Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often, grouped by topic.
MBI-NETWORK
What is an AI agency?
An AI agency designs and integrates artificial intelligence tools in a business: apps, agents, assistants on documents, specialised models and staff training. MBI-NETWORK adds web and marketing expertise on top.
What is the difference between SEO and GEO?
SEO aims to rank well in Google and Bing results. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) aims to be cited in answers from AI engines such as ChatGPT, Perplexity or Gemini. The two work together.
Does my business need fine-tuning?
Not always. An assistant connected to your documents is often enough. Fine-tuning helps when a model must master a very specific vocabulary, style or task. The assessment phase settles it.
Does my data stay confidential?
Yes, when the project calls for it: we deploy models on your servers or with a European host, without sending data to third-party services.
Does the AI Act require staff training?
Article 4 of the AI Act, in force since 2 February 2025, requires providers and deployers of AI systems to ensure a sufficient level of AI literacy among their staff.
Where do you work?
We are based in Patti, in the province of Messina, Sicily. In-person courses take place in Sicily, and we work remotely with businesses across Italy, France and the rest of Europe.
AI
Which service should we start with?
Usually an assessment or a training session. Both show where AI saves time before you invest in a custom tool.
Do you work with small businesses?
Yes. Most of our clients are SMEs, freelancers and small professional firms.
How long does it take to build an AI app?
A first testable prototype usually takes a few weeks. The full timeline depends on integrations with your existing tools.
Is my data used to train public models?
No. We choose services and settings that exclude training on your data, or we host the model ourselves.
What is the difference between an AI agent and classic automation?
Classic automation follows fixed rules. An AI agent understands free text, such as an email, and picks the right action among those you allow.
Which tools do the agents work with?
Most email, CRM, invoicing and office tools that offer programmatic access.
What does RAG mean?
RAG stands for Retrieval-Augmented Generation: the AI first retrieves the relevant passages from your documents, then writes its answer from them.
Can the assistant make things up?
The risk is much lower, because it answers from your documents and cites them. When it finds nothing, it says so.
Fine-tuning or a RAG assistant: which one?
RAG brings up-to-date knowledge from your documents. Fine-tuning teaches the model a way of reasoning, writing or classifying. They are often combined.
How many examples are needed?
A few hundred carefully built examples are often enough for a specific task. Quality matters more than quantity.
In what format do you deliver datasets?
In standard formats such as conversational JSONL, compatible with most training tools.
Is personal data protected?
Yes. Personal data is removed or pseudonymised, in line with the GDPR.
Is local AI as good as online AI?
For focused tasks such as document search or drafting, recent open-source models perform very well, especially once specialised.
Who handles maintenance?
We do, if you wish: updates, backups and monitoring are part of the service.
Is my business covered by the AI Act?
Yes, as soon as it uses an AI system professionally. The AI literacy duty in Article 4 has applied since 2 February 2025.
Are you a law firm?
No. We provide technical expertise and training. For formal legal advice, we work with your legal counsel.
Can the training be funded?
Depending on your situation, part of the cost may be covered by professional training funds. We explain the steps in our first conversation.
Do participants need technical skills?
No. Courses start from scratch and adapt to the group’s level.
Web
Do you use ready-made templates?
No. Every site is designed for your business, which makes it faster and easier to recognise.
Can you take over an existing site?
Yes. We start with an audit to decide whether to improve it or rebuild it.
Can I edit the site myself?
Yes, depending on the solution chosen. We train you and remain available for larger changes.
Will the site work well on phones?
Yes. Every page is designed for mobile first, then for larger screens.
Which platform do you use?
We choose based on your catalogue and budget, between established platforms and custom development.
Can you write the product pages?
Yes, using AI to save time and human review for quality.
Do you build mobile apps?
Yes, as installable web apps that run on phones without going through app stores.
Who owns the code?
You do. The code built for you is handed over at the end of the project.
Where are the servers located?
In Europe, with established hosting providers, in line with the GDPR.
Can you host an AI model?
Yes, on a suitable server. That is the idea behind our private AI service.
Marketing
Where should we start to be more visible?
With an SEO and GEO audit: it shows what is holding you back and what will pay off fastest.
Do you measure results?
Yes. Every action is tracked with simple metrics: rankings, visits, enquiries and sales.
How long until we see results?
The first effects often show within a few weeks of the technical fixes. Lasting rankings are built over several months.
Do you also do SEO for Bing?
Yes. Bing also powers several AI assistants, which makes it important for GEO.
Does GEO replace SEO?
No. AI engines rely heavily on pages that already rank well. GEO builds on SEO.
How are GEO results measured?
By regularly asking AI engines about your key topics and tracking the visits they send.
What budget is needed?
It depends on your sector and area. We often start with a test budget, then adjust based on results.
Do you use AI for campaigns?
Yes, to test more ad variants and refine audiences, always under human control.
Which networks should we be on?
Only those where your customers are. One well-run account beats four abandoned ones.
Can I approve posts?
Yes. Nothing is published without your approval.
Can a negative review be removed?
Only if it breaks the platform’s rules. Otherwise, a professional reply is the best response.
Why does reputation matter for GEO?
AI engines rely on reviews and mentions to describe a business. A consistent image improves what they say about you.
Blog
Is RAG cheaper than fine-tuning?
Usually, to get started, because it needs no training. Fine-tuning needs a dataset and GPU time, but can lower the cost of each answer later.
Can RAG and fine-tuning be combined?
Yes. A model fine-tuned for your style can be fed your documents through RAG. That is the approach we took for LegisBox.
Can we use ChatGPT with customer data?
Only with a business plan whose contract excludes training on your data, a clear legal basis and proper information for the people concerned. For sensitive data, an in-house solution is safer.
Do we need a DPIA?
A data protection impact assessment is mandatory when processing is likely to result in a high risk, for example with health data or automated evaluation. Your supervisory authority publishes the list of cases.
Can an AI agent make mistakes?
Yes, like any AI. That is why sensitive actions require human approval and every action is logged.
Do we need to change our software?
No. Agents connect to your existing tools, as long as they offer programmatic access.
Does a good PageSpeed score guarantee good rankings?
No, but it helps. Content and relevance remain decisive; speed mainly stops you losing the visitors and rankings your content has earned.
Can a WordPress site score well?
Yes, with a lightweight theme, few plugins, caching and optimised images. An audit shows what is slowing your site down.
Do we need a physical address in every city?
No. A service business can set a service area without showing its address, as long as it follows Google Business Profile rules.
How long does it take to appear in local results?
A few weeks with a complete profile and regular reviews; longer in very competitive markets.
Are free AI tools risky?
They often use conversations to improve the service. For professional use, choose a business plan or a hosted solution.
Who should approve AI tools in the company?
Ideally a designated person, together with the DPO if there is one. Keeping an up-to-date inventory is part of AI Act good practice.
Related services
Blog
Short, practical articles to understand AI in business, its rules and online visibility.
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