GoKawiilWhitespark study: Local Pack still dominates over AI Overviews in local search
Whitespark research cited in a new local-SEO analysis found AI Overviews appear on only 15% of traditional local-intent search queries, compared with 93% for Google's Local Pack results. The analysis argues that while AI has disrupted informational search, consumers searching for nearby service providers like roofers or lawyers still rely on Google Maps and Local Pack listings rather than AI-generated answers.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The finding suggests local businesses investing in Google Business Profile optimization and traditional local SEO are not wasting effort chasing an obsolete channel, at least for now. The author also speculates that strong Google Business Profiles could feed data into the broader AI search ecosystem, implying local SEO work may pay off in both traditional and AI-driven discovery, though this dual benefit is framed as an inference rather than a proven outcome.
- AI Overviews appeared on just 15% of local-intent queries versus 93% for Local Packs, per Whitespark.
- Local business search has proven more resistant to AI disruption than informational search, the analysis argues.
- Investing in Google Business Profiles may help visibility in both traditional search and emerging AI search tools.
Source: entrepreneur.com — Dalton Luka, 2026-10-23
Published there as: “AI Hasn’t Cracked Local Search Yet. Here’s Why That’s an Opportunity for Local Businesses”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.