I am no advocate for the use of AI. Quite the opposite: “T2” was the first R-rated movie I remember watching as a kid, and it left an impression on me that no amount of positive thinkpieces about AI will overcome.

However, it is often our job as marketing strategists to take a serious look at a new technology in the space, and determine if that technology could benefit our clients. In the case of AI, that answer is a resounding yes—particularly as it applies to how local consumers are discovering new products and services.

The facts are clear: traditional means of search are losing favor with millennials and younger, with folks utilizing social media and platforms like ChatGPT to find their next meal or a place to fix their car. The data shows that this is happening across verticals, too, with local search particularly impacted by the rise of AI.

AIO and GEO Optimization

We are still, ourselves, learning about how AI optimization can impact local search. In our early research, we’ve spoken with SEOs and consulted popular industry publications like SEM Rush to get a better sense of how Screechy Cat Media can provide AI optimization (or AIO) and local search optimization, or GEO. We have taken what we’ve uncovered so far and put together a short whitepaper, which we’re offering as a free download below. Just fill in your email and we’ll send the PDF right over.