As of early 2026, AI-generated answers – powering search results and virtual assistants – rely heavily on structured data and knowledge graphs to determine relevance and authority. Appearing in these responses requires optimising your online presence to be easily ‘read’ and understood by these AI systems.
- Schema Markup Implementation: Current systems include advanced schema types beyond basic business details, now featuring options for product availability, event schedules, and even specific service offerings.
- Knowledge Panel Optimisation: Ensuring your business has a complete and accurate Google Knowledge Panel is crucial, as this is a primary data source for AI.
- E-E-A-T Signals: Demonstrating Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness remains paramount. AI algorithms prioritise content from sources exhibiting these qualities.
- Local SEO & Australian Business Registers: Accurate and consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) citations across Australian business directories and ABN registration are vital for local AI responses.
In 2026, Australian businesses must also be mindful of evolving data privacy regulations. AI systems are increasingly sensitive to data provenance and compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Incorrect or outdated information can lead to penalties and reduced visibility. Furthermore, AI is now factoring in regional nuances within Australia, meaning optimising for ‘Sydney businesses’ versus ‘Queensland businesses’ requires distinct strategies.
Rather than navigating these complex technical requirements yourself, you can simply reach out to our team. At ROI.com.au, we can take care of all this for you—visit our contact page to get started.
