Google search is changing, and local businesses need to adapt to stay competitive. With AI overviews appearing at the top of many search results, customers can find answers, compare services, and discover local businesses without scrolling through traditional listings. While this shift creates new opportunities to connect with potential customers, it also presents challenges. 

So, how can your business improve its chances of appearing in AI overviews? The key is understanding how generative search works and adjusting your local SEO strategy accordingly. From optimizing your business profile to creating helpful, locally relevant content, there are several ways to strengthen your visibility and position your business for success.

If you’d like to learn more about how to find success, even in the age of AI overviews, keep reading. 

How Google’s AI Overviews Are Changing Local Search 

If you’re familiar with what Google search result pages once looked like, you’re probably also familiar with the ways in which they have changed over the last few years. Once upon a time, the traditional Local Pack, including business listings and a map preview of local businesses, appeared at the top of the search result page. 

Now, instead, AI overviews, summaries, and direct business recommendations are located above all of this. Organic web listings and the Google Maps local pack no longer takes priority. While searches like “marketing company near me” will continue to trigger the standard map pack, more research-heavy queries will trigger AI overviews. 

Google’s AI system synthesizes text, reviews, and directories to make these overviews rather than recommending the top three businesses based on proximity. While AI overviews help users more easily find the information they’ve been searching for, it can also make it more difficult for local businesses to show up at the top of search pages, even if they rank well organically. 

Optimize Your Google Business Profile to Strengthen Local Visibility

With the introduction of AI overviews, it is more important than ever for businesses to optimize their Google Business Profile. However, doing this on your own can be difficult. That’s where a team of marketing professionals comes in. When you work with marketing professionals, they’ll help you with some essential optimization steps, including: 

• Verifying NAP Info: The first step in boosting your success in the age of AI overviews is verifying your business name, address, and phone number (NAP). All of this information on your Google Business Profile should match your website and external directories. 
• Select Strategic Categories: Your marketing team will choose more specific primary categories (HVAC contractor instead of standard contractor), and add up to 9 relevant secondary categories to help you capture a more niche local audience. 
• List All Services & Products: You should also ensure that your Google Business Profile has a complete list of your services or a complete menu and pricing when applicable to help you connect with more specific customer queries. 
• Use High-Quality Visuals: As you take on new clients and perform more services, ensure that your Google Business Profile features high-quality images and videos of  your products, services, team, and location. 
• Actively Manage Reviews: Your marketing team can also help you implement a system that encourages satisfied customers and clients to leave reviews and ensure you are responding thoughtfully to existing reviews, whether positive or negative. 

Create Helpful, Locally Relevant Content That AI Search Can Reference

When it comes to reaching more customers and clients in your community, you need to ensure you’re creating helpful, locally relevant content. Google’s AI Overviews pull information from various online sources to answer users’ questions, making informative website content an important part of your local SEO strategy.

To improve your chances of appearing in AI-generated results, focus on answering the questions your target audience is already asking. For example, a Utah roofing company could create content about preparing roofs for heavy snowfall, while a Salt Lake City marketing agency might explain how local businesses can improve their online visibility. 

These specific topics help establish your business as a relevant source of information. Consider incorporating the following content strategies:

• Answer Common Questions: Create FAQ sections and blog posts that directly address customer and client concerns.
• Use Local Keywords: Reference relevant Utah cities, neighborhoods, and service areas naturally throughout your content.
• Demonstrate Expertise: Share practical advice, industry knowledge, and locally relevant insights that provide genuine value to readers.

By consistently publishing useful, location-specific content, you can strengthen your online presence and improve your chances of being referenced in Google’s AI Overviews.

Build Trust With Reviews, Local Backlinks, and Consistent Information

Building trust online is essential for business owners who want to improve their visibility in generative search results. Google’s AI systems look at information from multiple sources when generating AI overviews, making your business’s online reputation an important part of your SEO strategy.

Start by encouraging satisfied customers to leave honest reviews on platforms like Google. Positive reviews that describe specific services and customer experiences can help establish credibility with potential customers. You should also ensure your business information remains consistent across online directories, industry listings, and your website.

Another important step is earning backlinks from reputable local organizations. Consider partnering with local business associations, sponsoring community events, or contributing helpful insights to local publications. These connections can strengthen your online authority and help search engines better understand your business.

Track Your AI Search Visibility and Adapt Your Local SEO Strategy

Improving visibility in generative search requires ongoing attention. Even if your business ranks well in Google results, it may not appear in every relevant overview. Tracking performance helps identify opportunities to improve your strategy. Start by monitoring organic traffic, local keyword rankings, Google Business Profile interactions, and leads generated through your website.

You can use tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to understand how visitors discover and engage with content. You should also search for questions your customers might ask and examine which businesses appear in AI-generated responses. Because results can vary, treat these observations as useful indicators rather than definitive rankings.

If your business is missing from a relevant AI overview, review your website content, business listings, and supporting sources for gaps. A digital marketing professional can help you interpret performance data, refine your content strategy, and strengthen your local search presence as generative search continues to evolve.

Rank in the Age of Generative Search Results with Help from PDM

In the age of generative search results, it can be difficult to rank among your local competitors, but with the support of a reliable marketing team, this goal is within reach. At PDM, our team of graphic designers, web developers, SEO specialists, writers, and more are committed to helping you reach your community. Whether you’re just starting a new company or need help growing your business in the age of generative search results and AI overviews, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your short- and long-term goals.

If you would like to learn more about how our team can help you extend your reach in your community, don’t hesitate to contact us today.