Will AI Remember You? Why Local SEO Still Matters in the Age of Generative Search
The way people find businesses online is changing, fast. Generative Engine Optimisation is becoming essential for businesses adapting to modern search trends.
For over 20 years, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) has been the go-to method for getting your business seen online. If you wanted to be found, you needed the right keywords, good content, backlinks, and a fast website. But in 2025, the game is evolving. And it’s not just about Google anymore.
But what is Generative engine optimisation?
What’s Changing: From SEO to GEO
With Generative Engine Optimisation, businesses can engage with customers more effectively.
Search engines like Google are no longer the only place people go to get answers. AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude are now being used to search directly. These tools don’t give you a list of websites – they give you an answer, instantly.
Understanding Generative Engine Optimisation can position your business as a leader in your niche.
This shift has given rise to a new strategy called GEO – Generative Engine Optimisation. Instead of simply ranking high in Google, the goal is to get your business mentioned in AI-generated answers as well. That’s a big change.
Implementing Generative Engine Optimisation strategies helps in answering complex customer queries and integration of GEO into marketing plans is crucial for visibility.
Why Content Needs to Change: Search Queries Are Now Longer
Generative Engine Optimisation complements traditional SEO techniques for enhanced performance. Search isn’t just changing where people look – it’s also changing how they search.
In the past, most Google searches were short, around 3 to 4 words. But in the world of AI search, the average query is now over 23 words long, with users spending up to 6 minutes engaging with a single session.
This means your content needs to be more detailed, well-structured, and actually useful. It’s not about stuffing in keywords – it’s about clearly answering longer, more specific questions your customers are asking.
But Here’s the Good News for Local Businesses
If you run a local service – like a plumber, dentist, lawyer, gym, or waste management provider – you might be wondering: Does this mean SEO is dead? Should I give up?
The answer is no. In fact, local and small to medium businesses (SMBs) have a unique opportunity right now to combine traditional SEO with answer-based content to stay visible across both Google and AI-driven platforms.
Here’s how.
1. Google Still Matters – Especially Locally
While AI is on the rise, most local customers still rely on Google to find businesses nearby. Think searches like:
Your Google Business Profile, local reviews, and on-page SEO are still critical. These results show up in maps, local packs, and organic search – areas where AI tools haven’t yet replaced Google.
2. AI Overviews Are Using Your Website Content
Google’s own AI-generated “Overviews” are starting to pull information directly from websites. This means if your site is structured clearly – with FAQs, headings, bullet points and useful info – it has a much better chance of being included in AI-generated answers.
3. Answer-Based Content Drives AI Visibility
GEO isn’t just for big brands. Local businesses can benefit by creating answer-based content – content designed to answer real customer questions in plain language.
Example: A page on your site that answers “How much does skip bin hire cost in Brisbane?” has the potential to rank in both Google and be cited in AI tools. Businesses engaging in Generative Engine Optimisation will find new growth opportunities.
This means adding high-quality FAQ sections, service breakdowns and clear descriptions of your offerings. It’s not keyword stuffing – it’s helping both people and AI understand what you do. Implementing Generative Engine Optimisation helps maintain a competitive edge in the market.
4. Structured Data Still Helps
To make your content stand out to AI, you should also use tools like FAQ schema (which your developer or marketing team can help with). This tells both Google and language models that your content is trustworthy and well-organised.
5. Your Brand Needs to Be “Remembered” by AI
A big part of GEO is not just being searched for, but being remembered and referenced by AI tools.
This means:
- Being mentioned by local publishers and directories
- Having a strong online presence across review platforms and social media
- Creating useful, original content on your own site that answers common questions
The more signals you send, the more likely your business is to be referenced when AI tools build their answers.
Not New for Us: We’ve Been Ahead of the Curve
At imexpert.au, we’ve been promoting this hybrid strategy since early 2023, shortly after the rise of ChatGPT made it clear that AI was going to change how people search for and interact with online content.
We recognised early on that the future of visibility would go beyond Google rankings. That’s why we’ve helped clients build answer-based content alongside their SEO strategy – ensuring their businesses are not only found in traditional search but also referenced by AI tools.
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about future-proofing your business.
What You Can Do Now
Even if you’re a small team, you can get started with a hybrid strategy:
Adopting Generative Engine Optimisation will support your long-term business goals.
✅ Keep your local SEO strong (Google Business Profile, reviews, location pages)
✅ Add answer-based content to your website (FAQ pages, how-tos, service explainers)
✅ Use headings and structured formats to help AI tools understand your content
✅ Consider schema markup to improve chances of being featured in AI Overviews
Final Word: Visibility Isn’t Dead—It’s Evolving
GEO isn’t the end of SEO. It’s an evolution. Local and small businesses that adapt now – by combining traditional SEO with answer-based content – can continue to grow visibility across both Google and the new world of AI-powered search.
At imexpert.au, we’re already helping clients prepare for this shift. If you want to get your business seen by real people and remembered by AI, we’d love to help.
Need help preparing your site for the future of search?
👉 Get in touch and let’s make sure your brand is remembered – by Google, AI, and your customers.
Disclaimer: This article is an opinion piece based on current trends and insights in the digital marketing and AI space. While it draws on emerging industry developments, it reflects the views and strategic approach of imexpert.au and is intended for general guidance only.