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Common AI business claims we can actually verify
Ask what was checked, on which platform, and when. “Verified,” “indexed” and “recommended” describe different events. A responsible service should name its deliverable and show the evidence that supports completion.
Match the claim to the evidence
| Claim | Evidence needed | Clearer wording |
|---|---|---|
| “An AI profile is required.” | A named feature’s current eligibility requirement. | “This profile-management feature requires these account steps.” |
| “Your profile is verified.” | The actual platform state and verification type. | “This specific verification was approved on this date.” |
| “Your site is indexed.” | An appropriate indexing report for the exact URL. | “This URL was reported indexed in this property.” |
| “AI recommends you.” | Dated answers, prompt context and citations. | “You appeared in these observed answers.” |
| “Guaranteed visibility.” | A controllable, enforceable definition of the promised result. | “We deliver the agreed preparation and testing work.” |
OpenAI separates claim and identity steps. Google explicitly says technical eligibility does not guarantee indexing. OpenAI: Setting up your business; Google: Search technical requirements.
Five questions before buying a service
- Is the fee for agency work, platform access, media spend or several of these?
- Which business, pages, locations and platform features are included?
- Which actions need my approval, and which can make information public?
- What receipt or artifact will demonstrate that the work is complete?
- What happens if the provider route is unavailable or the evidence is inconclusive?
A useful answer can be modest and specific: “We will prepare approved business copy, help with the supported route and record the final check.” It should not turn a website scan into a claim about a private account.
Keep unknowns visible
We use four different labels: observed, owner-confirmed, not observed in the sample, and unavailable. For example, a website may not show weekend hours, while the owner confirms the business operates by appointment. That is a fact to resolve and publish accurately, not evidence that an AI has penalized the company.
Beware of demonstrations that supply the business name or URL and then describe the answer as independent discovery. Ask to see the exact prompt and whether search ran. Likewise, a green technical checklist should not be presented as a platform endorsement.
Our free fit check is a preliminary website assessment. Paid setup, broader platform work and advertising have separate scopes. Read the deliverables and choose the work that resolves your actual uncertainty.
Sources and review
Primary references checked November 11, 2026. Platform rules can change; check the linked instructions before acting.
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