There Are Now 3 Ways to Show Up in Search (Most Local Businesses Only Know One)

The way we search for information has evolved dramatically in the past year. Your customers don't just get a list of blue links on Google anymore. They get answers written for them, sometimes without ever even clicking a website. Which means that if your business is solely relying on showing up one way, you may be missing critical exposure in other ways.

Here's the plain-English version of what's going on, and what to do about each.

1. SEO — the one you likely already know

Stands for search engine optimization, which has historically meant optimizing your website for your industry's target keywords or search phrases in an effort to show up when customers are searching for what you offer. Let's say you're a roofer in Savannah, Georgia. When someone searches for "roofing company near me Savannah GA" ideally that roofing company wants to appear towards the top of those search results. Strong keywords, positive reviews, authoritative backlinks, and a fast loading website that performs well on mobile is a solid foundation to search engine optimization, and still matters enormously. If your SEO is weak, the other two don't necessarily save you.

2. AEO — Quoted in Google's AI answers

Someone searches "how much does a roof replacement cost in Savannah?" Google may now generate an AI Overview that answers the question directly — no clicking required.

If your content answers real customer questions clearly (FAQs, cost guides, comparison pages), Google pulls your business into that answer. If it doesn't, a competitor gets the quote and you get nothing. This is already hitting local search: Google is testing AI-written summaries right on top of business listings.

Your reviews, your profile fields, and your website copy are what the AI reads.

3. GEO — Recommended inside AI Chat Bots

Someone asks ChatGPT, "who's a good plumber in Savannah?" The AI recommends specific businesses, explains why, and links sources. It doesn't rank websites, it recommends names.

The businesses that show up are the ones with real reviews, real expertise signals, mentions on independent sites, and content worth citing.

Nobody can buy their way into that recommendation. You earn it.

So what do you actually do?

• SEO: Keep the fundamentals strong — optimized website, complete Google Business Profile, steady reviews, local keywords that match how customers actually search.

• AEO: Publish answers to the questions your customers ask you on every job. "How long does an HVAC install take?" "Do I need a permit for a deck in Chatham County?" One clear page per question.

• GEO: Build the credibility AI looks for — genuine customer reviews everywhere (not just Google), mentions on local and industry sites, and content written by someone who clearly does the work.

We've spent years fighting to rank higher. Now we also have to earn the right to be recommended.

Here's the question worth sitting with: if someone asked ChatGPT for the best company in your trade in your town today — would your business even come up?

If you're not sure, that's exactly what I help with.

At Matt Davis Marketing I build websites and local SEO strategies for small businesses that aim to get your business placed in all three ways. In your local search results, within AI chat bots, and in the recommendations on Google. If your business needs help putting together an SEO/AEO/GEO strategy, book a call with me below.