Local businesses are asking the wrong AI search question.
It is not “how do I rank in ChatGPT?”
It is: can Google, maps, directories, reviews, and your own site clearly explain what your business is, where it operates, and why it should be trusted?
A fresh r/localseo thread points to the same split I keep seeing:
Some people talk about GEO like a brand-new game.
But for local businesses, AI recommendations still appear to lean heavily on the old signals: Google discoverability, entity clarity, business listings, proximity, reviews, and specific content that answers real customer questions.
The practical takeaway:
Don’t chase “AI SEO” as a separate magic channel.
Make the business easier for both Google and AI systems to understand.