Google’s rollout of AI Overviews in 2025 has redefined how users interact with search results, and that’s a game-changer for local businesses. If you’re used to relying on traditional organic rankings or map pack visibility to generate leads, it’s time to adjust your strategy.
AI Overviews are pulling answers straight into the search results using generative AI. This means fewer users clicking through to websites, more summary-style answers, and a new layer of competition, not just with other businesses, but with Google itself.
Here’s what every local business needs to understand—and how to adapt before you’re left behind.
What Are Google’s AI Overviews?
AI Overviews (formerly known as Search Generative Experience or SGE) display AI-generated answers directly in the search results. These overviews often:
- Pull content from multiple sources
- Appear above traditional blue links
- Offer quick summaries that answer the user’s query without a click
For example, instead of someone searching “best HVAC company near me” and browsing several websites, they might see a curated AI answer listing top-rated providers, summarized service details, and even general pricing info—all before they scroll.
Why It Matters for Local Businesses
Local businesses are being impacted in three key ways:
| Impact Area | What’s Changing |
|---|---|
| Organic Traffic | Fewer clicks to your website if the answer is handled by AI |
| Brand Visibility | Only businesses cited in AI answers get exposure |
| Local Credibility | Trust is now built from structured data, reviews, and citations |
If you’re not included in the content sources the AI pulls from, you’re invisible—even if you’re ranking well on traditional SERPs.
How to Increase Visibility in AI Overviews
To stay competitive in a search world dominated by AI-generated answers, your local SEO efforts must be smarter and more structured.
1. Be the Source AI Can Trust
AI overviews rely on structured, high-quality content. This means:
- Publishing detailed service pages that clearly explain what you offer
- Using schema markup (LocalBusiness, FAQs, Reviews)
- Ensuring NAP (name, address, phone) consistency across the web
2. Leverage Reviews and Local Mentions
Google’s AI scrapes sources it trusts—including:
- Google reviews
- Third-party platforms (Yelp, Angi, BBB)
- Local press and business directories
Make it a habit to earn and respond to reviews on multiple platforms—not just your Google Business Profile.
3. Create Content That Answers Questions
Think FAQ-rich blog content, city-specific service pages, and location-based case studies. AI is looking for content that answers user intent quickly and clearly.
4. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your GBP is still critical. Keep it updated with:
- Business categories
- Service areas
- Products and services
- Q&A section
- Photos and recent posts
AI may pull from this structured data when compiling its overview.
Real-World Florida Example: A Clearwater-Based Plumber
Let’s say you’re a plumbing company in Clearwater. A potential customer searches “emergency plumber near Clearwater open now.” An AI Overview may appear showing a few top-rated providers, hours of operation, service coverage, and possibly snippets from recent reviews.
To be one of those providers:
- Your website should have an emergency plumbing page with proper schema
- Your Google Business Profile should list 24/7 availability
- You should have consistent citations across platforms
- You need fresh customer reviews that include terms like “emergency” and “quick response”
AI Overviews aren’t just a new feature—they represent a fundamental shift in how local businesses get discovered. The winners in this new search landscape will be those who treat SEO as more than just keywords and backlinks. It’s now about structured data, trust signals, and being AI-readable.
If your business isn’t showing up in AI summaries, you’re not even in the running.
Let’s talk about how to get your business future-proofed, visible, and winning in the new world of search.
