23/08/2026
Google is slowly turning into a personal assistant instead of just a search engine.
Instead of making people call around for quotes, AI is doing it for them. That changes how local businesses compete. Itโs no longer just about ranking first. You also need to be available when Googleโs AI reaches out.
If you rely on local customers, make sure someone is answering your phone consistently. The businesses that respond will have a much better chance of getting recommended, even if they arenโt ranking #1.