What AI says when it recommends a local business

A new US study found that AI assistants often mention reviews, ratings and price when recommending local businesses. These are reasons given in the answers, not proof of how the businesses were selected.

A study published on October 8 examined what 12 AI assistants said in more than 31,000 answers about local businesses across US markets. Reviews or ratings appeared as a reason in about 31% of the business recommendations. When people asked for an affordable option, price was mentioned more often.

For a small business, this is a reminder that people may encounter your reputation and prices in an AI answer before visiting your website. The study looked at US results, so its percentages may not apply elsewhere. It also measured what the assistants said, not why they chose each business.

Check the public information a customer would use to verify an answer about your business. Are your services and service area clear on your website? Are any published prices or price ranges current? Do your review profiles show recent, genuine customer feedback?

Start with one service you want to be known for. Search for a local provider of that service as a customer would, read the answer, and correct any outdated information you control.