How Google’s AI Overviews Are Changing Local SEO — And How San Diego Businesses Can Adapt

Jul 17, 2025 | AI, ChatGPT, SEO Tips

Hi, I’m Jen Ruhman, owner of Jen Ruhman SEO a local SEO company in San Diego. I’ve been helping local businesses grow online for over a decade, and I’m always keeping my eye on Google’s updates. Right now, one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is Google’s new AI Overviews (also called SGE or Search Generative Experience). If you’re a small business owner in San Diego, you need to know how this is changing the local SEO game — and how you can stay ahead. Luckily, I offer AI SEO services in San Diego.

What Are Google’s AI Overviews?

AI Overviews are Google’s way of using artificial intelligence to answer people’s search questions faster. Instead of just showing a list of websites, Google now gives a quick summary right at the top of the page. This summary pulls information from different websites and answers questions in a conversational way.

I’ve already noticed this change when I search for something like, “Best brunch spots in San Diego.” Google gives me a nice AI-generated answer before I even see any website links. As a business owner, this means if your business isn’t showing up in these AI Overviews, you’re missing out on visibility.

Why AI Overviews Matter for San Diego Businesses

You Could Lose Visibility Without AI SEO

I’ve seen local businesses lose traffic overnight after Google algorithm updates, and AI Overviews are creating another big shift. If your website isn’t optimized properly, Google’s AI might skip right over you.

Hyperlocal Results Are the New Normal

Google’s AI loves to give people local, specific answers. For example, if someone searches for “best tacos near Mission Hills,” the AI will pull hyperlocal answers. I help my clients make sure their content targets their specific neighborhood in San Diego — not just the city in general.

The First Click Now Goes to AI Summaries

Most searchers won’t scroll past the AI Overview. That’s why I’m helping my clients aim to be featured in those summaries. It’s like being at the top of Google — but with extra steps.

Related post: Why AI Overviews Are Actually Good News for Smart Local SEO in San Diego

How I Help San Diego Businesses Get Featured in AI Overviews

1. Optimizing Content for AI Summaries

I always tell my clients: your website should answer people’s questions quickly and clearly. I use tools like Frase.io and Surfer SEO to analyze what Google’s AI likes to pull into summaries. Then I help you write helpful, clear content that’s easy for AI to understand and summarize.

2. Adding Structured Data

Structured data is like giving Google a cheat sheet about your website. I use schema markup to tell Google exactly what your business does, your location, your services, and more. This makes it easier for Google’s AI to pull your information into those top summaries.

3. Focusing on E-E-A-T

E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Google’s AI pays attention to these signals. I make sure your website shows off your experience and expertise. Simple things like showing your years of experience, customer testimonials, and posting helpful blogs (like this one!) make a big difference.

4. Creating Hyperlocal Content

One thing I love about working with San Diego businesses is how unique every neighborhood is. Whether your business is in North Park, La Jolla, or Chula Vista, I help you create content that speaks directly to your local audience. This helps you show up when people search for businesses in your exact area.

5. Optimizing Google Business Profile with AI in Mind

Your Google Business Profile isn’t just for maps anymore. I make sure it’s updated with clear descriptions, fresh photos, service areas, and even use AI tools to track what local searchers are asking about your industry. This helps you stay visible in local AI-powered results.

Related post: Will AI Replace SEO?

A Quick Story from One of My Clients

One of my clients runs a med spa in Hillcrest. Before we worked together, they were struggling to rank in regular search results. After we updated their website to answer common client questions and added structured data, they started appearing in Google’s AI Overviews for terms like “best San Diego med spa” and “affordable Botox near Hillcrest.” Within three months, their bookings increased by 35%!

How You Can Get Started with AI SEO Today

If you want your San Diego business to show up in Google’s AI Overviews, here are three quick tips you can start with today:

• Update your website content to answer common customer questions.
• Add more location-specific keywords (mention your neighborhood!).
• Keep your Google Business Profile updated with fresh information.

If you want help with any of this, I’m here to make it easy. You can call or text me directly at (619) 719-1315. I’d love to chat about how we can get your business ready for the future of Google search.

Let’s Make Sure Your Business Stays Visible in San Diego

AI is changing how people find businesses, but with the right strategy, it can be a huge opportunity for your San Diego business. I combine smart AI SEO strategies with good old-fashioned customer service — you’ll always talk to me directly, Jen.

Let’s future-proof your business together!

— Jen Ruhman San Diego SEO Expert Call/text me: (619) 719-1315

Why People Still Click for Local Services (Even with AI)

May 29, 2025 | AI, ChatGPT, SEO Tips

Why People Still Click for Local Services (Even with AI)

By Jen Ruhman, Owner of Jen Ruhman SEO in San Diego
Call/Text Me: (619) 719-1315

Let’s Be Real – AI Is Amazing, But It’s Not Replacing Trust

AI is changing the game in so many ways, and yes, it’s incredibly helpful. I use AI tools every day in my SEO work—whether it’s speeding up content outlines or helping with technical analysis. But when it comes to local services—like finding the best plumber, dog trainer, real estate agent, or yes, an SEO expert in San Diego—people still click. They still want a human on the other side.

Why? Because local is personal. And when it’s personal, trust matters more than technology.

People Want Real, Local Human Help – Not Just a Robot’s Recommendation

The San Diego Example

As someone running an SEO business in San Diego, I’ve seen this firsthand. Clients tell me, “I found you on Google, but I clicked because you’re actually in San Diego. You get it here.” That local connection builds comfort—and comfort builds clicks.

People want someone they can call, someone who knows the neighborhoods, and yes, someone who can meet them for coffee if needed. AI can’t do that.

Clicks Come from Clarity and Credibility

When someone Googles “best SEO expert in San Diego,” they aren’t just looking for a list. They want to see reviews, a real face, real stories, and signs that you’re legit.

That’s Why I Keep My Site Human

I’ve filled my website with client testimonials, photos of me, and simple ways to reach out. I answer my own phone. I text clients. That’s what helps me stand out. Local SEO still works because people want that personal touch—and they click when they see it.

AI Doesn’t Know What It’s Like to Own a Business in Your City

The Local Vibe Matters

I help a lot of small businesses—from hair salons to HVAC companies—rank higher on Google. The reason my clients succeed is because we don’t just use generic content. We write for the city. We know what’s trending in San Diego, what people care about, and what local slang or tone works.

If AI writes your website for a plumber in Clairemont, it might miss how different that customer is from someone searching in La Jolla. That nuance matters, and real local SEO takes that into account.

Related post: AI SEO vs Traditional SEO

People Don’t Just Want “The Best”—They Want “The Best Nearby”

Let’s talk about intent. When someone searches “best dog groomer near me,” what they’re really asking is, “Who’s great and also convenient?”

Local Clicks = Local Trust

Even if AI shows a list, the person still chooses. They read reviews, check out your site, maybe even peek at your Instagram. They want to feel like they can trust you. And honestly, they’re usually clicking on the service that feels most real and most local.

What I Do to Get Those Local Clicks (And You Can Too)

Here’s what works for me—and what I help my clients do too:

1. Optimize for Local Keywords

Think: “SEO expert in San Diego,” not just “SEO expert.” Local modifiers still get traffic, even in an AI age.

2. Make It Personal

Add your face. Add your voice. Share your story. I talk about how I started my SEO company right here in San Diego because I genuinely love this city—and people connect with that.

Nail Your Google Business Profile

Google’s still the gatekeeper. A great GBP with photos, reviews, and accurate info builds clicks fast.

4. Show Off Local Wins

I talk about ranking sites for San Diego businesses. I showcase their reviews and success stories. This proves my value and shows potential clients what I can do for them too.

Related post: Will AI Replace SEO?

Bottom Line – People Still Click Because They Want a Real Connection

AI is helpful, smart, and here to stay. But when it comes to deciding who to hire, especially for local services, we want a human we can trust. We want someone who understands the neighborhood, the lifestyle, and the little details AI doesn’t know how to Google yet.

Conclusion: Keep It Real, Keep It Local
If you’re a local business owner worried about AI taking over search, take a deep breath. People still click. They’re looking for you, not just the top result. Focus on being helpful, visible, and human.

And if you need help showing up in local search? That’s where I come in. I’d love to help your business get found and get clicked.

Call or Text Me: (619) 719-1315
San Diego, CA | https://jenruhman.com

FAQs

Q1: Is local SEO still worth it with AI search getting more popular?
Yes! Local SEO is more valuable than ever because AI can’t replace human connection and geographic relevance.

Q2: Do Google Business Profiles still matter?
Absolutely. Google uses them to provide fast, verified info—and people rely on them to choose local businesses.

Q3: What’s the best way to show up for “near me” searches?
Make sure your site is optimized with local keywords, your Google Business Profile is updated, and you’ve got real customer reviews.

Q4: Does being in San Diego actually help your SEO?
Yes. Search engines factor in location data, and being a real local helps you build trust faster with San Diego audiences.

Q5: Can AI help with SEO at all?
Definitely. I use AI tools for content ideas and research—but the real magic happens when a human (like me!) tailors the content to real people in real places.