[Research] 45% use AI tools for business recommendations📍

Our mini-report shares insight into how people are using AI for local discovery and what it means for your local marketing strategy.

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March 12, 2026 10:37am EDT

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Your Local SEO Roundup

Nearly Half of Consumers are Asking AI for Business Recommendations

AI is quickly becoming part of how people discover local businesses.

According to the Local Consumer Review Survey 2026, 45% of consumers asked an AI tool for a local business recommendation in the past year. That’s a big jump from just 6% the year before.

So we decided to dive a little deeper into the AI numbers from this year’s report.

of consumers trust AI recommendations as much as traditional reviews

In fact, AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are now the third most-used source for local recommendations, behind only Google and Facebook. They have even moved ahead of traditional review platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor.

That said, most AI users don't take these at face value. 88% fact-check recommendations, often by reading reviews on traditional platforms.

AI drives discovery, review presence drives trust

So what does this mean for local businesses and marketers?

Our mini-report gives further insight into how people are using AI for local discovery, and how it could shape your local marketing strategy.

Read the Full Report

How to build a review strategy that works in 2026

Replay this tactical session with Greg Sterling (Near Media) and Elizabeth Rule (Sterling Sky) where they explore how to turn your reputation into a real competitive advantage. They also break down key insights from the 2026 Local Consumer Review Survey.

Watch the video