AI Is Coming for Local Search: How Google's New AI Overviews Can Erase Your Business or Amplify It

# Google's AI Overviews: Navigating the New Local Search Landscape

Local businesses are encountering a new challenge with Google's AI Overviews. These AI-generated summaries now appear in over 68% of local search queries, influencing which businesses potential customers see first. If your business isn't represented accurately in these summaries, you risk becoming invisible online. This guide targets small-to-medium business owners and marketers, offering strategies to ensure your business is seen by AI, boosting visibility and engagement.

**TL;DR:**
- Understand AI Overviews and their role in local search results.
- Ensure consistent business information across all platforms.
- Regularly update content and engage with customers online.
- Prioritize structured data and conversational content.
- Prepare for AI-driven search with a comprehensive digital audit.

## Understanding AI Overviews in Local Search

### What is an AI Overview?

AI Overviews are summaries generated by Google's AI, highlighting a few businesses in response to a search query. They precede traditional Local Packs, affecting which businesses users notice first.

### Why Doesn't My Business Show in AI Overviews?

Inconsistencies in business data or outdated information can cause your business to be overlooked by AI. Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms.

### How Do AI Overviews Affect Organic Traffic?

Studies show a 64% drop in organic click-through rates in searches dominated by AI Overviews. Maintaining a clean digital footprint is crucial to remain visible.

## The Shift from Ranking to Representation

### How Does AI Choose Businesses for Summaries?

AI considers the completeness, consistency, and sentiment of your business information. Businesses with accurate, structured data are more likely to be featured.

### What Happens When AI Chooses Different Businesses?

AI may select businesses that it finds more relevant and trustworthy, regardless of their traditional ranking. Ensure your digital presence is consistent and actively managed.

## Preparing Your Business for AI-Driven Search

### What Steps Should I Take to Optimize for AI?

1. **Conduct a Comprehensive Audit:** Verify that all online mentions of your business are consistent.
2. **Regularly Update Content:** Engage with users through new photos, reviews, and updates.
3. **Implement Structured Data:** Use schema markup to clarify your business offerings to AI.

### Why is NAP Consistency Important?

Inconsistent NAP details can trigger distrust signals, affecting your visibility in AI Overviews. Regular audits can help maintain accuracy.

## Addressing Common Issues with Google Business Profiles

### What Should I Do if My Google Business Profile is Suspended?

Suspensions can occur due to minor inconsistencies. Resolve these issues promptly to avoid disappearing from AI-generated results.

### How Can I Improve My Business's AI Visibility?

- **Regular Updates:** Keep your business profile current with frequent updates and engagement.
- **Schema Markup:** Use structured data to help AI understand your business.

## FAQs

### How do I check if my business is in an AI Overview?
Search for your business online and see if it's mentioned in the AI-generated summary above the map pack.

### What is the fastest way to fix my business information online?
Conduct a digital audit to identify and correct inconsistencies across all platforms.

### Can I influence what AI says about my business?
While you can't directly edit AI summaries, maintaining consistent and accurate information online helps AI represent your business correctly.

### How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
Aim for weekly updates to keep your profile active and relevant.

### What are the benefits of schema markup for local businesses?
Schema markup clarifies your business's offerings, helping AI understand and categorize your content accurately.

For further insights, explore our [Local SEO Services](https://searchscope.com.au/local-seo/) to ensure your business's information is AI-ready across the web.

https://searchscope.com.au/ai-is-coming-for-local-search/?fsp_sid=52