Dog sent to do the grocery shopping
Last Updated: May 29, 2025
Quickly Decode All These Crazy AI Ads, Claims, and Sales Pitches
Last Updated: June 5, 2025
If it feels like you’ve been seeing more fishy ads lately (especially ones promising AI miracles that sound too good to be true) you’re not imagining things. The internet is buzzing with bold claims, from “automated fortune-building bots” to tools that supposedly do your marketing, taxes, and grocery shopping all in one click. And honestly, it’s getting hard to tell what’s real anymore.
The Problem: Most Claims Sound Legit
The trouble is, many of these pitches are dressed up in slick design and impressive-sounding language. Words like “machine learning,” “generative neural networks,” and “autonomous content pipelines” get thrown around like confetti, but under the hood, many of these products are either overhyped or downright fake.
For busy small business owners, who’s got time to dissect all that jargon?
Let’s take a real example that was dumped into our Facebook feed:
A Facebook ad from a company promises they can “Get You Indexed by ChatGPT” for just $30 a month. Sounds like a dream, right? Like SEO for AI?
Dig a little deeper though, and it unravels fast. In the comments, they admit that it’s not really “indexing” like Google does. Instead, they claim to “stream your URL into ChatGPT’s training data” by creating something called JSON-LD schema and “dynamic prompts.” They even say they’re “building a data pipeline into the model.”
That all sounds very technical… but here’s the truth: It’s pure techno-babble trash.
Large language models like ChatGPT are retrained every few months at best, and that process costs millions of dollars. No third party can “stream” anything into the training data or build a magical pipeline into the model. That’s simply not how any of this works.
They’re taking real-sounding concepts and wrapping them in snake oil, hoping business owners won’t know the difference.
Using AI to Decode AI Claims
Here’s the irony: one of the best tools for cutting through bogus AI claims… is AI itself.
If you’re staring at an ad that makes wild promises or a sales pitch that sounds a little too slick, you can now get a second opinion instantly by feeding it to an AI assistant like ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini. Just upload a screenshot or explain what the ad said, and ask, “Is this for real?” You’ll get a breakdown that’s clear, honest, and (usually) way less biased than a sales call.
IMPORTANT: You have to be wary of “hallucinations” in these AI models. That means they’ll confidently lie to your face sometimes, inventing facts and sources out of thin air. If you treat the AI’s output like a Wikipedia article, you’re on the right track. It’s a powerful tool that can help you get started down a path, but it’s not to be blindly trusted.
PRO TIP: One neat trick is to use two models. For example, you can ask ChatGPT about a topic and then copy/paste the question you asked it, and the answer it gave, into Grok or Gemini. Just prompt it with something like “Below is a question I asked ChatGPT and the answer it gave me. Please review it and tell me if any of it is inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading.” You are unlikely to get the same hallucination in both models so you can be reasonably sure, at that point, that your information is pretty reliable.
A Shortcut to the Truth: ScamWatch GPT
Until you’ve used AI for a while and gotten used to how best to prompt it, it can be a little frustrating. You’ll get overly verbose answers and wandering responses that you have to read through. As you get better at it, you’ll get better outputs.
In order to help you get the most out of your queries (and to save you a bunch of time and keystrokes) we built this (totally free) custom GPT helper: ScamWatch GPT by Prospect Genius
It’s a custom GPT we created that saves you from having to type long prompts to get to the answers you need. Instead of typing out your whole situation or trying to figure out what to say, just drop in the ad (or describe the claim), and it’ll walk you through the red flags, sketchy logic, or flat-out lies… fast.
Think of it like a time-saver for checking too-good-to-be-true offers before you waste a dime or a minute on them.
For example, we uploaded the screenshot of that ad we referenced above into ScamWatch GPT and hit enter (no typing required.) This is what we got back.
In case you can’t see what’s at the link, here’s a screenshot of what’s there.
⚠️Update: See another example of how to make use of this tool here.
You’ve Got Backup
Whether you use our custom GPT, your own AI assistant, or reach out to us the old-fashioned way, we want you to have the tools to cut through the noise. AI is opening a lot of doors, but it’s also opening the floodgates to scammers, shady marketers, and half-baked tech products.
We’ve spent nearly two decades helping folks make sense of marketing pitches. Now, with AI in your corner, it’s easier than ever to get a second opinion before you sign up, subscribe, or spend.
Need a second opinion?
Upload that ad. Paste that pitch. Run it through an AI. Or just ask us. Either way, you’ve got options, and that makes you a much harder target for scams.
AI Marketing Claims FAQs
No, third-party services cannot get your business indexed by ChatGPT. Claims suggesting they can ‘stream your URL into ChatGPT’s training data’ are misleading. Large language models like ChatGPT are retrained periodically at significant cost, and external entities cannot inject data into their training processes.
Common red flags include the use of complex jargon like ‘machine learning’ or ‘autonomous content pipelines’ without clear explanations, promises of instant results, and claims of direct integration with AI models like ChatGPT. Such language often masks overhyped or false capabilities.
You can use AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini to assess the credibility of AI marketing claims. Input the claim into these tools and ask for an evaluation. However, be cautious of potential inaccuracies and consider cross-referencing with multiple sources.
ScamWatch GPT is a free tool developed by Prospect Genius to help users identify misleading AI marketing claims. Users can input ads or pitches, and the tool provides an analysis highlighting potential red flags and deceptive language.
Being cautious is crucial because many AI marketing pitches are designed to exploit unfamiliarity with AI technologies. They may offer services that are technically impossible or ineffective, leading to wasted resources and potential harm to your business’s reputation.
What Does A Dog Say? Roof! Roof!
Last Updated: May 20, 2025
How did they get there?
Why do they look like this is just a normal afternoon?
The ears…LOL🤣
10 Easy Ways To Prepare For AI Dominance In A Post-Search World
Last Updated: June 5, 2025
The way people find local businesses is changing fast. We’re moving away from traditional search engines like Google and toward AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini. These platforms are gaining users at a rapid pace, and taking huge chunks of traffic away from search. If you’re still relying on search to reach new customers, you’re targeting a rapidly-shrinking audience.
AI tools aren’t just smarter, they’re faster, more convenient, and often more helpful than search ever was. That’s why more people are turning to them to ask questions, get recommendations, and even find local service providers. And here’s the key: these tools are already deciding which businesses to recommend… and which ones to ignore.
That’s why businesses like yours need to act now. If you wait until the pain sets in, it’ll be too late, and you can’t just “buy your way in” like you can with PPC ads. Even worse, these AI models don’t refresh daily, weekly, or even monthly. It’s common for AIs to be a year or two behind in their knowledge because retraining can cost millions of dollars. That means new information (like your website), may not be included for many months, or even years.
Here are 10 easy actions you can take today to help AI recognize your business and recommend you to future customers.
1. Ask for Better Reviews
Not just more reviews, but better ones. Ask your happy customers to be specific:
- “They quickly and professionally installed a new water heater in San Marcos, TX” (pure gold!)
- “Good plumber” (mostly unhelpful)
The first one has a specific service, uses some great adjectives (quick & professional), and includes the city and state. That’s the trifecta! The more detail, the easier it is for AI (and customers) to understand exactly what you do and where you do it. If you have to offer a discount or reward for a review, do it. If you have to offer a better reward for the RIGHT keywords in the review…do that too. Be upfront and tell the customer why. They’ll appreciate the candor and think you’re smart for being on top of the AI trend.
2. Get More Reviews
Gone are the days of skating by with 10 reviews. ChatGPT, the most lenient in this category, says that it expects small local businesses to have at least 50 now. Grok wants 100+. If you have fewer than this, the AIs will likely pass you over in favor of a business with a larger sample set of reviews.
Ask every happy customer. Offer a discount or small gift card if needed. Just start getting those numbers up!
If you need some ideas on how to get more reviews, check out these posts we did on that subject:
- Reviews: Why you MUST get them and tips for getting more of them
- Looking to Get More Google Reviews? Here’s Our Strategy
- How to Get More Customer Reviews Just by Asking for Them
3. Reply to Reviews (Professionally)
AI tools (and real humans) pay attention to how you respond to reviews — especially the bad ones.
- Thank people for positive reviews.
- Stay calm and professional with negative ones.
- Never argue or blame the customer.
Good responses show you’re responsible and trustworthy. Believe it or not, these are two traits AI is programmed to value.
Struggling with this? Don’t worry, most people do, but we help customers with this every day. Just reach out and we’ll be glad to help you.
4. Create Pages for Each Service You Offer
You’ve heard us harp on this for years: make a page for each service. Now it’s not just for Google, it’s for the AI too.
Rather than just saying that you offer “plumbing services,” break out each one into separate pages like:
- Toilet repair
- Faucet installation
- Water heater installations
AI can’t recommend you for a service if it doesn’t know you offer it. As smart as AI is, it still needs to be told exactly what you do.
5. List All Services Clearly
If you’re not ready to build out separate service pages, at least make sure all your individual services are listed in one spot. That means, for example, you will list “water heater installation” and “water heater repair” as separate items. Make this list exhaustive. While this is not a very helpful SEO practice, it can give you at least some benefit in the AI optimization realm.
6. Clearly State Your Hours And Whether You Offer Emergency Services
This one’s big and often missed. If you’ll respond to a call 24/7 and offer emergency services, say it clearly and prominently on your website. Why? Because when someone tells an AI, “I need an emergency plumber near me,” you’ll only show up if that term is on your site. Similarly, if it’s 8pm and someone asks for a plumber, being marked as open for business until 9pm gives you a chance to be in the running for that query.
7. Make Your Contact Info Prominent
Make sure your phone number, email, and business address are easy to find. Put them:
- In the header and footer
- On a Contact page
- On your service pages
AI tools can’t recommend you if they can’t figure out how customers will reach you.
8. Show Off Your Experience
Have you been in business for 10, 20, 30 years? Say it! A long track record builds trust. AIs (and customers) are more likely to recommend companies that seem stable, experienced, and reliable.
9. Win Some Awards (And Display The Ones You Already Have)
You don’t need a Nobel Prize, just something to signal credibility:
- A local “Best Of” award
- Chamber of Commerce recognition
- A trade association shoutout
- HomeAdvisor, Angi, BBB, or Thumbtack awards
These third-party mentions tell the AI you’re reputable and that makes you more recommendable. Even if your awards are a few years old, get the graphic and put it on your site with a couple sentences about it. This will tell the AIs that you are winning awards and will give you credibility.
10. Get Listed in the Right Directories
AI pulls a lot of its info from business directories. Of course more is better than fewer, but make sure your info is listed (and consistent) on the ones below, specifically, because the AIs are using these when they formulate opinions about your business.
- Google Maps / Google Business Profile
- Yelp
- BBB (Better Business Bureau)
- Thumbtack
- Nextdoor
- Houzz
- Angi
These listings also give you more chances to collect reviews, which as you know, is critical.
Final Thoughts
As we discussed last week, AI is changing how customers find businesses. Unfortunately, while it’s making things easier for the consumer, it’s making things quite a bit harder for businesses. You’ve got to continue doing everything you’ve been doing for search engines, but now you have more to do and fewer chances to show up in the results. Sometimes, just one…But with a few smart moves, you can stay ahead and make sure your company shows up when someone’s asking an AI for help.
And if you ever need help with any of this (websites, reviews, directories) we’re just a message away.
AI Optimization FAQs
Small businesses can prepare for AI dominance by implementing strategies such as obtaining detailed customer reviews, creating dedicated service pages, listing all services clearly, stating business hours and emergency services, and ensuring contact information is prominent. These actions help AI tools recognize and recommend their businesses to potential customers.
Detailed customer reviews provide AI systems with specific information about the services offered, quality of service, and location. Reviews that mention specific services, adjectives describing the service quality, and geographic details help AI tools understand and recommend the business accurately.
AI tools like ChatGPT expect small local businesses to have at least 50 reviews, while others like Grok prefer 100 or more. Having a substantial number of reviews increases the likelihood of being recommended by AI systems.
Creating dedicated pages for each service offered allows AI tools to identify and understand the specific services a business provides. This clarity increases the chances of the business being recommended for relevant queries.
Clearly stating business hours and availability of emergency services ensures that AI tools can accurately match the business with user queries that specify time-sensitive needs, such as ’emergency plumber near me.’
Purple
Last Updated: May 14, 2025
