AI Overviews are the AI-written summaries Google shows at the top of many search results. For local questions like "best family dentist in Aurora" or "how much does a new furnace cost in Denver", they can push regular results further down the page. Businesses that are mentioned in the summary, or in the sources it links, get seen first.
Google says there is no special trick for AI Overviews: the same good SEO practices apply (Google's guidance). Here's what that means for a local business, from an AI SEO agency in Denver.
Where AI Overviews get local information
- Pages in Google's index. AI Overviews link to web pages Google has crawled and indexed, so your pages must be indexable and allowed to show snippets.
- Business Profile data. For "near me" and service searches, Google often shows businesses from Maps, with ratings, hours and reviews.
- Reviews and mentions. What customers and other websites say about you helps Google decide how to describe you.
- Clear, specific answers. Pages that answer the exact question in plain words are easier to summarize and link.
Two kinds of local searches
| Search type | Example | What helps you appear |
|---|---|---|
| "Who should I hire?" | best roofer in Lakewood | Strong Business Profile, reviews, Map Pack ranking |
| "What should I know?" | how much does a new roof cost in Denver | A helpful page that answers the question with local detail |
You need both: a strong profile for the first kind, and answer-first pages for the second.
Six ways to improve your chances
- Make sure Google can read your pages. No noindex on pages you want found, no blocked content, fast loading on phones.
- Answer the question in the first two sentences. Then add detail, prices or ranges, and local specifics.
- Use real local detail. Neighborhoods served, local rules, weather, typical local prices. Generic text gives Google nothing to quote.
- Keep your Business Profile complete. Categories, services, hours and photos feed local results. See our Google Business Profile checklist.
- Earn detailed reviews. Reviews that mention the service and area help Google describe what you're known for.
- Get mentioned on other sites. Local news, associations and partner sites add sources that name your business.
How to check if you show up
Search the questions your customers ask, on your phone, in your service area. Note whether an AI Overview appears, which businesses it names, and which pages it links. Repeat monthly, because AI Overviews change often. Our AI visibility check does this across Google and AI assistants.
FAQ
Can I opt in to AI Overviews?
No. There's no form or setting. Google chooses from indexed pages and its local data.
Do AI Overviews replace the Map Pack?
Not for most local searches. Map results still appear, often alongside or inside the AI answer.
Is this the same as getting recommended by ChatGPT?
The groundwork is similar, but ChatGPT uses its own search sources. Read how to get your business recommended by ChatGPT and our explainer on GEO vs AEO vs SEO.
