September 22, 2025

10 Local SEO Statistics That Matter in 2026

Local SEO in 2026 is being reshaped by AI, accuracy, and reputation. Google’s AI Overviews already appear in 13% of queries, AI assistants handle 3% of search traffic, and consumers demand flawless information with 73% losing trust after just one inconsistency. Restaurants that keep profiles updated see 89% more customer actions (Mobal.io), and businesses posting weekly see 30% more engagement. Reviews, photos, and structured data now feed not just rankings, but AI recommendations. In an era where fewer results surface, local SEO has become a winner-takes-most game.,

Published on

September 22, 2025

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Key takeaways

Local SEO has shifted dramatically in the past two years. Where once it was about ranking in the “map pack,” today it’s about earning trust in an AI-driven discovery ecosystem. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), AI assistants, and shifting consumer expectations are rewriting the rules of visibility.

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The following 10 statistics (plus one bonus insight) highlight what matters most in 2026, and where forward-looking businesses should focus their local strategy.

1. 46% of all Google searches now have local intent

Local discovery is everywhere. Nearly half of Google’s search traffic is tied to finding places nearby, services in the moment, or businesses within reach (BrightLocal, 2025). If you’re not optimized for local, you’re effectively invisible to almost half of potential demand.

2. AI summaries appear in ~13% of Google queries

Google’s AI Overviews have doubled in presence within months — from 6.5% in January 2025 to 13.1% in March 2025 (Birdeye, 2025). For local queries, this means fewer results shown up front. Visibility is narrowing. Winning a spot in AI-driven summaries is fast becoming as critical as ranking in the local map pack.

3. AI assistants are already capturing 3% of search traffic

Birdeye research shows AI assistants — from Google’s “Ask for Me” to independent chatbots — are handling ~3% of searches today (Birdeye, 2025). That number is expected to climb steeply. The first touch is shifting from browser-based search to conversational AI. Businesses must ensure structured, accurate data so these assistants pull the right information.

4. 73% of consumers lose trust if online information is inconsistent

According to Business Wire’s 2025 consumer study, accuracy is non-negotiable. Customers expect business hours, menus, and locations to be correct everywhere they search (Business Wire, 2025). A single wrong time or outdated address can fracture credibility.

5. Restaurants that update their profiles get 89% more customer actions

It’s important to keep your profile updated so customers have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Restaurants that actively maintain this information get 89% more calls, website visits, and direction requests — and 79% more reviews — according to data from Mobal.io.

This isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s measurable growth tied directly to active maintenance.

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