How AI is Changing Local SEO and What It Means for Your Business

If you're a business owner, you know how important it is to be found by local customers. But here's the thing—getting your business seen online is no longer just about having a website and listing it on Google. It’s also about using the latest tools, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), to help your business show up when customers search for services near them.

So, what’s the big deal with AI, and why is it changing the way we do local SEO? Let’s break it down and explore how this new technology is making it easier for businesses like yours to stand out in the local search results.

What is Local SEO?

Before we dive into AI, let’s quickly talk about what local SEO is. Simply put, local SEO is about making your business visible to people searching for products or services in your area. It includes things like optimising your Google My Business profile, using location-based keywords, and getting local reviews. The goal? To make sure that when someone nearby types in a search query, your business pops up.

Now, let’s talk about how AI is shaking up the world of local SEO.

AI Is Making Local Search Smarter

AI is changing the way search engines (like Google) deliver results. In the past, search engines looked at simple keywords to determine which websites to show. But today, AI algorithms are much more sophisticated. They understand context, location, and even the intent behind a person’s search.

For example, let’s say someone in your town searches for “best coffee shop near me.” Instead of just showing a list of coffee shops that include the word "coffee," AI helps the search engine figure out which ones are the most relevant based on reviews, distance, and even the person’s previous search behaviour. It’s like having a personal assistant helping your potential customers find exactly what they need.

So, how does this impact your business? It means that search results are more tailored, and local SEO is no longer just about keywords. AI is helping Google deliver results that are smarter, faster, and more personalised.

Why AI Is Key for Local Businesses

As a local business, you want to be at the top of those search results. With AI, Google can now understand things like:

• Location-based searches: AI understands the importance of location when someone types in a search. It can tell if a searcher is in your area and offer results that are more likely to match their needs. For instance, if you're a pizza shop in Manchester, AI will know that it should show your website to someone who’s looking for “pizza near me” in Manchester, rather than someone searching in London.

• Search intent: AI is good at figuring out what people are really looking for. So, if someone searches for “where to buy organic veggies near me,” AI understands they’re looking for a nearby store, not just general information about organic veggies. This means your business needs to be clear about what you offer and why it’s the best option for local customers.

• User behaviour: AI looks at how people interact with search results, such as what they click on and how long they stay on a page. If your website is optimised to keep people engaged (think easy navigation, quick load times, and clear information), you have a better chance of ranking higher.

How to Use AI to Improve Your Local SEO

You might be thinking, “This sounds all very technical, how can I make AI work for me?” Don’t worry—while AI might sound complicated, there are simple steps you can take to boost your local SEO using its power.

1. Optimise for Google My Business (GMB): Your GMB profile is one of the first things that AI will look at when deciding if your business is relevant for a local search. Make sure it’s fully filled out with accurate contact details, business hours, and high-quality images of your business.

2. Focus on Reviews: AI uses customer reviews to determine which businesses to show in search results. Encouraging happy customers to leave reviews will not only help you rank higher but will also build trust with potential clients.

3. Use Location-Specific Keywords: Don’t just optimise for broad keywords like “restaurant.” Include location-specific keywords like “best restaurant in Birmingham.” AI loves content that speaks directly to the local area.

4. Mobile-Friendly Website: More and more searches are happening on mobile devices, especially for local businesses. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly so that users have a smooth experience, and Google’s AI knows you’re providing great service for mobile searchers.

5. Engage on Social Media: AI looks at how active and engaged you are on social media. Be sure to maintain an active presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Not only will this help you connect with customers, but it will also show Google that you’re a trusted local business.

The Future of Local SEO with AI

AI isn’t going anywhere, and its role in local SEO will only continue to grow. As technology advances, expect search engines to get even smarter at predicting what people want, where they are, and how they prefer to interact with businesses.

For now, focusing on the basics—like optimising your Google My Business profile, keeping your website user-friendly, and using local keywords—will put you ahead of the competition. But in the near future, we could see even more advanced AI features like voice search and augmented reality changing the way we find local businesses.

Ready to Boost Your Local SEO?

At Tribe, we specialise in helping businesses optimise their local SEO for maximum visibility. If you want to make sure your business is reaching the right customers in your area, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to ensure your business shows up in those local search results!