small disqualifier:
If you’re just looking for a quick hack or one magic trick, this probably won’t be your thing.
Skip the Class—Get Answers Now
Prefer a conversation? Book a quick strategy call.
In 15 minutes we’ll:
Pinpoint your ideal audience + core problem
Outline a brand message that gets you picked
Map your next 2–3 moves (no fluff, no pressure)
Want the Free Marketing Audit Of Your Business?
No hard pitch. If we’re not a fit, we’ll tell you and point you to next steps.
Why This Matters Now
Search has changed forever. AI assistants, voice queries, and reviews now influence buying decisions more than traditional Google rankings. If your business isn’t showing up when people ask—not just when they search—you’re invisible.
That’s exactly what this session is about: helping small businesses stay visible and win customers in the new landscape.
Frequently Asked Question
What exactly is AOE?
AOE stands for Ask Engine Optimization—it’s the next evolution of SEO. Instead of just optimizing for Google, AOE prepares your business to show up in AI assistants, voice searches, map packs, reviews, and social platforms where people are asking for answers.
How is this different from SEO?
SEO is about ranking on search engines. AOE is about being the trusted answer no matter where or how people ask questions—whether through Siri, ChatGPT, Google Maps, or online reviews.
Who is this webinar for?
Local businesses, service providers, coaches, consultants, and small business owners who want to make sure their brand shows up when potential customers are looking for solutions.
Do I need technical knowledge?
Nope. This session is designed for business owners and marketers. We’ll explain concepts in plain English and give you actionable steps you can use right away.
How long will the webinar last?
Plan for about 45–60 minutes, including time for Q&A at the end.
What will I walk away with?
A clear understanding of:
-What AOE is and why it matters now
-Where your brand must show up to win
-The first 2–3 steps to take immediately
Can I invite a friend or colleague?
Absolutely. Just share the signup link—this is a free session, and the more small businesses we help, the better.
Want help now?
Grab a 15-min strategy call to cut through the noise and get a focused plan.
