2025 AI & Local Search Consumer Report
Can AI Replace Google for Local Business Search? Here’s What Consumers Really Think.
What’s Changing in Local Search?
AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are rewriting the rules of online discovery. But when it comes to finding a local business—a dentist, a pizza shop, a plumber—are consumers ready to make the switch from Google?
We surveyed 150 consumers across the U.S. to understand how they’re using (or not using) AI to find local businesses, and what that means for your marketing strategy.
Key Finding #1: Google Still Dominates Local Search
Despite all the hype, AI isn’t replacing traditional search just yet. In fact, more than half of consumers (57%) say they don’t expect their local search habits to change in the next six months.
However, there’s a twist: 27% have already used AI to find a local business in the last week. Usage may be low overall, but it’s growing—and it’s real.
Key Finding #2: Restaurants, Home Services, and Automotive Top the List
When asked what types of businesses they search for online, these categories rose to the top:
88%
Restaurants & Food
55%
Home & Home Improvement
42%
Automotive Services
25-35%
Beauty, Health, and Professional Services
These results align closely with industries where visibility, reviews, and real-time info matter most—exactly the kind of details AI sometimes struggles to deliver.
Key Finding #3: People Want to Use AI—If It Gets Better
What would make consumers switch to AI for local discovery?
39.1%
More accurate, up-to-date information
36.8%
Free or lower-cost access to premium features
15%
Better integration with maps
9%
Real-time booking or availability tools
Consumers aren’t anti-AI—they just need it to work better. There’s real demand here, especially if AI can close the trust gap.
Key Finding #4: Trust Is the Dealbreaker
AI isn’t just facing a tech gap—it’s facing a trust gap.
31.7%
are worried about missing the “human touch”
28.3%
fear outdated or incorrect information
24.1%
have privacy concerns
15.9%
say AI still lacks local depth
Until AI earns more confidence, traditional search remains the preferred tool for high-stakes decisions like hiring a contractor or choosing a healthcare provider.
So What Does This Mean for Local Businesses?
If you’re a business that depends on local visibility—whether you’re in food, home services, healthcare, or legal—now is the time to optimize for both AI and traditional search.
Consumers still trust Google, but early AI usage is growing. If you’re absent from AI tools today, you may be invisible to your next wave of customers tomorrow.
Your Local Visibility Action Plan
Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
Maximize your Google Business Profile
Ensure it’s updated with hours, reviews, photos, and services.
Get Indexed by AI Assistants
Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are already crawling your site—make sure your data is structured and accessible.
Use Schema Markup & FAQs
Structured data helps AI models surface your business when users ask location-based questions.
Monitor Your AI Footprint
Prompt AI tools directly: “Best plumber near me”—do you show up?
Ask About GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
Youtech’s AI-ready SEO solution helps your business rank across both search and AI environments.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t killing traditional search—but it’s changing the rules. The businesses that prepare now will dominate discovery tomorrow.
Want to see how your business shows up in AI today?
