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For years, finding a local business followed a clear path: a person would go to Google, type in what they needed, scan the results, and click a website.
That process is still immensely important. However, people are increasingly finding businesses in a new way: asking AI tools such as ChatGPT for answers and recommendations.
What does this mean for small businesses?
Google Search is Still a Major Part of the Journey
Google remains a go-to resource when people are looking for a product, service, restaurant, contractors, or local business. People are still searching just as they always have with queries like:
“best Italian restaurant near me”
Or
“electrician in King of Prussia, PA”
Google then provides traditional search results, maps, reviews, business listings, images, and other helpful information to guide that person into making a decision. For businesses, this means you still need a well-built, easy-to-navigate website with accurate business information, useful content, strong local search visibility, and positive reviews.
But how people search is beginning to change.
People Are Starting to Ask AI Questions Instead
Instead of typing a few keywords into Google, customers have begun asking questions to ChatGPT like:
“Can you recommend me a few Italian restaurants near King of Prussia for my family and me to go to?”
Or
“I need a well-reviewed, local electrician who handles installation of new electrical appliances like ceiling fans and lighting. Can you recommend a few of the top options?”
Traditional search is still important and provides people with a list of results to investigate on their own. AI tools, on the other hand, take a question, understand the context, and provide a conversational answer. The answer may mention specific businesses, explain why they’re a good fit, and provide links or other information to help the person continue their search.
Your Business Needs to Be Findable on Both
This doesn’t mean businesses should abandon Google and focus entirely on AI. Instead, think of search as expanding. Your potential customers may discover your business through many avenues, including:
- Google Search
- Google Maps
- Business Directories
- Reviews
- Social Media
- ChatGPT and other AI tools
The goal is to make your business information clear, accurate, useful, and consistent no matter where people and search engines may find it.
What Can Your Small Business Do?
Start small!
Make sure your website clearly explains:
- What you do
- Who you serve
- Where you operate
- How people can contact you
Keep your Google Business Profile and other online listings accurate. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Publish helpful content that answers the question your customers are asking. These practices can help support traditional SEO while making your business information easy for AI systems to understand and share with users.
To Sum It Up
The question is not Google vs. ChatGPT. It is about recognizing that customers now have more ways than ever to discover a business. Some will use Google. Some will ask an AI. Others may find you through a review, directory, or social post.
Businesses that make their information easy to find, understand, and trust will be better positioned for customers to discover them, no matter where they are searching.
