Is Your Business Optimized For AI Search Engines?

Let’s make this clear - Google is still the king of local search results, but did you know that new AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Meta, Bing, and Brave are starting to add local search results? Now you can just ask ChatGPT for recommendations on the best business in your area and BAM - it will spit out a list of businesses and information about each one. You might be wondering where AI is getting that info from, and you’re in luck since we now know! They are currently sourcing business information from various directories and search platforms like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and TripAdvisor! So, whether you thought citation management was no longer important (or you had never heard of it before!), citations appear to be gaining importance once again, and here’s what you need to know about it.

Jun 30, 2025

Is Your Business Optimized For AI Search Engines?

Let’s make this clear - Google is still the king of local search results, but did you know that new AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Meta, Bing, and Brave are starting to add local search results? Now you can just ask ChatGPT for recommendations on the best business in your area and BAM - it will spit out a list of businesses and information about each one. You might be wondering where AI is getting that info from, and you’re in luck since we now know! They are currently sourcing business information from various directories and search platforms like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and TripAdvisor! So, whether you thought citation management was no longer important (or you had never heard of it before!), citations appear to be gaining importance once again, and here’s what you need to know about it.

Why You Need to Optimize Your Local Citations ASAP:

  1. Get Found in AI-Powered Searches: AI search engines often prioritize information from reputable directories, and well-maintained citations improve the accuracy and visibility of your business in these results.
  2. Improved Ranking on Google: Accurate citations build credibility in the eyes of Google, helping your business rank higher in local search results and giving potential customers more ways to find your business online.
  3. Consistent Business Info: Inconsistent or outdated information across directories can lead to customer confusion and potentially lower rankings. AI search engines (and Google!) rely on consistent data, so precise and uniform citations help secure a strong, trusted presence online.

Wondering, “What is the best citation management software?” We just released the YouTube video below to answer this question:

As we continue to see AI push itself more into the world of local business SEO, you must ensure that you’re staying ahead of the game and optimizing your business for AI. We’re anticipating that citations will become even more important than before with the new AI search engines gaining popularity. If creating and optimizing citations on all of those business directories seems like too much work, check out Paige - you can easily create 40+ optimized citations with the click of a button! Start your $1 trial today!

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About Author

Justin Silverman

Justin Silverman is the Founder and CEO of Merchynt, a local SEO technology company on a mission to make local SEO services not suck—one agency and small business at a time. Since launching Merchynt in 2019, Justin has helped over 20,000 businesses grow through data-driven Google Business Profile optimization and AI-powered local marketing tools like Paige. With more than a decade of experience in digital marketing and business growth, Justin previously held executive roles at Vista Group, where he served as VP of Global Partnerships and President of MovieXchange. He also led strategy and operations at Veezi, helping to scale tech products across international markets. Justin's career has spanned roles in marketing, partnerships, and operations, working with companies from early-stage startups to global enterprises. His deep knowledge of local search, combined with real-world leadership, positions him as a trusted voice in the local SEO and SaaS space. Under his leadership, Merchynt has become a go-to provider for agencies and small businesses seeking to dominate local search rankings through white-label solutions, AI automation, and performance-focused strategy. Justin continues to speak, write, and build tools with one mission in mind: to help 298 million businesses get found online by their perfect customer.