AI helps customers discover businesses. Google helps them decide.

Insights from 1,200+ consumers on local search behavior

AI is becoming a regular part of the local search journey. With 31% of consumers use AI tools for local business recommendations on at least a monthly basis.

But being used isn’t the same as being trusted.

• Only 18% felt ready to contact the business recommended by an AI tool.

• 43% went on to check Google.

• And 39% looked at social media.

Compare that to consumers who started on Google Search: 33% stopped there, satisfied with what they found.

See how consumers are using search and AI to verify your business in our full study.

How I use AI to improve local SEO reporting at Sterling Sky, with Noah Learner

AI isn't just changing how consumers search, it's changing how agencies work.

We spoke with Noah Learner, Director of Innovation at Sterling Sky, about how his team rebuilt client reporting from the ground up after discovering it was costing them 100+ hours every month.

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