GEO for Local Businesses: The Complete AI Visibility Playbook

The Local Business AI Search Problem

When someone asks ChatGPT "What's the best dentist near me?" or tells Perplexity "Find a good Italian restaurant in Sydney" — will your business be mentioned?

For most local businesses, the answer is no. And that's a massive problem as AI search grows.

"Local businesses have the most to gain from GEO because local queries are among the most common AI search use cases — and the least competitive." — GEOWorkbook

Why Local GEO Is Different

• Limited competition: In a local market, you're competing with 10-50 businesses, not millions
• High intent: "Best dentist in [city]" is a high-purchase-intent query
• Review-heavy: AI engines heavily weight reviews for local recommendations
• Schema-rich opportunity: Local Business Schema directly feeds AI responses

The Local GEO Stack

Layer 1: Google Business Profile Optimization (Foundation)

Your GBP is the single most important asset for local GEO:

Complete every field — 100% profile completion

Choose precise categories — Primary + secondary categories

Write a keyword-rich description — Include services, areas, specialties

Add all services — With descriptions and pricing

Upload 50+ high-quality photos — Interior, exterior, team, products

Respond to every review — AI engines read your responses

Post weekly updates — Google Posts show activity signals

Layer 2: Local Schema Markup (Technical)

Implement comprehensive LocalBusiness Schema:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Dentist",
  "name": "Dr. Smith Family Dentistry",
  "description": "Award-winning family dental practice serving [City] for 15+ years. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, implants, and emergency dental care.",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "streetAddress": "123 Main St",
    "addressLocality": "Sydney",
    "addressRegion": "NSW",
    "postalCode": "2000",
    "addressCountry": "AU"
  },
  "telephone": "+61-2-XXXX-XXXX",
  "url": "https://drsmithdentistry.com.au",
  "priceRange": "$$",
  "aggregateRating": {
    "@type": "AggregateRating",
    "ratingValue": "4.8",
    "reviewCount": "245"
  },
  "openingHoursSpecification": [...],
  "sameAs": [
    "https://facebook.com/drsmithdentistry",
    "https://instagram.com/drsmithdentistry"
  ]
}

Also implement:

• FAQPage Schema — For common questions about your services
• Review Schema — For testimonials
• Service Schema — For each service you offer
• Person Schema — For key staff/professionals

Layer 3: Content Strategy for Local AI Visibility

Create content that answers local queries AI engines receive:

#### Service Pages (High Priority)

• "Best [service] in [city]" content
• Include pricing, process, results
• Embed patient/client testimonials
• Add before/after case studies

#### Location Pages (If multi-location)

• Unique content per location
• Local area information
• Staff profiles per location
• Location-specific reviews

#### FAQ Pages (Critical for AI)

• Answer 20+ common questions
• Use conversational language
• Include specific local details
• Update regularly with new questions

#### Blog/Education Content

• "[City] Guide to [Your Service]"
• "How Much Does [Service] Cost in [City]?"
• "[Common Problem] Solutions in [City]"
• Seasonal content relevant to your industry

Layer 4: Review Strategy (AI Trust Signals)

AI engines use reviews as primary trust signals:

Quantity Targets:

• Minimum 50+ Google reviews
• Regular cadence of new reviews (2-5 per week)
• Reviews on multiple platforms (Google, Yelp, industry-specific)

Quality Optimization:

• Encourage specific, detailed reviews
• Respond to every review professionally
• Address negative reviews constructively
• Ask for keyword-rich reviews naturally

Layer 5: Local Citation Building

Ensure consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across:

• Google Business Profile
• Apple Maps / Apple Business Connect
• Bing Places for Business
• Yelp
• Industry-specific directories
• Local chamber of commerce
• Local business associations

Layer 6: llms.txt for Local Business

Create a local-specific llms.txt:

# Dr. Smith Family Dentistry

About
Award-winning family dental practice in Sydney CBD, serving the community for 15+ years. Led by Dr. John Smith (BDSc, FRACDS) with a team of 8 dental professionals.

Services
General Dentistry: Check-ups, cleanings, fillings
Cosmetic Dentistry: Veneers, whitening, smile makeovers
Dental Implants: Full implant services, same-day options
Emergency Dentistry: Walk-in emergency appointments available

Key Facts
Location: 123 Main St, Sydney CBD, NSW 2000
Rating: 4.8 stars from 245+ Google Reviews
Established: 2011
Insurance: Accepts all major health funds
Languages: English, Mandarin, Vietnamese

Why Choose Us
15+ years of experience in Sydney CBD
Latest technology (3D scanning, digital X-rays)
Same-day emergency appointments
Payment plans available

Local GEO Audit Checklist

Use this checklist to audit any local business:

○ Google Business Profile 100% complete

○ LocalBusiness Schema implemented correctly

○ FAQPage Schema with 10+ local questions

○ 50+ Google reviews with 4.5+ average

○ Reviews being responded to within 48 hours

○ llms.txt file at site root

○ NAP consistency across 10+ directories

○ Service pages with unique, detailed content

○ Location-specific blog content (5+ articles)

○ Images with geo-tagged EXIF data

○ Social media profiles linked and active

○ Structured data for all services

○ Mobile-optimized website

○ Page speed under 3 seconds

Measuring Local GEO Success

AI Search Testing

Monthly, run these prompts across all AI engines:

• "Best [your service] in [your city]"
• "Recommended [your business type] near [your area]"
• "[Your specific service] in [your city] reviews"
• "Compare [your business] vs [competitor]"

Metrics to Track

AI mention frequency — How often AI mentions you

AI mention position — Where you appear in the response

AI description accuracy — Is the information correct?

Referral traffic from AI — Traffic from AI-sourced visits

Phone calls from AI — Track calls that mention AI recommendations

Industry-Specific Tips

Restaurants

• Menu Schema with prices is critical
• Fresh, high-quality food photos weekly
• Respond to every food review
• Create content about your dishes, ingredients, chef

Healthcare

• Physician Schema for every practitioner
• Medical conditions content (FAQ-rich)
• Patient testimonials with specific conditions mentioned
• Insurance/pricing transparency

Legal

• Practice area pages with detailed explanations
• Case results (anonymized) as proof points
• Attorney bios with credentials and experience
• FAQ for each practice area

Home Services

• Service area pages
• Before/after project galleries
• Pricing guides for common services
• Seasonal maintenance content

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Related: Schema Markup for GEO

E-E-A-T-A Framework

GEO Audit Guide