How ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews Choose Local Businesses
Published:
Reading time:
Category:
There's no secret formula for getting a local business into AI answers. Google says there are no additional requirements or special optimisations needed to appear in AI Overviews or AI Mode, and no special schema to add (Google Search Central). For ChatGPT, one industry test found its local answers drew on Bing's web search results. In both cases, the businesses that appear are the ones that are already easy to find, clearly described and well regarded across the web.
Nobody can promise that your business will appear in an AI answer.
How Google's AI features choose sources
Google says that to be shown as a supporting link in AI Overviews or AI Mode, "a page must be indexed and eligible to be shown in Google Search with a snippet". It adds that you don't need to create new machine-readable files, AI text files or markup, and that normal SEO best practices still apply, including:
Making sure important content is available as text
Providing a good page experience
Keeping structured data consistent with what's visible on the page
Keeping your Business Profile information up to date
Google also notes that indexing and serving aren't guaranteed.
How ChatGPT finds local businesses
Search Engine Land tested how ChatGPT handled a local search for dry cleaners open on Sundays in Brooklyn, New York (Search Engine Land). It reported that ChatGPT:
Ran a Bing search and gathered 20 to 30 of the top web results
Cited sources such as local guides, business websites, Reddit and Yelp
Applied its own selection, so its answer didn't simply copy Bing's
Didn't read Bing Places data directly
This was one query type in one US city, and much of the explanation came from ChatGPT describing itself, so treat it as a useful indication, not a rule.
What this means for a local business
The practical steps are the same ones that help in ordinary search:
Keep your Google Business Profile complete and accurate, with the right category, services, hours and photos.
Make your website clear and text-based. Each service should have its own page that says what you do and where.
Be mentioned on other reputable sites: local guides, industry associations, suppliers and directories.
Collect genuine reviews on Google and other platforms customers use.
Keep details consistent across your website, Google, Bing and directories.
Make sure your site can be indexed: check Google Search Console.
Do I need schema markup?
Not for AI features specifically: Google says no special schema is needed. Structured data such as LocalBusiness markup can still tell Google details like your business hours and departments, and Google requires your name and address for LocalBusiness markup to be eligible for rich results (Google Search Central). Google also says it doesn't guarantee that features using structured data will appear. If you add schema, keep it accurate and matching what's on the page.
What about "AEO" and "GEO"?
Answer engine optimisation (AEO) and generative engine optimisation (GEO) are industry labels for trying to appear in AI answers. They aren't Google terms. Based on Google's own guidance, the work is largely the same as good SEO: clear, helpful content, an accurate business profile and a good reputation across the web. Be cautious of anyone selling AEO or GEO as a separate, guaranteed service.
"Near me" and voice searches
When someone searches "electrician near me" or asks their phone, Google's local results still depend on relevance, distance and prominence (Google Business Profile Help). You don't need to stuff "near me" into your pages. A complete profile, a clear website and reviews do the work, and distance from the searcher remains a factor you can't change.
Next step
If you'd like to talk through how visible your business is in ordinary and AI search, book a free 15-minute call with Morphic, or see Morphic's Google Business Profile set-up and management.
Related services: local SEO for Melbourne businesses and website design and development in Albanvale.
Related reading: Bing Places for Business: The Free Listing Many Australian Businesses Skip, Local SEO for Tradies: The Melbourne Playbook and How to Rank on Google Maps: Getting Into the Top 3 in Melbourne.
Key Takeaways
Google says there are no extra requirements or special schema needed to appear in AI Overviews or AI Mode.
Pages must be indexed and eligible to show in Google Search with a snippet to appear as supporting links.
One test found ChatGPT's local answers drew on Bing's web results, not Bing Places data.
The same basics help in AI and ordinary search: an accurate profile, clear pages, mentions and reviews.
Be cautious of anyone selling AEO or GEO as a separate, guaranteed service.
Emon Datta
Founder, Morphic Agency
Morphic Agency is a Melbourne-based UX design agency. We've shipped 50+ products across 15+ countries.
