What does Google AI look for when citing local businesses?

• Trust and Authority (E-E-A-T): Google AI prioritizes credible sources with high-quality, structured content, schema markup (e.g., LocalBusiness and FAQ), backlinks from reputable local sites, and positive reputation via reviews on platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, Nextdoor, and EZlocal—key factors boosting prominence and trustworthiness in local SEO rankings.
• Local Relevance and Proximity: Optimized Google Business Profile with consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone), up-to-date details (hours, services, photos), and location-specific content using local keywords enhance relevance, proximity signals, and visibility in Google Maps and the Local Pack.
• AI-Specific Content Structure: Clear, scannable formats like headings, bullet points, tables, and conversational voice search optimization make content easy for Google AI to extract, synthesize, and cite in AI Overviews.
• User Engagement and Reviews: High ratings, volume of positive reviews, user interactions (clicks, calls, visits), and prompt review responses signal quality and engagement, improving local SEO performance and citation likelihood.

By optimizing for these factors, businesses can increase features in Google AI-powered results, driving visibility, trust, and local traffic.