As artificial intelligence reshapes the way consumers discover nearby businesses, industry experts are warning that traditional local search strategies may soon become obsolete. In a recent webinar hosted by Search Engine Journal, panelists delved into how AI is accelerating changes in search engine results pages, particularly for location-based queries. They highlighted that AI overviews, which provide synthesized summaries at the top of results, are increasingly pulling data from maps, reviews, and real-time business information, often bypassing the need for users to click through to websites. This shift is prompting marketers to rethink optimization tactics, focusing less on keyword stuffing and more on structured data that AI can easily interpret.

For multi-location brands, the stakes are even higher. The webinar revealed data from a custom study showing that certain queries trigger AI overviews more frequently than traditional map packs, with visibility varying by industry. For instance, retail and hospitality sectors see AI summaries dominating 60% of “near me” searches, according to insights shared. Businesses that fail to adapt risk losing out to competitors who leverage AI-friendly content, such as high-quality images and verified business profiles on platforms like Google My Business.

Navigating the Rise of AI-Driven Local Discovery in 2025: As we approach 2025, the integration of generative AI into search engines is not just enhancing user experiences but fundamentally altering how local businesses compete for attention, with innovations like voice-activated queries and predictive recommendations set to dominate.

This evolution is echoed in broader industry reports. A post on X from digital marketing firm Straight North emphasized that AI is making local SEO “futuristic,” incorporating elements like Perplexity’s local search capabilities and even AI-initiated calls to businesses, drawing from recent updates by Google. Similarly, Business Tech Weekly outlined strategies for adapting to these changes, stressing the importance of claiming listings across multiple maps providers, including Apple and Bing, to ensure visibility in AI aggregated results.

The financial implications are significant. According to a forecast from Coherent Market Insights, the AI search engines market is projected to reach $108.88 billion by 2032, growing at a 14% compound annual rate from 2025, driven largely by local search innovations. This growth is fueled by advancements in natural language processing, allowing AI to understand contextual queries like “best coffee shop open now” with unprecedented accuracy.

Strategic Shifts for Multi-Generational Customer Engagement: With AI personalizing search results based on user demographics, businesses must now tailor their online presence to appeal across age groups, from Gen Z’s preference for visual and social integrations to older users’ reliance on straightforward map data.

Recent news on X from Search Engine Journal itself underscores the need for data-driven tactics, noting that some brands excel in map packs while others shine in AI overviews, based on query types. Their analysis suggests optimizing for both by enriching profiles with photos, hours, and real-time updates. Meanwhile, a report from Google Cloud Blog discusses multimodal AI trends, where text, images, and voice combine to enhance local search, potentially transforming public sector applications like emergency services routing.

Innovation isn’t limited to tech giants. Startups are entering the fray, with posts on X from users like Matt Diggity highlighting entity optimization techniques that help dominate AI platforms. By building comprehensive entity profiles—detailing business attributes in a way AI models can parse—companies can improve their chances of appearing in synthesized responses.

Ethical Considerations and Future Challenges in AI Local Search: As AI becomes more autonomous in curating local results, questions arise about bias in recommendations and the need for transparent data practices, challenging businesses to balance innovation with accountability in 2025.

Ethical challenges are gaining attention, as noted in an analysis by Gupta Deepak, which covers advancements in ethical AI for deep search tools. The piece warns of potential disparities in visibility for small businesses versus large chains if AI favors well-established entities. On X, discussions from Artificial Analysis point to trends like AI agents that automate local discovery, raising concerns about data privacy in real-time tracking.

Looking ahead, experts predict a hybrid model where traditional search coexists with AI enhancements. A recent X post from What People Want observed users shifting to conversational AI for complex local queries while still relying on Google for maps, indicating a gradual transition. To stay competitive, insiders recommend investing in AI tools for monitoring visibility, as suggested in Semrush’s study, which forecasts AI search visitors surpassing traditional ones by 2028.

Investment Opportunities and Market Projections: The burgeoning AI local search sector is attracting significant investments, with projections indicating explosive growth that savvy businesses can capitalize on through early adoption of emerging technologies.

Market dynamics are shifting rapidly, per AlixPartners, which describes a paradigm shift in the global search market for 2025, emphasizing diversification beyond Google. In India, EY’s report on generative AI trends highlights local innovations, such as AI-integrated apps for hyper-local services, which could influence global strategies.

For industry insiders, the key takeaway is proactive adaptation. As one X post from ZC25 noted, generative engine optimization represents an $80 billion opportunity, moving away from outdated SEO practices toward AI-centric approaches. By 2025, businesses that integrate these innovations will likely lead in local visibility, while laggards face diminished relevance in an AI-dominated search ecosystem.

Planet Group International (PGI), the Romanian-headquartered company specializing in content and process management, empowers its Artificial Intelligence team through the collaboration with Michele Vaccaro, a renowned global leader in Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation. The partnership is designed to accelerate PGI’s AI strategy and strengthen its capabilities, with the objective of generating 20% business growth in 2026.

Michele brings 25 years of deep expertise in Information Governance, with the last decade dedicated to Artificial Intelligence at global leaders such as EMC and OpenText. He has guided enterprises across industries through successful digital and AI transformation journeys.

With over 25 years of expertise delivering IT solutions across 20 countries in the EMEA region, PGI is uniquely positioned to integrate AI into its offering, particularly in highly regulated and complex sectors such as banking, energy, and engineering.

AI-driven solutions are expected to become a decisive differentiator in the coming years. Yet, success depends not only on revolutionary technology, but on data readiness. “If your data isn’t ready for AI, your business isn’t ready for AI,” said Michele Vaccaro.

Planet Group International prepared itself to become today the perfect companion for any business that wants to start its AI journey, thanks to its extensive know-how in information governance and the company’s strong competencies in managing unstructured content and preparing data for AI. Combined with its AI expertise, skills, and the ability to adapt international best practices to the local geographical context, PGI can guide organizations throughout the entire journey.

“While AI tools are transformative, they do not generate value on their own. They require continuous training, alignment with business processes, and integration into industry-specific contexts. PGI’s long-standing expertise in content and process management ensures it can provide this foundation, helping customers deploy AI smoothly and effectively while safeguarding compliance and governance. Through this collaboration with Michele Vaccaro, PGI takes a bold step forward in its AI journey,” said Ghenadie Starsii – Innovation Manager at Planet Group International.

According to PGI, on top of preparing the data for AI, which is a critical prerequisite, there are other very important steps to ensure a successful AI journey, including:

1. Defining a transformative vision and strategy – AI success starts with an enterprise-level vision that treats AI as a driver of fundamental business transformation, not just incremental change. This ensures alignment across leadership and enables the design of secure, efficient, and coherent architectures to support long-term growth.
2. Carefully selecting use cases– Organizations should prioritize strategic, business-aligned areas where AI can deliver measurable value, balancing business impact with technical feasibility.
3. People and change management– Generative AI must be treated as a broad business priority, not just a technology initiative. Companies must invest in critical roles, foster data and AI literacy, and drive cultural adoption across all levels of the enterprise.

With this new partnership, PGI creates the formula to deliver real business value, the company aiming to be a trusted partner for organizations adopting AI responsibly and strategically. With focus on innovation, data readiness, and sustainable AI, PGI is positioned to help enterprises unlock growth, boost competitiveness, and lead into the AI-powered future.

Planet Group International journey began over twenty-five years ago in a world hungry for innovation with a singular purpose – to redefine the business landscape and create a sustainable impact on people’s lives. PGI has established a robust presence across seven countries, including Romania, Turkey, Italy, regions in Africa, and the Middle East, with dedicated consulting and implementation teams.