As AI reshapes the way we search, many business owners are asking the same question: “Is traditional SEO still worth it?” And more specifically: “Does local SEO even matter if people start using ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overviews instead of Google Maps?”

It’s a fair concern, but the wrong conclusion.

At Speak Digital, we’ve had these same conversations with clients across Canada. What we’ve learned is this: AI might be changing how search results are delivered, but it’s still relying on the same local signals to choose what shows up - things like reviews, proximity, and business credibility.

In fact, the fundamentals of local SEO have never been more important. If you’re a local service business that wants to win in an AI-driven search world, you don’t need to abandon local SEO. You need to double down on it with a smarter approach.

Let’s break down why.

The Common Mistake: Thinking Local SEO Is Dead

Here’s what we’re seeing more and more: business owners hear the hype about AI search tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE), and they panic.

They assume:

  • "Google Maps is being replaced"
  • "AI will just recommend the best businesses"
  • "I don’t need to worry about optimizing my profile anymore"

So they stop updating their Google Business Profile. They stop asking for reviews. They stop publishing local content. And then hey stop getting leads.

But here’s the truth: AI doesn’t replace Google Maps. It pulls from it.

The data that powers AI recommendations still comes from the same places - your website, your GBP profile, local citations, review sites, and more. If you disappear from those sources, you disappear from AI too.

Our Approach: Future-Proofing Local SEO for the AI Era

At Speak Digital, we help service-based businesses rank in Google Maps and dominate their local markets. But our strategy goes beyond typical SEO checklists.

Here’s how we’re helping clients stay visible in both traditional and AI-driven search:

1. Building a Trusted Digital Footprint

AI models prioritize businesses that appear trusted and consistent across the web. We ensure our clients have accurate NAP (name, address, phone number) listings, strong citation networks, and a unified brand presence everywhere that matters.

2. Optimizing Google Business Profiles for Human + AI Search

We treat your GBP like a high-converting landing page. That means keyword-rich descriptions, service categories, geo-tagged photos, structured Q&As, and review strategies that signal authority to both users and algorithms.

3. Creating Content That Trains AI to Recommend You

We develop location-targeted service pages, blog posts, and FAQ content that answers common local questions—exactly the kind of data AI uses to generate answers. It’s SEO, yes, but with AI discoverability built in.

Proof: Local SEO Still Delivers Results in 2025

One of our commercial cleaning clients in the Greater Toronto Area came to us after a frustrating year—organic rankings were dropping, and their competitors were outranking them in the map pack.

Within 90 days of applying our local SEO system:

  • They ranked in the top 3 map results for five service-related keywords
  • Call volume increased by 61% quarter-over-quarter
  • Their Google Business Profile showed up in AI Overviews for local search terms like “best commercial cleaner in Scarborough”

The kicker? They spent $0 on ads.

This is what modern local SEO looks like: sustainable visibility, across search experiences - AI or otherwise.

Implementation Tips: What Local Businesses Should Do Right Now

Whether you work with us or not, here are specific steps you can take today to stay competitive:

  1. Claim and fully optimize your Google Business Profile
    Add your services, business hours, service area, and post regularly.
  2. Ask for high-quality reviews
    Encourage happy customers to leave keyword-rich feedback.
  3. Add a Q&A section to your GBP
    Use real FAQs your customers ask - these often show up in AI snippets.
  4. Publish localized content on your website
    Pages that say “plumbing services in Surrey” or “commercial cleaning in Calgary” help AI (and users) understand your local relevance.
  5. Ensure citation consistency
    Sites like Yelp, BBB, and YellowPages still matter.
  6. Monitor your rankings, not just in search, but in maps and AI overviews

Need help doing all of this? Speak Digital has a proven system built for Canadian businesses just like yours.

Conclusion: Don’t Abandon Local SEO, Evolve It

AI is changing the search game—but not in the way most businesses think.

While others hit pause on SEO, smart local businesses are getting ahead by strengthening their digital presence where AI still looks: Google Maps, reviews, websites, and local listings.

At Speak Digital, we’ve helped service-based businesses across Canada dominate their market using a future-ready local SEO strategy.

If you want to show up in Google Maps and be recommended by AI, book a strategy call with us today. We’ll help you stay one step ahead, no matter how search evolves.

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