AI local SEO: The future of outranking your competitors?

AI local SEO seems to be reshaping the way businesses today optimize their online presence and compete for visibility. HubSpot’s AI Trends for Marketers reveals that 62% of businesses are already investing in AI—and they haven’t looked back. Of those leveraging AI for their marketing, 71% report a positive ROI.

The benefits of optimizing for local SEO with AI include more efficient review management, listing optimization and content creation. And what’s more, local SEO AI tools have quickly become affordable or even free! This means even the smallest players can implement cutting-edge technology and improve their local SEO efforts. But is relying solely on AI for local SEO a foolproof strategy? While the advantages are clear, overreliance on automated tools may actually be holding some businesses back...

The benefits of optimizing for local SEO with AI

AI local SEO harnesses natural language tools to make search engine optimization easier for local businesses. From automating content creation and communication to analyzing data, these tools significantly streamline local SEO processes. For example, AI business listing description generators are a handy tool for owners with no local SEO knowledge. They present business information in a compelling way and also make it relevant to search queries and user intent.

A screenshot of the landing page for an AI local SEO tool for writing GBP descriptions

Or you might use AI to respond to reviews more efficiently while still giving personalized feedback. Writing unique responses is time-consuming, but AI can generate replies that make customers feel special.

A local SEO AI tool for responding to reviews

AI is also instrumental in helping local businesses analyze their local SEO reports. Instead of poring over charts and spreadsheets, AI local SEO tools draw conclusions that are simple to understand.

AI-powered SEO insights from Google Analytics 4

AI can also generate local SEO content for websites and social media. With the right prompts, you can quickly create compelling content that resonates with potential customers and boosts rankings.

Semrush’s popular AI paraphrasing tool

The integration of AI into local SEO not only simplifies complex processes but also gives businesses a competitive edge. It provides leverage to small to medium-sized companies and helps them compete with the deeper pockets of larger rivals. But diving into AI for local SEO without considering the consequences may actually do more harm than good…

Why you can’t just rely on AI for local SEO

While it has certainly changed the face of local SEO, depending solely on AI for your strategy is risky. AI relies heavily on the quality and breadth of the data it processes. If this data is flawed or biased, AI's output can be misleading. This might lead businesses to make decisions that don’t effectively target their audience or align with their needs. To avoid this, only use AI local SEO tools that connect with analytics you can trust.

AI streamlines customer interactions, but it still lacks the human element that defines the character of a business. Overrelianceon AI can make communications feel generic, which might alienate customers who value the personal touch. As more businesses adopt similar AI tools and technologies, there is a risk of homogenizing marketing strategies. This might actually make it more difficult for businesses to stand out in a crowded market.

Depending on AI tools too heavily leaves no stopgap if the technology fails or it can’t fulfill a more complex task. AI tools still make a lot of mistakes, so without the proper oversight, you can leave your business open to public embarrassment. Local SEO services and experts are still a valuable resource for building strategies and managing their execution.

Understanding the risks of overreliance allows for a balanced approach. Businesses should integrate AI tools into their local SEO little by little. This approach ensures they benefit from AI without becoming entirely dependent on it, preserving their competitive edge.

The best local SEO AI tools to grow your business

The landscape of AI tools for local SEO extends beyond just managing content and online reviews. Here's an expanded look at some of the top AI tools that can significantly enhance local SEO strategies:

ChatGPT: The most popular AI tool is still amongst the best at creating SEO content for busy brands. 

A screenshot from a ChatGPT response to a request for titles for an article on AI in local SEO

Beyond content creation, ChatGPT can perform detailed sentiment analysis on customer feedback and answer FAQs. This functionality helps maintain a consistently high level of customer service while freeing up resources for other tasks.

Semrush Local: This suite of tools includes powerful local SEO features like position tracking and listing management. But the platform also offers a comprehensive set of AI tools that enhance various aspects of local SEO. From content optimization to review management, Semrush Local makes life easier for thousands of local businesses.

BuzzSumo: A long-time staple of content marketing toolkits, BuzzSumo identifies key influencers and content creators. The AI component assists in crafting personalized pitches, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.

Screenshot of BuzzSumo’s AI outreach tool

Brandwatch: This tool uses AI to monitor and analyze online conversations in real time. It helps local businesses understand what people are saying about them across social media and the web. 

PaveAI: Wouldn’t it be nice if you could turn Google Analytics and social media data into plain English? Well, now you can! PaveAI interprets data from local visitors, providing reports and actionable insights on how to adjust your strategy.