Especially for local businesses, the Google Business Profile is a vital content channel, not a static listing. Actively use it as a publishing platform by posting weekly updates, photos, and service details to feed Google's local 'answer engine' and dominate local search visibility.
In 2025, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is no longer a static 'set it and forget it' listing. It must be treated as a dynamic content platform, similar to a blog or social media channel, requiring weekly updates to signal relevance, freshness, and trust to Google's algorithm and AI.
As users shift from keywords to conversational prompts in AI browsers, SEO strategy must also evolve. The focus should be on creating 'answer-ready' content that directly and comprehensively addresses likely user questions, positioning your brand as a primary source for the AI to cite.
In an era dominated by AI chatbots, a website's relevance increases. These AI systems don't create information; they crawl the web to find it. Your site serves as the foundational data source, making a well-structured, up-to-date digital presence critical for discoverability and accurate representation by AI.
Stop chasing keyword rankings. The new goal is 'search visibility'—dominating AI answers, knowledge panels, and local packs. It's about owning your brand's share of answers wherever a prospect looks, not just securing a single blue link on a results page.
Don't wait for customers to ask questions on your Google Business Profile. Proactively post and answer the most important questions your prospects should be asking. This allows you to control the messaging, demonstrate expertise, and provide valuable, structured content for both users and AI crawlers.
Unlike traditional SEO, which focuses on keywords and links, GEO aims to make your brand visible in AI-generated answers. This is achieved by becoming a citable, trusted authority, which requires a blend of public relations, high-quality owned content, and technical site readiness.
The first step in a modern visibility audit is to check if your brand, products, or services are cited in Google's AI-generated answers. This is a critical new battleground for visibility that precedes traditional search results and requires dedicated attention.
The goal of search engine optimization has evolved beyond simply ranking for keywords. It's now about achieving 'visibility' across various platforms where users find answers, including AI tools, map packs, and review sites. This requires a more holistic strategy than traditional SEO.
When responding to Google reviews, go beyond a simple 'thank you.' Incorporate substantive details about the project, services, or products used. This feeds valuable, keyword-rich content directly to Google and its AI, demonstrating authority and improving visibility for relevant searches.
Google's AI increasingly pulls structured data like reviews, Q&As, and posts directly from your Google Business Profile to generate its AI overview answers. Consistent, fresh activity on your profile can be more impactful for visibility in AI search than traditional on-site SEO for your main website.