AI-powered search is changing the way people find local businesses. Instead of scrolling through ten blue links, users now get direct answers from ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Copilot, and other AI tools.
If your business isn’t showing up in these results, you could be missing out on potential customers who are actively looking for what you offer.
This shift is happening quickly. More people are asking AI tools questions like “best coffee shop near me” or “recommended plumber in Lafayette.” Even if they aren’t asking AI directly, search engines are now presenting results to these kinds of queries in an AI-driven format.
If you want your local business to be included in those recommendations, it’s time to adjust your strategy. These tools pull and display information differently from traditional search engines, so what worked before may not work as well now.
So, what can you actually do about it? Our SEO Specialist shares a few steps that can help improve your chances of showing up in AI-generated results.
Keep Doing the Fundamental SEO Work
AI-powered search doesn’t mean traditional SEO is over. If anything, it’s more important than ever.
Keep your website updated with relevant, useful content. Use clear descriptions of your services and include location-specific details. Make sure your site loads fast and works well on mobile devices. The fundamentals still apply.
Create content that answers real questions your customers ask. AI tools pull information from sites that provide clear, helpful, and trustworthy details.
If someone asks an AI assistant about a service you offer, having a well-written page on that topic gives you a better chance of being mentioned.
Focus on your users, their needs, their questions, and what they expect to find when searching. Search engines are getting better at understanding intent, not just keywords, so write with that in mind.
Get Reviews on Multiple Platforms
AI tools scan different sources to decide which businesses to recommend, and reviews are one of the strongest signals they look at.
Google should still be your main focus, but it helps to get reviews on multiple platforms like Yelp, Facebook, or other industry-specific sites that fit your business. Just make sure to follow each platform’s rules.
Since AI systems pull data from a variety of places, having reviews in more than one spot increases your chances of being noticed.
Ask for reviews. Send a follow-up email or text, mention it at checkout, or include a link in your receipts. Use whatever method your customers prefer to interact with your business. And don’t just collect reviews and move on. Respond to them, both positive and negative. It shows you’re active and that you value customer feedback.
Make Sure Your Business Information is Accurate
This is one of the basics of SEO for local businesses, but it’s even more important in the AI search era. You’d be surprised how many businesses have inconsistent information floating around online.
If your hours, address, or phone number are different on Google than they are on Yelp or Facebook, AI tools might show the wrong details.
Go through every major directory and any that are relevant to your business to make sure everything is correct.
Your name, address, phone number, hours, and website all need to be consistent, especially if your business serves walk-in customers.
If you’ve moved locations, changed your phone number, or updated your hours, make sure those updates appear everywhere.
Read more: How Local SEO Agencies Can Help Acadiana Businesses Grow
Showcase Achievements or Awards
AI tools look for signs that show your business is reputable and trustworthy. Awards, certifications, and achievements help send that signal.
If you’ve won local business awards, earned industry certifications, or received community recognition, make sure that information is easy to find online. Add it to your website, and if possible, include it on your business profiles across different platforms.
This could be anything from “Best of …” to “Certified Organic” to “5-Star Safety Rating.” Any credential that sets you apart and shows your credibility helps. AI systems notice these signals and use them when deciding which businesses to recommend.
Build Your Brand Presence
Getting involved in your local community does more than improve your reputation. It strengthens your online presence too.
Local press coverage, event listings, and community involvement all help create a stronger digital footprint.
The more places your business name appears in a positive context, and the more local or relevant organizations link to your website, the more likely search engines and AI tools are to recognize your business as trustworthy in your area.
This isn’t only about SEO or AI visibility. Building connections in your community helps your business grow naturally, while also creating online signals that search engines and AI systems pick up on.
Stay Realistic About AI Search
AI search can help expand your reach, but it’s not perfect. These systems can make mistakes. They might pull outdated information or misunderstand context. The technology is still developing, and there are limits to how accurately it can analyze and deliver responses.
Even with those flaws, AI-powered search is growing fast. More and more search engines are showing AI-generated results at the very top, above both organic and paid listings. If your business isn’t optimized to appear in those results, you’re missing visibility with a growing group of potential customers.
At Klout 9, we help businesses strengthen their online presence and reach more people. Our services include social media marketing, video production, search marketing, design, branding, and more. If you’d like to talk about how we can help your business grow, reach out for a free consultation.