AI Is Changing How Consumers Find Local Businesses -- Is Your Business Being Recommended?

U.S. consumer use of AI for local business recommendations rose sharply to 45% in 2026 from 6%, highlighting a major shift in local-search behavior. Cybertegic published an AI-search enhancement guide aimed at helping local businesses improve visibility in AI-generated search results and attract customers. The item is directionally positive for AI-enabled digital marketing but has limited near-term market impact.