If someone asks an AI for a local plumber or electrician, the answer may point them to Google Maps and a Google Business Profile, or link to the business's website. Those two Google AI experiences often draw on different sources, so local trades need to keep both up to date.
Steady Demand's August 2026 study of local-service searches in 50 US metros, revised 9 September 2026, found that on local-intent queries, AI Mode cited Google Maps or Google Business Profiles 79.8% of the time and the business's own site 12.8%. AI Overviews cited the business's own site 70.7% of the time and Maps or Google Business Profiles 3.1%. Read the Steady Demand study.
This is one study of US local-service searches, not a Google guarantee. Results differ by business type, and UK results may differ. The study notes that home-service trades had a high share of AI Mode citations from Maps.
Keep both sources useful
Keep your Google Business Profile complete and current. Check your primary category, services, hours, service areas, photos, and reviews. In the study, AI Mode's local answers mostly linked to Google listings, so keep every detail accurate. See our Google Business Profile management service.
Keep your website consistent with your profile. Use the same business name, phone number if you publish one, hours, and services. In the study, AI Overviews' local answers mostly linked to business websites. Read our frequently asked questions.
Name the towns and areas you actually serve near the top of every service or town page someone might land on from an AI answer. If an AI answer says you cover a town and the page never says so, the click is wasted. See our guide to service area settings.
Check that your profile and website give people the same clear information. You can start with a free audit.