The Shift from Google-Only SEO

Earlier, when people in Indore wanted a doctor, a shop, or even a marketing agency, they opened Google and checked the first page. Businesses worked hard to appear there with ads, backlinks, and SEO tricks.

But today, things are changing. More and more people are skipping Google and directly asking AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity for advice.

  • 71.5% of people say they already use AI tools for search.
  • And Google itself has started showing AI answers (called AI Overviews) in 11% of searches, and this number is rising fast.

This means your customers might never even reach the list of 10 websites on Google, they’ll just pick from the 3–4 names AI tools recommend.

What It Means for Local Businesses in Indore

Imagine you run a clinic, a coaching center, or a restaurant.

  • On Google: customers see 10–20 results, scroll, compare, and maybe click.
  • On AI tools: customers see just 3–4 names.

If your business isn’t on that shortlist, you don’t exist in the customer’s eyes. That’s why AI SEO is now a must-have.

Research also shows that only 41.5% of Google searches lead to a website click. The rest are answered right on the search page or by AI tools.

How AI Tools Decide Which Businesses to Show

AI search doesn’t just look at backlinks or ads. It looks for:

  • Helpful, clear content → Simple answers that solve people’s doubts.
  • Local signals → Clear mention of Indore, address, reviews, and services.
  • Authority & trust → Your name appearing on other reliable sites.
  • Freshness → Updated information (AI loves 2025-ready content).

So even if your website ranks on Google, it may not show up on ChatGPT or Gemini unless it matches these AI-first rules.

Example: “Best SEO Agency in Indore”

Search on Google → you’ll find many agencies.
Ask ChatGPT or Gemini → you’ll see only 3–4 agencies recommended.

That’s the power shift. Traditional SEO is about moving from page 3 to page 1 on Google.
AI SEO is about being one of the top 3 recommendations in AI search.

What You Should Do as a Business Owner

AI SEO sounds technical, but in simple terms, it just means making your online presence so strong that even AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini can’t ignore you. Here’s how you can do that step by step:

1. Write Blogs That Truly Help People

Don’t just write for keywords. Write like you’re answering a customer sitting in front of you.

  • Example: If you run a dental clinic, instead of just “Best dentist in Indore,” write an article like “5 Signs You Should Visit a Dentist Immediately”.
  • Why? Because AI tools prefer blogs that solve problems clearly and in detail, not keyword-stuffed content.

2. Show Proof of Real Experience

AI tools scan for trust signals. Real photos, testimonials, and reviews prove you’re not just a name.

  • Add before-after photos (if you’re in healthcare, beauty, fitness).
  • Share real customer stories even short ones matter.
  • Collect Google Reviews regularly. AI tools often read them while ranking businesses.

3. Use Structured Data (Schema)

Think of schema like a visiting card for AI tools. It tells them clearly:

  • What services you provide
  • Where you are located
  • Your contact details

Without schema, AI may misread your site or skip you. With schema, your chances of being “understood and recommended” go way up.

4. Keep Your Business Info the Same Everywhere

If your clinic name on Google Maps is “Indore Smile Dental Clinic,” but on JustDial it says “Smile Dental by Dr. X,” AI tools may get confused.

  • Always keep Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) consistent across:
    • Google Maps
    • JustDial
    • Practo / Zomato / UrbanClap (depending on your industry)
    • Facebook / Instagram pages

This builds credibility signals.

5. Keep Your Website Fresh

AI doesn’t like old, dusty websites. It prefers fresh, updated ones.

  • Add new blog posts every month.
  • Update your service pages with new offers or treatments.
  • Post local updates (festive discounts, new branch opening, local events).

According to WordStream, 80% of people will use AI search in the next year . If your site looks active and updated, you’re more likely to appear when they search.

“AI doesn’t reward the biggest businesses, it rewards the most helpful, trusted, and visible ones. If your brand looks real, active, and people-focused online, AI tools will naturally choose you.”

The Bigger Picture: Where AI SEO Is Taking Us

The way people search is changing faster than ever. Google is no longer the only place customers look for answers. AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are becoming the new “first stop” for information.

For a local business in Indore, this means:

  • You don’t just compete for page 1 on Google.
  • You compete for the top 3 spots in AI answers.
  • Those who prepare early will own customer attention, while others will struggle to be noticed.

According to The Wall Street Journal, AI-driven search already handles 5.6% of desktop traffic in the U.S., and it’s growing faster than expected. This shows how quickly the shift is happening globally and India won’t be far behind.

Final Word

SEO is no longer just about rankings. It’s about being chosen by AI when customers ask for help.

“AI SEO is the new digital word-of-mouth. If you’re not recommended by AI, you’re not remembered by people.”

So whether you run a clinic, a coaching center, or an e-commerce store in Indore, now is the time to adapt.

Don’t wait for your competitors to take the AI spotlight first.

Book a free AI SEO strategy session with RankVed today, and let’s make sure your business shows up in both Google and AI searches.