How to Make Sure Your Local Business Shows Up in AI and Voice Search
The world of search is changing—again.
If you’re a local business trying to stay visible online in 2025, you’ve probably noticed that “just having a website” isn’t enough anymore. Between AI-generated summaries, voice search queries, and evolving Google algorithm updates, it’s a whole new game.
So how do you make sure your business gets found and chosen?
Here’s a look at what’s changed—and how to adapt.
1. The Rise of AI Overviews and Answer Engines
Gone are the days of ten blue links. Google and other platforms now generate AI-powered overviews that summarize answers instantly—often without users ever clicking through to your website.
What this means for local businesses: You need to structure your content and site data in a way that AI can understand and use. That means going beyond keywords.
✅ Action Step: Use clear, conversational language that answers common questions. Structure key info (like hours, pricing, services, and FAQs) clearly on your site and keep it updated.
2. Voice Search is Local Search
People are asking their devices things like:
- “Where’s the best pizza near me?”
- “What’s the closest florist that’s open now?”
- “Who installs tankless water heaters in Malvern?”
These voice queries are longer, more natural, and often urgent. Think of how you use voice search when you are looking for something local and keep that top of mind when creating content for your business.
✅ Action Step: Optimize for question-based keywords and location-specific phrases. Try using tools like AlsoAsked or Answer the Public to find real-world phrases people use.
Example: Instead of just “dog groomer Malvern,” use phrases like:
“Who’s the best mobile dog groomer in Malvern?”
Include this language naturally in your website copy and blog content.
3. Keep Your Google Business Profile Alive (and Updated)
In 2025, your Google Business Profile is still one of the most important local SEO tools. But simply claiming it isn’t enough anymore.
✅ Action Step:
- Post updates weekly (offers, events, tips).
- Add fresh photos regularly.
- Use keywords in your business description and services section.
- Ask for reviews—and respond to every one, even the bad ones (with grace).
📍 Bonus Tip: Add local landmarks or neighborhoods to your profile to strengthen local relevance. “Serving the Chester County and Main Line areas,” for example.
4. Optimize for AI Crawlers, Not Just Human Readers
AI tools are now scanning your content to determine what’s trustworthy and relevant. You need to make your content machine-readable and context-rich.
✅ Action Step:
- Use proper heading structure (H1, H2, H3)
- Write short, clear answers in your content (think FAQs, lists, summaries)
- Add schema markup (especially for services, reviews, and location)
Tools like Merkle’s Schema Generator or Yoast SEO can help you add the right code without getting technical. Need some help? Send me a question here.
5. Think Like a Local Guide, Not Just a Business
If your content only talks about your services, you’re missing an opportunity. Connect with with businesses, activities, resources, and events happening around you to get the most out of your marketing.
✅ Action Step: Create content that helps your neighbors:
- “5 Spring Festivals Near Malvern”
- “What to Look for in a Pet Sitter (Tips from a Local Pro)”
- “Best Local Trails for Dog Walkers”
This builds trust, increases time on page, and helps you show up in more types of searches. The future of business is local and community connected.
Final Thoughts: Local SEO in 2025 Is About Trust + Relevance
Today’s search engines—AI-driven or not—are all about delivering the best, most helpful, most relevant answers. You don’t have to outspend the big guys. You just have to outsmart them, locally.
And that’s where I come in.
Need help showing up online in this new era?
Whether your website needs a refresh, you want your content optimized for voice and AI search, or you’re just not sure where to start—I offer local-friendly digital marketing that actually works.
👉 Book a free consult and get $50 off your first service as part of my spring special.
Let’s get your business seen, heard, and thriving in 2025!
