AI Search Is Changing Local SEO: 7 Simple Steps Vancouver Service Businesses Can Take to Stay Visible

Do you remember the good ol’ days when the goal was just “get to page one of Google”?

Well… times are a ‘changing.

Now we’ve got AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity & Google’s new AI Overviews (SGE)and these are TOTALLY shifting how customers find local businesses.

Instead of showing a long list of links, these tools give an instant answer, they usually pull from just a handful of trusted sources.

If your business isn’t in that short list? These could be missed opportunities.

But don’t stress, you don’t need to go back to the drawing board to get found these days and if you’ve claimed and optimized your Google Business Profile and you’re local SEO is pretty good - you’re already ahead of the game.

With a few smart updates, your Vancouver-based local service business can still show up, get trusted and get chosen, by people and the AI.

1. Make Sure AI Can Actually Read Your Site

So if ChatGPT or Perplexity can’t “see” your site, they can’t recommend you.

• You’ve got to allow AI crawlers like GPTBot in your robots.txt file.

• You’ve got to keep your sitemap updated and submitted to search engines (submit this through Google Search Console)

• You’ve got to do monthly audits and fix crawl errors so your content is fully indexable.

If that sounds a bit too much and too techy, my Free Website & SEO Audit flags these exact issues so you know where you stand. You can also peek at my SEO Secrets blog series for more behind-the-scenes tips.

2. Strengthen Your Local Business Profiles

AI loves pulling sexy fresh data from verified sources - especially for location-based searches.

• Claim and fully optimize your Google Business Profile, Bing Places, Yelp, and Apple Maps.

• Keep your Name, Address, Phone (NAP) consistent everywhere.

• Use the FAQ section in Google Business to answer common questions (e.g., “Do you offer SEO services in Kitsilano?”).

This is also one of the easiest ways to boost your visibility in Google Maps, which I cover in 5 Quick Fixes to Boost Your Local SEO.

3. Write AI-Friendly Content

Generative AI tools really like clear, direct answers.

• Add Q&A sections to your key service pages.

• Use headings, bullet points and short paragraphs. Keep it CLEAR and SIMPLE.

• For example: “How can local SEO help Vancouver wellness businesses?” → Start with a short answer, then expand with details.

If content creation is where you stall, my Marketing Packages include done-for-you blog and website content that’s already structured for Google and AI-powered search.

4. Add Structured Data (Schema)

Think of schema as “speaking the AI’s language.”

• Add LocalBusiness schema with “Vancouver, BC” as your service area.

• Use FAQ schema for your Q&A sections.

• Link your schema sameAs field to your LinkedIn, Clutch and Google Maps profiles.

5. Get Reviews and Local Citations

AI trusts social proof.

• Consistently ask for reviews on Google, Yelp and Clutch.

• Get listed in Vancouver business directories, your local Chamber of Commerce, and niche “Top Agency” round-ups.

Even a couple of new reviews each month can keep your profile looking fresh and trustworthy.

6. Keep Content Fresh and Accurate

Many AI tools prioritize recently updated information.

• Refresh your site with updated stats, new case studies, or recent photos.

• Review your main pages quarterly for outdated info.

A quick refresh can be enough to signal you’re active and relevant.

7. Monitor Your AI Visibility

Test it yourself.

• Ask ChatGPT, Bing Chat, or Perplexity: “Who are the best local SEO providers in Vancouver?”

• If you’re not showing up, see which sources they cite—and get your business featured there.

Sometimes a single new backlink or directory listing is all it takes to get on their radar.

So Yeah…..

I know things are moving fast and it’s A LOT but your business can evolve with it. You don’t have to chase every new platform or trend - just focus on making your information clear, trustworthy and easy for both humans and AI to understand.

If you’d like to see exactly where your site stands today, my Free Website & SEO Audit will show you quick AI-friendly wins you can make this week.

And if you’d rather hand it off entirely, my Marketing Packages take care of both your traditional SEO and your AI search visibility—so you can get back to running your business.

You can also keep learning with my SEO Secrets blog series, where I share practical tips that actually work for women-led service businesses.

talk soon