Generative AI is the hot topic across industries, including speculation and testing within digital marketing. Even with its rapid development, rest assured that building on a solid foundation of SEO basics like clean citations, reputable listings management, and a focus on local intent will keep your clients at the top of search and answer engine (AE) results.

Before we look at specific examples of intent-centered optimization, let’s review some recent AI and local search numbers to help you get inside the heads of today’s consumers.

How AI Changes Local Search by the Numbers

Despite rumors to the contrary, SEO is not dead—and even with the rapid advances of AIs like ChatGPT, neither is Google search. According to a recent study from Bright Local, the new technology is used in tandem with traditional search, and consumer adoption rates vary generationally. Here are some of the statistics.

• 10% of Gen Z thinks of ChatGPT as their main search platform.
• 40–60% of searches conducted by a quarter of respondents have local intent.
• 85% find contact information and open hours “important.”
• 42% consider proximity (near me searches) to be “important.”
• 20% conduct local searches directly in maps.

So SEO isn’t going anywhere for the time being, as consumers regularly make multiple searches a day. We also see many people making decisions with immediacy or how soon they intend to visit in mind for location-based businesses. In order for your clients to be found in these AI searches, their businesses must be optimized for traditional and AI-initiated search queries.

The AI Local Search Consumer Experience Breakdown

Search intent and the consumer journey are vital parts of the AI local search experience. Consumers use generative AI products like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity similarly to the way they use voice assistants. They ask multiple questions, building upon initial answers to learn more. AI local search is conversational.

To make sure your clients show up in these conversations, think about how a consumer searches and what they’re seeing. Let’s look at an example from ChatGPT.

Here’s a primary query for the “BEST” local mobile groomer. It’s probably no surprise that ChatGPT returns pictures, even one with a review. But it also contains a description longer than the ones seen on Google or Bing SERPS, one compiled of data gleaned from multiple sources (more on that below). This means that traditional local search tactics like pictures with alt text and fresh reviews can get you far in AI search. For many of the people surveyed, if this description was favorable, they would stick with ChatGPT to ask more questions.

As the consumer continues their questions, “what services do they offer?” makes sense. They need to know if the provider offers what they need. The information is simple and easy-to-read. For this data to be found and to keep the consumer following breadcrumbs to your clients, it must exist in your owned and social media.

Having service pages with easily-read on-page content and code that’s crawlable by AI robots is imperative. For instance, let’s say our consumer likes what they see and will choose this provider—now they’ve got to contact them.

When tasked with finding contact information, ChatGPT returned the phone number, website, email address, service area and social media channels. The example is a mobile-based business, as location-based businesses would also include the physical address. This varied contact information allows the consumer to engage the business however they need to.

So what does this mean for local marketers and agency partners? They must simply continue to place value on listings management and directory placement for their clients. How do we know this? We have two more images for you from ChatGPT.

We asked ChatGPT to show the sources for the data it returned about our example client, and whether it looked at any directories to return contact information. ChatGPT prioritized “official and authoritative” sources like the website, service pages and social media, which we mentioned. We’ll wrap up with a focus on listings management, directories, and the importance of consistency and trust.

In this example, the BBB, Google Business Profile, Yelp and the pet vertical were part of the vast directory network deemed trustworthy by ChatGPT to return the client data in our search.

In brief, having accurate, consistently-updated names, addresses and phone numbers (NAP data) available in those directories is vital to your clients’ success.

Yes, we do talk about this all the time, as it’s the basis upon which we build so much more. Whenever clients make a change to any of their data, it has to be updated properly across channels. Listings management takes care of this. Any inconsistencies here can keep your clients out of search results, whether it’s traditional or AI search.

Google, Bing, and the various answer engines are looking for trust signals and citation consistency in directories in addition to synced operating hours, service areas and helpful, engaging content. We’ll continue to talk more about this, so stick with Advice Local to learn more, maintain client satisfaction and stay ahead of the game.

How #AI Is Changing Local #Search by @BernieColeman #SEO
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Get Knowledgeable Local Search Support and Tools for AI Search

Advice Local continues to provide the tools and tracking to keep our agency partners and local search marketers in the know when it comes to generative AI advances. Get to know more about how we can support you. Request a demo or give us a call at (214) 310-1356.

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If there is any constant in ranking factors for local SEO, it’s that Google, Bing and all the search engines will always have changes. While SEO best practices like monitoring reviews and keeping accurate citations with trusted listings management services will never go out of style, this is tech, so priorities will shift when new apps, integrations and advances emerge. It’s the mid 2020s, so let’s review what’s changed in local search so you can keep your technology and your clients up-to-date.

The Ranking Factors That Influence Local SEO

We usually receive annual updates to local SEO ranking factors in a report once due diligence, testing and professional surveys are completed. However, this information is based on data originally published in 2023, and minimally updated in late 2024 on the Moz blog.

Google Business Profile

The importance of a correctly managed Google Business Profile (GBP) cannot be overstated in local search results. While these verified business listings contain multiple pieces of information about the business, the three most important are as follows: choosing the most authoritative web page from a website for the main URL on the listing; selecting the most relevant categories (up to 10) for the business; and if possible, including a search term within the business title.

We often talk about how vital a verified and well-managed GBP is, and will continue to provide tips to give our agency partners the edge in local search.

Reviews

Reviews across multiple platforms and from various sources continue to impact Local Pack/Finder rankings. Reviews are a valuable trust signal and will always matter to consumers and search engines alike—staying on top of them is vital to a business’ online success.

Agency partners with active listings management accounts have access to Advice Local’s incredible free Review Monitoring Tool. This allows a bird’s-eye view of multiple review sites in one convenient dashboard, making it easy to pull reports and send information to clients. Client engagement with reviews (positive and negative) can encourage a continuous cycle of new reviews, as potential patrons see the business actively interact with past reviewers.

Gaining new written reviews through an owned website, Google Business Profile, and third-party websites (especially from sites and people with authority) is a relevant signal search that engines cannot ignore.

Citations

Real estate has location, location, location, and for local search it’s citations, citations, citations! No matter how often we talk about consistent, high-quality citations as a foundation for good local SEO, it will never be enough. When it comes to structured citations and clean NAP data, sending to relevant distribution channels can make a difference, as the quality and relevance of the platforms that list client businesses absolutely matters.

This is why ongoing listings management is truly necessary for the businesses that local marketers serve. Citations management has to be a strategic part of any local SEO plan.

On-Page Local Signals

Optimized, quality content that meets technical and grammatical standards is always going to help your website, and makes for a much better user experience. When it comes to local ranking factors, providing solid, authoritative information on locations pages is vital.

Location pages work in conjunction with GBP in search, making it easier for potential customers to find client businesses near them. Setting up these location pages with consistent, visible NAP data including service areas, featured products and services, along with having clear calls-to-action will set your location pages apart. When internal links are used well, this keeps customers on a site, and on a journey once they land there. Take care in creating these pages to see improvements in client rankings.

Off-Page Local Signals

As mentioned above, authority makes a difference. Websites and pages that meet the on-page factors listed above and that have great reviews are more likely to have authority. But off-page local signals coming into client sites from authoritative third-party links will affect rankings too.

Realize that link-building is still alive and well—and these links should be from entities relevant to the business or news sites. These links need anchor text that makes sense, hopefully including key search terms. These links should also come from diverse sources.

These are a few of the most important local search ranking factors that a business needs to consider. Keep in mind that every industry also has distinct factors affecting their rankings. Pinpointing which factors make the most impact on specific businesses is best accomplished by using tools like the suite available through Advice Local.

Best Ranking Factors for Local #SEO by @BernieColeman
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Get Your Clients’ Listings Optimized for Local Search

Get all the tools you need to move your clients’ rank higher in the local pack, maps and organic search. Advice Local’s all-in-one dashboard can improve your agency’s services today. Request a demo or call us at (214) 310-1356.

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At Advice Local, we are all about providing our agency partners with the best tools to manage their clients’ Google Business Profile (GBP), and our enhanced Google Business Profile Tool is one of them. Once a client’s GBP is verified, you can utilize our solution to monitor it. For instance, our GBP tool keeps a client’s data synced to maintain NAP integrity over time, keeps out bad data with auto reject public edits and more.

Access to these incredible tools from one user-friendly dashboard is another reason to complete the Google Business Profile verification as quickly as possible. But first, let’s dive into the process.

Methods for Verifying a Local Business on Google Business Profile

If you have already created a Google Business Profile for the business, let’s dig into verification methods. If the business is not yet on Google, add it now. And if it hasn’t been claimed yet, take the time to do it. Claiming a business on Google is essential to manage the data and have favorable local search results.

1. Google Business Profile Video Verification

Video verification is the most common verification method Google requires. While the response is speedy, this method often demands that business owners record multiple items to prove their legitimacy. Businesses with a physical storefront, businesses that are service-based (or are what Google calls “hybrid”) can use this method.

What You Need to Know About GBP Video Verification

• As an agency, unless you physically go to a client’s location, you will not be able to complete the verification for the business.
• The video must be recorded from within the Google Business profile on a mobile device and be a continuous shot, as no editing is allowed.
• The person recording will want to have all the documentation prepared in advance and have a plan for the shoot.
• Address it like making a storyboard. Having all the proper information and required shots pre-planned will lead to faster verification.
• Remember, this may need to be done twice, so keep track of what’s being done.

Verification requirements are based on the type of business but always cover three main categories.

• Proof of Location
• Existence
• Management

Ways to show proof include recording storefront and street signage, the street address on the building’s exterior, nearby businesses or landmarks and entry areas. Additional proof can come from a showroom or dining area, work areas with desks or workstations, business cards displayed and so on. You can also provide proof through a business name on permanent fixtures such as tools or a work truck, a service location, access to official business documentation like permits, and management access to a point-of-sale system. For more details and to learn about Google’s categories, review their video verification help page.

After the video is recorded and submitted, Google typically responds within five days with a message indicating “successful” or “unsuccessful.” If the verification is not successful, the message will state why, and offer another chance to get it right.

2. Verify a Business’ GBP by Phone, Text or Email

Verification on Google Business Profile by phone, text or email remains a simple way to get the job done. From within the profile, a manager chooses to receive a PIN via phone call or text message. Once received, it’s just a matter of inputting the number.

Email is just as simple. From the profile, select email verification and follow the instructions provided within the response. Within a short time (up to five days) it’s complete and done!

What You Need to Know About This GBP Verification Process

• This option is not available for all businesses.
• If verifying by phone, Google will call the number listed within the GBP.
• If verifying by text, Google will send the message to the number listed with the GBP.
• If verifying by email, the email address needs to be a branded domain that matches the website URL listed on the GBP.

3. Get a GBP Verified With a Live Video Call to Google

Similar to video verification, managers will want to prepare before initiating the live video call. They’ll need to show proof of location, the business or equipment, and management.

• From the profile, access the verification menu from a phone with a camera. Follow the listed steps to connect to an associate.
• During the call they’ll ask for video proof that could include the area around the location (like other businesses and the street name), marketing materials, tools or equipment, and access to employee-only areas or information.
• After the call, a waiting period of up to five days begins. At the end of that time, Google will notify the manager whether the verification was successful or not.

4. Google Business Profile Verification by Mail

If two weeks isn’t too long to wait, local business verification by mail is still available (and at times required).

• From the Google Business Profile, request a postcard for GBP verification.
• Make sure the mailing address is correct and request the code. Avoid making any address changes while waiting for a response, as processing time could be extended.
• When the postcard arrives, simply input the code into the proper section on the correct profile.

Again, Google will respond within five days with a message indicating success or failure.

After Verification, Monitor Local Maps Rankings With Our Help

Once the business’ Google Business Profile has been verified you’ll want to continue monitoring it, and this includes tracking map rankings in Google Maps and the local finder. Advice Local’s Google Maps Local Rank Tracker tool can assist with this task.

How to Speed Up Google Business Profile Verification by @BernieColeman #SEO #GBP
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Help Clients Navigate the Google Business Profile Verification Process

Now that you know how to speed up the Google Business Profile verification process, it’s time to see more about how Advice Local can help you better service your local business clients. Call us at (214) 310-1356 or request a demo now.

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Partnering with a local listings company is one of the most reliable ways to help your business clients get found online. But how can you tell if the local SEO software and agency tools you’re investing in are producing results, or holding you back? The reality is that not all listing management providers are the same. If your local listings partner is failing to innovate, using outdated methods and submitting to low-quality platforms, it might be time for a change.

What Local Listing Management Features Do We Offer to Partners?

At Advice Local we focus on relentlessly optimizing our core local listing management service, while adding new, cutting-edge tools to help agency partners secure new clients and deliver superior results. Let’s look at the features you should expect from a top listing management company.

Listing Management Services to Maximize Local Visibility

Up-to-date, accurate data is critical for local businesses to maintain search visibility. We use real-time submissions to stay on top of business listings, incorporating a hybrid approach of APIs and some manual submissions where appropriate.

Our Data Amplifier Network has been curated over many years and includes only high-quality trusted directories, search engines, GPS platforms, voice assistants and more. Business listings are claimed, created and optimized to prevent inaccurate or outdated information and build a powerful local presence.

Local Rank Tracking for Google Maps and Organic Search

Tracking local rankings is crucial for monitoring the effectiveness of an SEO campaign over many months. Advice Local partners get the first keyword tracked for free (based on the primary GBP category), with the option to purchase nine additional keywords.

While many tracking tools focus on organic search, we focus on tracking Google Maps results, including hyperlocal tracking for precise locations within the target area. It might be time to shop for business listing management providers if your existing provider doesn’t offer these additional features.

Review Monitoring for Brand Reputation Management

Checking reviews has become an integral part of the buying process for many customers. Businesses therefore need an effective way to monitor customer sentiment and respond quickly to feedback. In response we’ve included a free high-quality review monitoring tool for active partners.

Agencies can check clients’ reviews on major platforms like Google and Yelp, with access to notifications, overall ratings and recency scores. This direct access to vital information will help you manage your brand reputation from a central dashboard.

Listing Sales Tool for Agency Websites

Getting new leads is one of the prime challenges for digital agencies. Our free business listings sales tool is built to simplify the process and secure new leads directly from your own website.

Simply customize the sales widget to suit your site, then add it on your homepage (or every page of your website). When a business completes the visibility report form, the data is sent to your Advice Local partner dashboard for a follow-up sales call.

Advanced Google Business Profile Tools

For most businesses, Google Business Profile (GBP) is the most important listing platform. Consequently, we developed Enhanced GBP Tools for agencies, allowing you to sync GBP data with a central database to ensure accuracy (for no additional cost). You can also auto-reject public edits to your clients’ Google Business Profiles with our tool for free.

Want to see for yourself? Then try out our listing management and local SEO software demo. You’ll get to analyze GBP insights and check that your client’s authority, reputation and influence have been optimized correctly.

What Has Your Local #Listings Partner Done for You Lately by @BernieColeman #SEO
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Try Our Top-Rated Local Listings Services Today

For the best listing management services, review monitoring tools and rank tracking solutions, speak with the team at Advice Local. We help businesses increase their search visibility and reach more customers. Contact us at (214) 310-1356 or request a demo.

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Every digital agency knows that tracking rank is the foundation of a successful local SEO campaign. An accurate local rank tracker takes the guesswork out of campaign management, helping you make smarter decisions and show clients the clear results they’re looking for. But how can you integrate a rank tracker into your SEO campaigns so it does more than simply monitor search visibility?

If your agency needs help monitoring and optimizing client performance, our infographic below explains why using a rank tracking tool is so important. Please consider sharing it with other local marketers on social media and your blog.

Rank Tracking Strategies for Local SEO Campaigns

Monitoring keyword performance on both Google Maps and organic search gives a clear insight into a business’ local visibility. Let’s examine a simple strategy to get the most from your tracking tool.

Define Local SEO Goals

Any local SEO campaign must start with some primary objectives to ensure it’s on-track. Your clients may want to boost website traffic, attain more leads, make more sales and other similar goals. As you start to increase search visibility, you can identify whether your campaign is delivering the anticipated outcomes.

Set Up Keywords and Locations

Local businesses typically rely on precise customer targeting based on specific keywords around the business. For example, a restaurant may get most of its business from searches for a type of food within a limited geographical area close by. In this context, digital agencies need a local rank tracker tool to monitor Google Maps results with precision.

Leverage Keyword Insights

Manually tracking keywords and assessing their performance against competing sites is a time-intensive process. In place of this, a successful SEO campaign should lean on a local rank tracker with at-a-glance performance indicators. For example, our tool uses a Grid Quality Score so you can instantly see how a keyword is performing.

Monitor Rankings Over an Extended Period

Local SEO will not be an instant process. Gradually, your efforts will help build trust and authority with Google, resulting in improved positions in Google Maps and organic search. Tracking results over many months gives a clear picture of the campaign’s success, and also informs clients of the continued progress.

Optimize Based on Hyperlocal Results

With Google delivering more precise search results based on specific queries and a person’s location, hyperlocal SEO matters more than ever. Unfortunately, manually searching for a business client within a broad area can often give a flawed picture of how well the SEO campaign is doing. A local rank tracker can offer pinpoint-accurate map results to improve hyperlocal targeting.

Provide Clear Reporting for Clients

Finally, your business clients will expect accurate reporting to track how their investment is working. A rank tracker will provide a detailed overview of SEO results that covers the progress you have achieved over time, and reveals the underperforming areas that will guide future efforts.

After seeing some of the ways to integrate a local rank tracker into your client’s SEO campaigns, it’s time to delve deeper into why your agency needs a dedicated tool. Browse the infographic below and share it across social media and your blog.

Why Your Agency Needs a Local Rank Tracker Infographic

How to Integrate a Rank Tracker Into Local #SEO Campaigns #Infographic by @BernieColeman
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Access Our Top-Rated Rank Tracking Tool for Agencies

For simple and accurate tracking of client search visibility, try the local rank tracker from Advice Local. We provide a comprehensive suite of SEO tools for monitoring and improving local presence, including listing management, rank tracking and more. Call (214) 310-1356 or request a demo today.

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