How AI helped me in Shanghai

I was in Shanghai on new years eve. My girlfriend and I wanted to go to a head spa to unwind after our cramped flight from Tokyo...

I was in Shanghai on new years eve. My girlfriend and I wanted to go to a head spa to unwind after our cramped flight from Tokyo.

After a long walk in the chilly weather, we arrived at the location… Which is no small accomplishment after navigating the streets using the Chinese alternative to Google Maps in China (AMAP).

Only, as we pulled up to the head spa we realized the name of the business wasn’t the same on the building as it was online.

So we approached the reception desk inside the building.

Five people were standing around in a circle, chit chatting amongst themselves. (All in Mandarin of course).

I take a deep breath and we walk up to the counter.

Then, using a translation app and my girlfriends broken-Chinese, we manage to communicate enough to figure out that the head spa was closed. (Despite it’s opening hours saying otherwise.)

Shit. What do we do now?

Back to researching alternatives.

The only problem is that we can’t use our traditional apps to do any of that research, (because of China’s firewall).

Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc… None of that works here.

Cold sweat. Frustration. Panic.

We step off to the side and try to figure out where to go instead.

I wanted to experience the Asia’s self-care tourism. From the med spa’s to the head spa’s.

I had heard so much about China.

I was determined to not only say that I’ve been here, but also experience how they do things differently from us in the west.

The purpose of this trip was to travel and get pampered at the same time. And I wanted to welcome in the new year with a relaxing head spa treatment.

So.

I open up the VPN, which basically allows me to use Google in China by tricking their algorithm into thinking I’m using the internet from another location.

I type in “Best head spa Shanghai”.

Google’s Map Pack isn’t going to help me in this case because I’m using a fake location. (It gives me recommendations for Atlanta.)

So I switch over to AI mode, because I know from experience that the businesses it suggests will be a result of scraping the internet to give me the most credible options.

And voila, a clear winner.

I pop that business name into AMAP (what they use to get around), and then begin the trek over.

Fast-forward an hour and I finally get the scalp massage I was wanting. Mission accomplished. Worth the effort.

I was reminded of the value I provide. Not only to the clinic’s I help rank, but the the patients searching for them.

Good SEO is also good AI optimization (called GEO… short for Generative Engine Optimization).

And that’s awesome.

Having both bases covered with one methodology.

In the five minute time frame that I had to find an alternative head spa, I was able to find what I was looking for in Shanghai.

I didn’t have to scroll through my Instagram or Facebook feed waiting for an ad to show up.

I needed a service right then and there.

And it was a powerful reminder experiencing SEO from a user’s point of view.

I felt proud knowing that I help people find exactly what they’re looking for when they need something.

Sometimes they might be locals, but other times they might be tourists like me.

People looking for a specific service who want peace of mind that they’re making a good decision.

Especially when so much is going on around them and everything is foreign and new.

I help make this one decision easier.

A good Google Business Profile makes calling and booking easy. It demonstrates trust with humans and AI. Something we value when we are unsure.

I’m happy I get to help clinics grow by showing up when patients are searching for their services.

But more importantly I’m happy I get to help patients make better, informed decisions.

Win. Win. Win.

That’s all for today.

I wrote this newsletter accross different cities in China. It’s been a challenge, but I want to honor my commitment to you.

I’m hitting send from a 24-hour spa in Hang Zhou.

Happy new years.

Talk soon,

Nicholas.

P.S. - Not sure if patients can find your clinic?

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