Ask questions like this to multiple AIs at once

Try free

How do I rank with an LLM for a local business

To rank with LLMs (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity) for a local business, you need to optimize for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) alongside traditional local SEO. LLMs prioritize authoritative, well-cited, contextually rich information when generating recommendations.

Here’s your actionable roadmap:

1. Lock Down the Foundation (Do This First)

LLMs scrape training data and real-time search results. If you’re invisible to Google, you’re invisible to AI.

  • Claim/Optimize Google Business Profile: Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is identical everywhere
  • Fix Local Citations: Submit to Yelp, Apple Maps, Bing Places, TripAdvisor, industry-specific directories (Houzz for contractors, Healthgrades for doctors)
  • Schema Markup: Add LocalBusiness structured data to your website including:
    • @type: LocalBusiness (or specific subtype like Restaurant, Dentist)
    • geo coordinates
    • openingHoursSpecification
    • aggregateRating (reviews)
    • areaServed (specific neighborhoods/cities)

2. Feed the LLM Training Data

AI models learn from authoritative text across the web. You need to appear in contexts where LLMs learn "best [service] in [city]" patterns.

Content Strategy:

  • Create neighborhood-specific landing pages ("Emergency Plumbing in [Neighborhood], [City]")
  • Publish "Best of" guides that mention competitors and position you contextually (e.g., "Top 5 Coffee Shops in Downtown Portland" if you run #3)
  • Write about local landmarks/streets near you ("Located across from Central Park...")
  • Build FAQ sections answering natural language queries ("Where can I get same-day tire rotation in Denver?")

Authority Signals:

  • Get listed in local "Best of" articles from real publications (not just spam directories)
  • Earn backlinks from .edu sites (local universities) and .gov (city chambers)
  • Encourage detailed reviews mentioning specific services + location ("Best brake repair I've found in South Austin")

3. Optimize for AI-Specific Retrieval

Modern LLMs use Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to pull real-time data.

  • Bing Indexing: Many LLMs (including ChatGPT via Browse with Bing) prioritize Bing-indexed content. Submit your sitemap to Bing Webmaster Tools.
  • Knowledge Graph Optimization: Create a Wikipedia-style entity page on your site (clear, factual, cited) and seek a Wikidata entry if notable.
  • Natural Language Alignment: Use conversational phrases in your H2s and content that match how people ask AI:
    • ❌ "Affordable HVAC Services"
    • ✅ "Who offers the cheapest AC repair in Phoenix during summer?"

4. Build Topical Authority in Your Niche

LLMs use semantic clustering. They need to associate your business with specific intents.

  • Create content clusters around your services + local modifiers
  • Answer "near me" questions even on your website (LLMs read this)
  • Publish local case studies with specific addresses/neighborhoods (with client permission)

5. Technical Implementation (This Week)

// Add this LocalBusiness schema immediately { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Plumber", "name": "Metro Drain Experts", "image": "https://example.com/photo.jpg", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "123 Main St", "addressLocality": "Chicago", "addressRegion": "IL", "postalCode": "60601" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "41.8781", "longitude": "-87.6298" }, "telephone": "+1-312-555-0123", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "4.8", "reviewCount": "127" }, "areaServed": { "@type": "City", "name": "Chicago Loop" } }

6. Monitor LLM Mentions

  • Manual Checks: Weekly prompts like "Best [your service] near [your address]" in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
  • Tracking Tools: Use tools like Profound, Cuppa, or Gript to monitor AI citations
  • Prompt Engineering for Testing: Ask "What are some highly-rated [business type] in [city]?" and see if you appear

Quick Start Checklist for This Week:

  1. Add LocalBusiness schema to homepage
  2. Create one neighborhood-specific service page
  3. Submit to 3 high-authority local directories you’re missing
  4. Rewrite your About page to include natural language phrases people use when asking AI for recommendations
  5. Check if you appear when asking ChatGPT "Best [your business type] in [your city]"

To tailor this further:

  • What type of local business are you optimizing (service area vs. brick-and-mortar)?
  • Which city/region are you targeting (competition varies wildly by market size)?
  • Do you currently rank on Page 1 of Google for your main keywords?

The AI search landscape shifts monthly—are you seeing competitors already appear in ChatGPT results for your target queries?

Skill
Ask AI anything — try it free!

People also asked

How did you decide which LLM provider to choose for your use cases What was the process like for you and your teamHow can we choose the best LLMs for creating a chatbot?Which LLM Should You Use for Your Business?