Generative and answer‑engine search tools are reshaping how customers find local businesses. This playbook chronicles the evolution from traditional SEO to GEO and AEO, showing Hastings businesses why they need to feed AI systems with structured, verifiable details. It explains how Soundbites—30‑second audio posts—give “little mic” updates about menus, hours, and promotions to help AI assistants cite your brand confidently.

Beyond the basics, the article introduces an AI primer, highlighting major U.S. players like OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Microsoft. It then offers step‑by‑step guidance on crafting daily Soundbites, including using codewords, rotating themes, and building a 90‑day schedule to grow geo‑authority. You’ll learn how to track results, refresh content, and make the process fun so your team stays engaged.

Voice AI isn't just hearing—it's understanding. Dive into the epic journey of AI's orchestration layer, from early speech recognition to today's sophisticated multimodal, emotionally-aware systems. Learn how innovations like token-based emotional reasoning are crafting the future of seamless, human-like interaction with AI.

Explore 10 thought-provoking questions arising from a compelling AI conversation, touching upon the future of creation, knowledge access, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in our lives. Join the discussion on the societal impacts and ethical considerations of AI.