Search is evolving faster than ever, with AI-powered features transforming how people discover and engage with businesses online. Tools like Google’s AI Mode, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are putting reviews, ratings, and customer sentiment at the forefront of search visibility. For local businesses, this means that managing reputation is no longer optional—it’s essential for standing out in both traditional results and AI-driven search responses.

How Are Searches with Local Intent Changing in Google’s AI Mode?

“Near me” searches continue to dominate local intent queries, but the experience looks different in Google’s AI Mode. Instead of just seeing a Local Pack and blue links, users now see business listings enriched with short descriptions, review highlights, and star ratings.

To perform well here, businesses must double down on local SEO fundamentals: ensuring NAP consistency, maintaining third-party citations on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor, optimizing their Google Business Profile, and actively generating and responding to reviews. These basics remain crucial for visibility, whether users are browsing traditional results or AI-powered local summaries.

What Do Branded Search Results Look Like for Local Businesses in AI Mode?

When someone searches for a specific business, AI Mode typically surfaces a comprehensive overview. This includes business descriptions, product or service details, and—most importantly—summaries of customer sentiment.

AI tools analyze reviews from multiple sources such as Google, Yelp, and industry-specific directories, then provide pros and cons in an unbiased format. Unlike traditional snippets, these summaries spotlight what customers are actually saying, making it vital for businesses to monitor and manage how they’re being reviewed across platforms.

Why Are Reviews More Important Than Ever?

Reviews don’t just shape perception—they now directly influence how AI tools present your brand. Google’s AI Mode, ChatGPT, and Perplexity all highlight review data when showing results for local businesses. Whether positive or negative, customer experiences play a major role in shaping first impressions.

Google even updated its local ranking documentation, confirming that review count and ratings directly affect local search rankings. Businesses that generate fresh, positive reviews and respond to customer feedback are better positioned to rank higher and appear more favorably in AI-driven responses.

What Data Sources Do LLMs Use for Local SEO?

Large language models pull from a wide variety of sources to generate business summaries, many of which mirror traditional SEO inputs. These include:

• Google Business Profiles
• Third-party review platforms
• Business websites
• News articles and directories
• Public conversations on forums and social media

This reinforces the need for businesses to maintain a strong, accurate presence across multiple platforms. Even listings you don’t actively manage can influence how AI-powered tools summarize your brand.

How Should Multi-Location Businesses Manage Reputation at Scale?

For multi-location businesses, reviews and sentiment must be managed both globally and locally. A handful of negative reviews at one location can damage brand perception across the board. That’s why reputation management strategies must be scalable while also tailored to each individual location.

Industries like healthcare, senior living, and apartment communities depend heavily on trust. Consistently monitoring, responding, and improving based on feedback at every branch is critical to maintaining credibility across local and branded searches.

Do Core Local SEO Principles Still Matter in the AI Era?

Yes—foundational SEO practices are still the backbone of success. What’s changed is the weight customer sentiment now carries. AI-powered tools are surfacing reviews and ratings more prominently than ever, which means perception has become as important as ranking signals.

Businesses that actively monitor how they appear in AI-driven search, understand customer feedback, and address areas for improvement will be best positioned for long-term visibility. Staying aware of emerging SERP features—like AI Overviews, People Also Ask, and social media pull-ins—ensures brands can adapt quickly as search continues to evolve.

At SEO Guru NYC, we understand how quickly search is changing with AI-driven tools like Google’s AI Mode and ChatGPT. That’s why our local SEO services in New York are designed to help businesses stay ahead by building strong reputations, earning consistent reviews, and improving visibility across both traditional and AI-powered results. If you want your business to stand out in local search and attract more customers, our team can create a strategy tailored to your brand. Contact us today and let’s strengthen your local presence together.