Youtech Survey Reveals Traditional Search Still Dominates Local Discovery, AI Adoption Growing with Key Challenges Ahead
Youtech's data highlights opportunities for businesses to optimize across both traditional and AI search surfaces.
LISLE, Ill., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Youtech, a leading global full-service digital marketing agency, today announced the findings of its latest consumer survey, shedding light on how people search for local businesses online. The research indicates that while AI assistants are gaining traction, traditional search engines like Google remain the primary tool for local business discovery, highlighting specific areas where AI needs to improve to gain wider adoption.
'Our data clearly shows that consumers value reliability and comprehensiveness when searching for local businesses,' said Wilbur You, CEO of Youtech. 'While the buzz around AI is undeniable, the numbers revealed a critical need for AI assistants to enhance their accuracy, real-time information, and integration with familiar tools to truly compete with traditional search for local businesses.'
Key Survey Findings:
Consumers continue to predominantly rely on traditional search engines for discovering local businesses. A significant majority, 93.2% of respondents, indicated they trust Google over AI for this purpose. Looking ahead, this preference seems likely to persist, as the report notes that AI is not yet replacing traditional search, though consumer interest is growing fast.
The survey highlights that Restaurants & Food (88%), Home & Home Improvement (55.3%), and Automotive (42%) are the most frequently searched local business categories. Despite the growing presence of AI, its adoption for local business searches is still relatively low, with 56.7% of consumers having never utilized an AI assistant for this specific purpose. For those who have, usage is infrequent, with 27.3% having done so in the last week.
The most critical factors identified for AI to compete with traditional search for local business discovery were more accurate, up-to-date info (39.1%) and better integration with maps (15%). This emphasizes a foundational trust deficit, as 93.2% of respondents would trust traditional Google Search more to find or evaluate a local business. Consumers prioritize the accuracy of information and trust when choosing between AI and traditional search tools.
A key concern about using AI for local business searches is missing the human touch (31.7%), followed by outdated or incorrect information (28.3%). Consumers value reviews, hours, photos, and service details most for local business searches. Furthermore, real-time information, such as real-time booking, is considered extremely important and a deal-breaker, if missing, by 9% of respondents.
'Local search is pivoting, and our findings emphasize that while AI is a powerful emerging force, the bedrock of consumer trust remains firmly rooted in accuracy and relevance,' said Michael Norris, CMO of Youtech. 'Businesses that proactively refine their presence across both traditional search engines and emerging AI platforms will be best positioned to capture the attention and loyalty of today's consumers.'
The survey was conducted independently by Youtech with 150 consumers from June 26–28, 2025. Full results can be found here: https://www.youtechagency.com/2025-ai-local-search-consumer-report/
To learn how Youtech can help navigate changes in search, please visit https://www.youtechagency.com/yourank-generative-engine-optimization-geo/.
About Youtech Youtech & Associates Inc. ('Youtech') is a leading, full-service digital marketing agency providing solutions to brands of all sizes. Bootstrapped in 2012 with an investment of just $600, the agency has since become an award-winning powerhouse serving over 2,000 clients, completing over 10,000 projects, and generating over $1 billion in client sales worldwide. With a strong and expanding presence in Scottsdale, alongside offices in Chicago and Dallas, Youtech is one of the fastest-growing digital marketing firms in the country. Learn more about Youtech at https://www.youtechagency.com/.
Company Contact Michael Norris mnorris@youtechagency.com
Media Contact Jessica Starman media@elev8newmedia.comError in retrieving data
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