How Directories Turn Into AI Mentions Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes. A homeowner asks: “Who does kitchen remodels in Scottsdale?” AI scans: Local directories Industry directories Niche sites Business profiles Articles Reddit, YouTube, Pinterest, etc If your company appears in multiple structured directories, the AI sees: “This business keeps coming up. It must be legitimate.” That’s how it decides to say: “Here are some companies you should contact…” That’s the new Page 1. Why Niche Directories Work Better Than Big Ones Everyone is on Yelp and Google Business Profiles. But AI cares more about relevance than size. A listing on: KitchenBath.ai LawSearch.ai Contractor-focused directories Industry-specific hubs …is far more powerful for AI than a random generic listing. Why? Because AI wants topic authority. A kitchen remodeler on a kitchen-specific directory looks like an expert. A law firm on a legal-specific directory looks like an authority. That’s exactly how SearchMonster’s network of niche directories is designed. One Listing Is Not Enough AI looks for patterns. You need: Directory profiles Articles Social links Media Citations All pointing to the same business.