Introduction: Local SEO Isn’t Just Google Anymore
In 2025, local SEO is no longer just about ranking in Google’s “map pack” or showing up on the first page. Customers are searching everywhere — not only in traditional search engines but also inside AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, and more.
If your business only focuses on old-school SEO, you’re already losing ground.
This guide will give you the new local SEO playbook — a step-by-step strategy to rank in Google, AI Search, and every platform where your customers are looking for you.
At Lion Bear Media, we’ve been helping local businesses in San Diego, La Jolla, and across the country adapt to this new reality so they can outrank, outconvert, and outperform their competition.
Chapter 1: Why Local SEO Changed Forever
1. AI Search Is Now Part of the Game
Before 2023, people primarily searched through Google, Bing, or Yelp. Now, they’re increasingly asking AI-powered tools for recommendations.
Example: A homeowner doesn’t type “plumber near me” in Google — they ask ChatGPT, “Who’s the best plumber in La Jolla?”
If your business isn’t optimized for AI Search Marketing (AEO), these tools will recommend your competitors instead.
2. Search Results Are Fragmented
Google search still matters — but now you also need to appear in:
- AI assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot)
- Voice search (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant)
- Map apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze)
- Review platforms (Yelp, Angi, Houzz, TripAdvisor)
The takeaway: The new local SEO strategy must make you findable everywhere, not just in one platform.
Chapter 2: The New Local SEO Playbook for 2025
We break this down into three pillars:
Pillar 1: Local Search Fundamentals
These are still the bedrock of ranking in Google and maps:
- Google Business Profile Optimization
- Fill in every section (categories, services, products, FAQs)
- Add weekly posts to show activity
- Upload geotagged photos and videos
- Keep NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistent everywhere
- On-Page Local SEO
- Create service + location landing pages (e.g., “La Jolla Water Heater Repair”)
- Include local schema markup for address and service area
- Add reviews/testimonials on relevant pages
- Reputation Management
- Get 2–5 new Google reviews weekly
- Respond to every review within 24 hours
- Include keywords in your review responses when natural
Pillar 2: AI Search Optimization (AEO)
AI Search Marketing (AEO) is how you get recommended in ChatGPT, Google SGE, Gemini, and other AI assistants.
Key Steps for AEO:
- Structured Data & Schema Markup
AI tools pull data from structured content — make sure your business has schema for:- LocalBusiness
- Services Offered
- Reviews
- FAQs
- Conversational Content
Create content that directly answers common customer questions in natural language, so AI tools can quote you as the source.
Example: Instead of just “Plumbing Repair,” have a page section titled: “What’s the fastest way to fix a leaky pipe in La Jolla?” - Authority Building
AI tools prioritize businesses that look trustworthy:- High review volume
- Clear service expertise on your site
- Citations in local news, blogs, and directories
Pillar 3: Omnichannel Visibility
Customers are now platform agnostic — they’ll find you wherever it’s easiest for them.
To win, you need to be present in:
- Google & Bing search
- AI assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot)
- Voice search (Alexa, Siri)
- Map apps (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze)
- Industry directories (Angi, Houzz, Healthgrades)
- Social media search (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok search results)
Pro Tip: Treat every platform like a “search engine” — optimize your profile and content for discoverability.
Chapter 3: Action Plan to Implement the New Local SEO
Here’s how to put this into action in the next 90 days:
Weeks 1–4: Foundation
- Fully optimize Google Business Profile
- Audit NAP consistency across all listings
- Add local schema markup to your website
- Build or improve service + location landing pages
Weeks 5–8: AI Search Optimization
- Identify top industry-specific questions & create content answering them
- Add FAQs to service pages
- Create “How To” and “Best of” blog posts for your niche
- Start earning local backlinks from blogs & news sites
Weeks 9–12: Omnichannel Expansion
- Claim and optimize profiles on all relevant directories
- Upload short-form videos answering FAQs to social platforms
- Run a small local ad campaign to boost visibility while organic traffic grows
- Collect and showcase new reviews across all platforms
Chapter 4: Measuring Success in 2025
To know if your new strategy is working, track:
- Google Business Profile Insights – Calls, directions, website clicks
- Website analytics – Organic traffic, leads, conversion rate
- AI tool visibility – Test prompts in ChatGPT/Gemini to see if you’re recommended
- Review growth – Weekly and monthly review count
Conclusion: Local SEO Is Now “Everywhere SEO”
In 2025, the businesses that win local SEO will be the ones that show up everywhere their customers search — not just on Google.
By combining traditional local SEO fundamentals with AI Search Optimization and an omnichannel visibility strategy, you can make sure your business gets found, chosen, and trusted — no matter where people are searching.
If you want to dominate Google, AI search tools, and every local platform, Lion Bear Media can build your custom 2025 Local SEO + AEO strategy.
Book your Growth Strategy Session today: https://lionbearmedia.com/book-id-call/