In the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini (formerly known as Bard) have changed how people search for local businesses. Whether it’s asking Siri for a nearby restaurant or consulting an AI assistant about the best healthcare providers in town, the way customers discover businesses is rapidly evolving.
For small businesses and healthcare practices, this shift brings both opportunities and challenges. Here’s how AI is transforming local SEO and what you can do to ensure your business stays visible in 2025.
What’s Changing with AI and Local SEO?
- AI-Powered Answers
When customers ask AI platforms for recommendations, they often bypass traditional search results. Instead of clicking through pages of listings, they receive a curated answer based on their query. For example, “Find a family dentist near me” might prompt AI to recommend one or two practices it deems most relevant.
What This Means: If your business isn’t optimized for AI, you could miss out on these recommendations entirely.
- Focus on Trust and Relevance
AI tools prioritize information from trustworthy sources. That includes businesses with strong online reviews, updated content, and accurate details on platforms like Google Business Profile.
What This Means: Outdated or incomplete information can cause your business to be overlooked.
- Conversational Queries
Customers now phrase their searches like questions or full sentences. For example, instead of typing “Seattle pediatric dentist,” they might ask, “Who is the best pediatric dentist in Seattle for kids with sensory needs?”
What This Means: Businesses need to tailor content to match these conversational queries.
- Voice Search is Growing
With more people using devices like Alexa and Google Assistant, voice search is becoming a major driver of local traffic. AI tools often pull from optimized local content to provide immediate answers.
What This Means: If your website and profiles aren’t voice-search-friendly, you’re missing a key opportunity.
AI isn’t just a trend; it’s a tool that can help your business thrive.
How to Keep Your Healthcare Practice Visible in 2025
Here’s how small businesses and healthcare practices can thrive in the AI-driven SEO landscape:
- Update and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the foundation of your local SEO. Make sure your profile includes:- Accurate business hours, contact information, and services offered.
- Photos and videos that showcase your space or offerings.
- Recent customer reviews that highlight your strengths.
- Focus on Reviews and Testimonials
Encourage happy customers to leave detailed reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Healthgrades. These reviews signal to AI that your business is credible and trustworthy. - Create AI-Friendly Content
Write blogs, FAQs, and web pages that answer common questions customers might ask, such as:- “What makes a dentist autism-friendly?”
- “How do I find a small business accountant near me?”
Include local keywords naturally and aim to provide clear, valuable answers.
- Leverage Schema Markup
Schema markup is a type of code that helps search engines (and AI tools) understand your content better. Adding schema for services, locations, and reviews can boost your chances of appearing in AI responses. - Prepare for Voice Search
Optimize your website for conversational language, short answers, and location-based queries. For example, include phrases like “located just minutes from downtown Seattle” in your copy. - Stay Active Online
Regularly update your website, social media profiles, and business listings. AI favors fresh content and active engagement.
Why 2025 Is the Year to Adapt
The natural curiosity—and fear—around AI makes 2025 a pivotal year for small businesses. By embracing these changes, you can position yourself as a trusted resource in your community. Whether customers are asking, “What’s the best gym near me?” or “Where can I find an autism-friendly pediatrician?” your business can be the answer they’re looking for.
As the digital landscape evolves, staying proactive is key. AI isn’t just a trend; it’s a tool that can help your business thrive. Start today by optimizing your profiles, gathering reviews, and creating content that speaks to your audience—and their AI assistants.
