How Google's AI Overviews Impact Local Search Performance

1. Scaling local business data management

Businesses should maintain accurate and consistent insights across online directories and platforms. This is a key part of local search engine optimization. Google’s AI search tools can offer a scalable solution for optimizing and updating local business data. Reliable data builds trust with the local search engines and improves rankings and visibility.

2. AI Enhanced Keyword Research

AI is revolutionizing keyword search by analyzing large amounts of data and helping marketers identify the most relevant keywords for each specific location. Previously, keyword research was a very manual process and required a considerable amount of time and resources. Now, AI algorithms can analyze datasets providing an understanding of user intent and trends. AI can also help analyze competitors’ websites and discover which keywords they are targeting and their search rank performance. While Google AI search is helping business owners and marketers with their local search marketing, it’s important to realize you cannot rely on organic search intelligence alone. It’s best practice to use AI to inform decisions and next steps.

3. Integration of AI in Voice Search

As voice search continues to improve and grow, it’s vital for businesses to optimize their content for voice-activated devices and voice-assisted search queries, which often have local intent. For example, if someone is driving on a road trip they might say find the closest gas station. A gas station owner would want to make sure his station’s local listing and website were optimized to appear for this voice search query. When people use voice search, they tend to use more conversational terms rather than short keywords. AI can assist in optimizing website content to align with how people speak and search for your local business. Optimizing for voice search is more than including conversational questions in your website content. It’s also important your website has a mobile-friendly design and fast loading speed. Organic search intelligence can help analyze your website’s technical performance and provide recommendations for improvements.

We’re optimistic AI will improve local search rather than harm it. It’s just another tool in the toolbox that can be used. It’s important to have the right digital marketing partner that understands AI and how to best utilize it in the future. While Google AI search will help businesses and marketers speed up keyword research, content creation, and website technical analysis it will never fully replace human interaction and interpretation. It’s important to use AI tools in collaboration with human expertise and experienced digital marketing companies like Forthea.

How Forthea Can Help

At Forthea, we empower our clients to stay ahead of industry trends by providing timely updates. Our focus is on creating long-term, successful strategies that yield results for their businesses. Committed to continuous improvement, we embrace Google’s innovative mindset to enhance user experiences. We also educate ourselves and our clients on search engine best practices and industry updates. Discover how Forthea supports its clients through effective digital marketing strategies today!