The New Front Door to Your Business: AI Search and Google

For years, your Google Business Profile (GBP) has been the front door to your business. But now there’s a new gatekeeper: AI.

Google’s AI Overviews are changing the way customers find local businesses. Instead of scrolling through pages of results, people are getting instant recommendations curated by AI that are complete with services, reviews, and even the Map Pack built right in. That means customers are making choices before they ever click into your profile.

If you want your business to show up where it counts, you’ll need to optimize not just for search, but for AI.

How to Turn AI Into Your Best Sales Rep

1. Fully Optimize Core Info

AI needs data to work with, and the more complete your profile, the more likely it is to recommend you. Make sure:

• All services and products are listed

• Attributes (like “veteran-owned” or “women-led”) are filled out

• Social links and contact info are current

Google adds new profile attributes regularly, so don’t set it and forget it.

See how our Google Business Profile optimization service keeps you ahead

2. Keep Feeding AI Fresh Content

Stale profiles don’t get love from AI. Regular updates give Google more reasons to feature you:

• Post weekly updates with local keywords

• Add fresh photos (geo-tagged if possible)

• Use the Q&A section to answer customer questions

AI isn’t just indexing your info, it’s also analyzing your activity and a live, active profile signals credibility.

3. Leverage Reviews as Data

Reviews aren’t just social proof anymore. AI pulls insights directly from them, using keywords, descriptions, and even attached images to build its summaries. That means every review shapes how potential customers see you before they even land on your profile.

Make sure you encourage customers to:

• Leave detailed reviews that mention services and locations

• Add images when possible

• Provide feedback consistently, not just in bursts

Learn how our review management strategy makes this easy

Why This Matters More Than Ever

AI isn’t just changing how people search, it’s changing how they discover. Your Google Business Profile is no longer just a listing; it’s the data source AI uses to decide who shows up and who gets skipped.

Treat it like your storefront: polished, stocked, and welcoming. Businesses that adapt now will stay visible in the AI era. Those that don’t risk becoming invisible.

Don’t Get Skipped

AI-powered search is here, and it’s already deciding which businesses get found. Optimizing your Google Business Profile is no longer optional; it’s the foundation of being recommended in AI Overviews, Maps, and beyond.

Need help getting AI on your side? Local Howl specializes in building AI-ready profiles that make sure your business gets shown first.

Get your free Local SEO audit today