- Written by Hozio
- August 26, 2025
- 3 Minute Read
Let’s get right to it — the way people search online has changed. AI is reshaping how we all find what we’re looking for. And if you run a local service business in New York, you can’t afford to be left behind.
I’m Steve, founder of Hozio — a search engine optimization company based right here in New York. We’ve been helping local businesses rank for the past 16 years, and what we’re seeing now is the biggest shift in search since mobile took over. If you want your business to show up in AI-powered results — whether it’s ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, or Perplexity — here’s what you need to know and what to do next.
First, What’s Changing?
People used to type keywords into Google and get a list of links. Now, AI tools are skipping the list and giving users a straight-up answer — no click needed. These AI responses often pull from websites they trust. If you’re not in that mix, you’re invisible.
So How Do You Show up in AI search?
This isn’t about tossing out everything you know about SEO. It’s about upgrading your strategy. Here’s what’s working right now — especially for local SEO services in NYC.
1. Optimize for How AI Thinks (Not Just How Google Ranks)
AI pulls from clear, helpful content. That means:
- Break up content with headers, bullet points, and direct answers.
- Use a FAQ format to answer common questions about your services.
- Write in a natural tone — like you’re talking to a person, not a robot.
This approach is called Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). Basically, you’re making your content easier for AI to understand and use.
Looking for ways to improve your customer growth?
2. Use Schema Markup (Yes, It Matters)
Schema is the code that tells search engines what your content is about. For AI, this is gold. It helps platforms identify your business as the best answer. Add schema to:
- Your service pages
- FAQ sections
- Location pages (especially borough-specific content like “AI search optimization NYC”)
3. Create Content That Actually Answers Real Questions
AI tools are only as good as the content they pull from. So give them something worth using. For example:
- Instead of writing a general post on “SEO tips,” try “How NYC law firms can rank higher using local SEO in 2025.”
- Be specific, be local, and explain why your method works.
4. Your Google Business Profile Still Matters
Even with AI, local search visibility is still tied to your Google Business listing. Keep it updated, get reviews that include keywords (like “best NYC SEO company”), and make sure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) info is consistent across directories. Bonus: AI often scrapes Google Business info when creating local results.
5. Backlinks Still Count — Especially Local Ones
AI looks at credibility signals. Backlinks from NYC-based websites — think local blogs, news outlets, industry associations — boost your authority. Not sure who’s linking to your competitors? We can help you find out. That’s part of what we do every day at Hozio.
6. Speed, Mobile, and Technical SEO? Still Non-Negotiable
If your site is slow or doesn’t load well on mobile, you’re already behind. AI tools prioritize fast, user-friendly experiences. So does Google. It’s 2025 — your site needs to work instantly on any device.
7. Keep an Eye on Emerging AI Tools
New platforms like Perplexity and ChatGPT’s web browsing are gaining traction. They don’t pull from search engine indexes — they pull from live websites. This means your content needs to be fresh, helpful, and technically clean to be included. Think of it as writing for both a person and a robot at the same time.
What This Means for NYC Local Businesses
If you’re a contractor in Queens, a dentist in Brooklyn, or a law firm in Manhattan — your next client might never see a traditional Google results page. They’ll get an answer in a chat window.
