How Local Businesses Can Win in the Age of AI Search
In 2025, search is no longer just about ranking for blue links — it’s about being the answer.
With the rise of AI powered search tools like Google’s AI Overviews, Bing Copilot, and ChatGPT Search, people are getting answers directly from AI, not scrolling through multiple websites. This shift has given rise to two new strategies: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).
For local businesses, understanding AEO vs GEO is critical. Instead of competing for page one rankings alone, you can position your business so it’s quoted, cited, or recommended by AI assistants and answer engines.
What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)?
Answer Engine Optimization is the process of creating and structuring content so it’s easy for AI and voice assistants to find, understand, and present as an answer.
Instead of focusing purely on keyword rankings like traditional SEO, AEO focuses on directly answering the questions your ideal customers are asking in the exact format AI tools prefer to use.
This can mean:
Writing content in a clear Q&A style
Using structured data (schema markup) so AI can easily extract facts
Providing concise, authoritative answers in bullet points, lists, and short paragraphs
AEO vs GEO vs Traditional SEO
| Approach | Focus | Main Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional SEO | Keywords & backlinks | Rank for relevant searches in search engine results pages (SERPs) |
| Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) | AI generated results | Ensure your content appears in generative AI summaries |
| Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) | Direct Q&A format | Provide answers AI tools can use verbatim |
When comparing AEO vs GEO, the best strategy for local businesses is to use both together: GEO helps you get pulled into summaries, and AEO ensures your content is structured as the exact answer AI delivers.
Why AEO and GEO Matter for Local Businesses
Local businesses can win big with AEO and GEO because AI tools often pull answers from:
Google Business Profiles
Local review sites
Authoritative local websites
Pages that clearly explain who, what, where, and how much
Example:
If someone searches “Who’s the best plumber in Calgary for emergency service?” an AI tool might pull:
Contact info from your Google Business Profile
A quote from your blog explaining your 24/7 service
Reviews mentioning “fast emergency response”
If you’re not optimized for AEO or GEO, you risk being invisible even if you’re great at what you do.
How to Implement AEO vs GEO for Your Local Business
Identify Common Customer Questions
Use Google’s People Also Ask section
Check your own customer emails, chat logs, and social media comments
Look at AI tools like ChatGPT to see how they answer industry questions
Structure Content in a Q&A Format (AEO)
Create an FAQ page for your business
Add mini Q&A blocks throughout your service pages and blogs
Optimize for AI Summaries (GEO)
Write long form content with clear headings
Use statistics, quotes, and authoritative language AI tools like to cite
Use Schema Markup
Apply FAQ schema for your Q&A sections
Make sure your business details use LocalBusiness schema
Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Keep your hours, services, and descriptions up to date
Answer customer questions in the GBP Q&A section
FAQ: AEO vs GEO for Local Businesses
What is the difference between AEO vs GEO?
AEO focuses on creating content AI tools can use as a direct answer, while GEO ensures your content is included in generative AI summaries.
Do I need both AEO and GEO?
Yes, using both together gives you the best chance to show up in AI powered search results. GEO boosts visibility in summaries, while AEO increases your chances of being the exact answer provided.
Will AEO or GEO replace SEO?
No, SEO is still the foundation. AEO and GEO build on SEO by preparing your content for AI driven search.
Can AEO and GEO help my Google Business Profile?
Yes, structured and updated content boosts GBP visibility, making it more likely AI tools pull your information into their answers
n 2025, the way people find local businesses is changing fast. AI tools are becoming the new middleman between customers and your website. By understanding AEO vs GEO and using both strategies, you position your business to be the answer, not just an option.
If you already have a strong SEO foundation, adding AEO and GEO is the natural next step to stay ahead of your competitors.
