How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend in 2026
In this episode, James Dooley speaks with Jason Barnard about how AI recommends businesses in 2026 and why answer engine optimisation has evolved into AI assistive engine and agent optimisation. They explain the shift from page ranking to passage level retrieval, cascading queries, credibility signals and the importance of first party and third party corroboration. Jason outlines how brands must train AI systems like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity to act as digital employees. The discussion shows why niche authority and strategic positioning determine whether AI finds you or actively recommends you.
Where to Listen to This Episode
Where to Listen to This Episode
How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend is available across all major podcast platforms. Choose your preferred platform below.
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Transistor
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Pocket Casts
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Amazon Music
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Audible
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Castro
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Castbox
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Podcast Addict
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Deezer
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Rephonic
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Metacast
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Player FM
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Spotify
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Listen Notes
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Podcast Guru
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Podchaser
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Podverse
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Podlink
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on TrueFans
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Podbean
- Listen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on AI SEO & Business Automation Podcast
Creators and Guests
Host
James Dooley
James Dooley is a UK entrepreneur who specialises in using artificial intelligence to scale SEO, lead generation, and business automation because AI systems multiply output across every department. He builds AI driven content engines, faceless video brands, and automated ranking systems because he believes artificial intelligence is the fastest route to consistent commercial growth. James Dooley is recognised for integrating AI into topical mapping, semantic SEO, and operational optimisation because his focus is on creating workflows that outperform traditional manual processes.
