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 EpisodeHow 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 TransistorListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Pocket CastsListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Amazon MusicListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on AudibleListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on CastroListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on CastboxListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Podcast AddictListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on DeezerListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on RephonicListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on MetacastListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Player FMListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on SpotifyListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Listen NotesListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on Podcast GuruListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on PodchaserListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on PodverseListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on PodlinkListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on TrueFansListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on PodbeanListen to How AI Decides Which Businesses to Recommend on AI SEO & Business Automation Podcast