By: Josh Fulfer
Estimated Read Time: 4 Minutes

Why Local SEO Still Matters in the Age of AI

With the rise of ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Google’s AI Overviews, it’s clear that search is evolving. A recent Adobe study reported that 77% of Americans now use ChatGPT like a search engine.

That shift has sparked a common question: Is SEO still worth it?

Google’s Answer: Yes

In a recent discussion from Google’s Search Relations team, John Mueller and Martin Splitt directly addressed this topic. When asked whether AI makes learning SEO or building websites unnecessary, Mueller didn’t hesitate:

“Absolutely value in learning these things and in making a good website… These chatbots don’t replace a website, especially for local search...”

He explained that while AI tools are good at answering questions, they still pull their information from websites. For service-based businesses, or any business trying to get found online—having a solid, well-structured website remains essential.

AI Still Depends on Websites

Even when someone asks ChatGPT for a recommendation—like “best concrete lifting company near me”—the response is still based on your website content, business listings, and online reviews.

Mueller gave a practical example: if someone wants to buy a t-shirt, they don’t want a chatbot to explain how to make one. They want a link to a real site where they can browse and buy. The same applies to local services: users want options, reviews, and a way to get in touch.

Why This Matters for Local Concrete Lifting Businesses

For local lifters, home service providers, and small business owners, this reinforces a key point: local SEO is still one of the most powerful ways to get found.

Searches like:

• “Concrete leveling near me”
• “Garage floor repair Naperville”
• “Driveway lifting contractor Carmel, IN”

…are still being typed into Google every day. And when they are, users aren’t looking for summaries—they’re looking for websites they can explore, phone numbers they can call, and businesses they can trust.

And for those people using AI search like ChatGpt or Grok… The same strategies that help you rank atop Google are the same strategies that help you rank atop AI searches. So if you’re investing in your SEO and web presence already, you’re ahead of the game with AI.

SEO Isn’t Just About Today—It’s About Tomorrow

Many business owners focus only on how to get visibility now. But the efforts that go into ranking today—creating valuable content, building out local service pages, earning real reviews, and maintaining your website—also help ensure your business shows up in future platforms.

As AI continues to evolve, these tools will likely rely even more on structured, verified information. That means businesses with strong online foundations will remain the most visible—regardless of how the search interface changes.

Takeaway: The Basics Still Work

Search tools & AI may be getting smarter, but the core principle hasn’t changed:

People use search to find businesses.
Businesses that show up get the calls.
And SEO & your website is what helps you show up.

If you’re building a solid, trustworthy web presence with helpful content, clear contact info, and a focus on your customers—you’re already doing what works.