10 Local SEO Statistics That Matter in 2026

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 A single wrong time or outdated address can fracture credibility.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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6. Local listings with photos drive 42% more direction requests

BrightLocal data shows the power of visuals: listings with high-quality photos get significantly more engagement (BrightLocal, 2025). Photos are not just branding assets; they are engagement drivers in local SEO.

7. Weekly Google Business Profile posts increase engagement by 30%

Google is rewarding freshness. Businesses that post weekly updates — specials, events, announcements — see a 30% increase in customer interactions (BrightLocal, 2025). Static listings no longer cut it.

8. 90% of consumers read reviews before visiting a business

Reviews remain the backbone of local SEO. Nine out of ten consumers won’t step inside without scanning feedback (BrightLocal, 2025). In an era where AI pulls sentiment as well as star ratings, reputation has become both a trust signal and a ranking signal.

9. AI is reshaping reputation signals

Search Engine Land notes that AI-driven local results are beginning to interpret not just ratings, but the themes within reviews — speed, quality, friendliness (Search Engine Land, 2025). Businesses with consistently positive themes are more likely to be surfaced in AI-driven recommendations.

10. Local ad spend is growing 12% annually through 2028

Paid visibility is rising alongside organic. According to industry forecasts, local ad spend is expected to grow at 12% annually through 2028 (Business Wire, 2025). Combining organic and paid strategies is fast becoming the norm.

What This Means for 2026

Local SEO is no longer about filling out a directory listing and calling it a day. It’s about:

• Being AI-ready — structured data, schema markup, and consistent information across platforms.
• Earning trust — through accuracy, updated profiles, and responsive reputation management.
• Competing in narrower spaces — AI summaries show fewer results; winners take most.
• Blending organic and paid — hybrid visibility ensures your business isn’t buried.

For restaurants, retailers, and service providers alike, the lesson is clear: in 2026, local SEO isn’t maintenance. It’s strategy.

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