What Perplexity, ChatGPT, and AI Search Mean for Local SEO
If your business relies on local customers, you’ve probably focused a lot on Google Maps rankings, reviews, and local service area pages. But with the rise of tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI-powered search, the way people find local businesses is changing, fast.
Instead of typing “best plumber near me” into a search bar, users are now asking questions like:
- “Who’s the best emergency plumber open now in Coral Springs?”
- “What AC companies in Fort Lauderdale offer same-day service?”
- “What’s the most trusted roofer in my area with good reviews?”
And AI isn’t just pointing them to a list of websites. It’s giving them an answer.
Let’s break it down.
How AI Search Tools Deliver Local Answers
- Trusted local websites
- Consistent business information
- Recent content and reviews
- Structured location data
In some cases, these AI systems even crawl local listings, reviews, and blogs to piece together the most relevant response. The more accessible and structured your content is, the more likely it is to be referenced or recommended.
If your business isn’t visible to these systems, you’re missing out on a growing number of local searchers who may never scroll through traditional Google results again.
Why Local SEO Still Matters (More Than Ever)
AI tools don’t “replace” local SEO. They simply shift the rules of the game.
- NAP Consistency (Name, Address, Phone): AI needs structured, accurate data to verify your location and trustworthiness. Inconsistent info confuses search engines and chatbots alike.
- Google Business Profile Optimization: This is still a key signal. AI tools often reference your hours, reviews, and descriptions.
- Local Pages and Content: City-specific landing pages, locally-focused blog content, and service area mentions help AI understand where you operate and who you serve.
- Backlinks from Local Sources: Citations from news outlets, directories, or blogs in your area reinforce your authority.
In short, AI tools still need the same signals that help Google rank your business. They just prioritize content that’s clear, structured, and trustworthy.
How Perplexity and ChatGPT Decide What to Show
Unlike Google’s algorithm, tools like Perplexity AI and ChatGPT with browsing lean heavily on:
- Recent and frequently updated pages
- Websites with structured headings and FAQ formats
- Credible sources with local relevance
- Entities that are clearly labeled with schema markup or business data
That means if your business has a strong review profile, a locally optimized website, and structured service pages, you’re more likely to be included in AI-generated answers, not just search results.
Tips to Optimize for Local AI Search
- Create location-specific content that answers local questions
- Update your service pages with your city names, zip codes, and nearby landmarks
- Add schema markup like LocalBusiness and FAQPage to your site
- Publish regular blog posts about seasonal services, local issues, or community events
- Audit your listings to ensure consistency across Google, Yelp, Facebook, and more
These aren’t just “nice to have” SEO tactics anymore. They’re critical to being discovered in a world where answers are being curated for the user in real time.
Notch Solutions: Helping You Show Up in Local AI Results
At Notch Solutions, we help local businesses adapt to the new era of AI-powered search. From Google Maps to ChatGPT to Perplexity, we know how to position your brand so it’s discoverable wherever customers are searching.
Our local SEO services focus on:
- Structuring your site so AI can interpret your location, services, and credibility
- Building city-specific landing pages that are optimized for natural language queries
- Ensuring your business shows up in both traditional results and AI-driven summaries
Your local competitors may still be focused on keywords. We’re focused on helping you become the answer.
