AI is changing how people search for information online. Tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and Bing Copilot now give answers directly in search results. This means users no longer need to visit a website to find what they are looking for.
This is important for Phoenix businesses. If your business is not included in these answers, you may be losing customers to competitors. In 2024, 60% of global searches ended in zero clicks. That means most people got the answer they needed without ever clicking a website.
Here, WSI-Optimized Web Solution explains what AI search and zero-click results are, why they matter, and how Phoenix digital marketing strategies can help local businesses show up in them.
AI searches use tools that scan websites, reviews, maps, and online profiles. These tools return short answers or recommendations directly in the search results. There is no need for the user to click a link.
An example is when someone types “best lawyer in Phoenix.” The search result may show two or three law firms, pulled from Google, reviews, or local directories. The user may never scroll down or click on any websites.
To appear in these results, your business needs to give the right signals to AI tools. Investing in AI search optimization can make a key difference in your visibility.
A zero-click result is when the user gets all the information they need from the search page.
These can include:
More than 75% of mobile searches now end without any clicks. People prefer fast, clear answers. For businesses, this makes it more important to show up in these answers instead of hoping someone visits your site. Optimizing for featured snippets SEO is one way to do this effectively.
Phoenix grew by 1% last year, adding nearly 17,000 new residents. It is now the fifth-largest city in the U.S. This population growth increases competition across many industries, from HVAC and legal services to restaurants and real estate.
At the same time, Google controls over 80% of the U.S. local search market. About 46% of all Google searches have local intent. That means people are looking for services near them. For your business to show up, you need a strong and complete online presence—and that includes solid Local SEO Phoenix strategies.
There are several ways to improve your visibility in modern search tools. These steps are simple but important.
Your Google Business Profile is often the first place AI tools pull from. Make sure it is accurate and up to date. Include your address, phone number, website, business hours, and service areas.
Add photos and a clear business description that includes your main services. Ask customers for reviews, and respond to them. A complete profile builds trust with both search tools and users.
AI tools prefer content that is easy to read. Use short sentences and direct answers. Avoid technical language unless needed.
Add an FAQ section to your service pages. Questions like “What is the cost of HVAC repair in Phoenix?” or “Do you offer free consultations?” help AI understand your services better. These sections are often pulled into AI-generated results, a core part of SEO for AI search strategies.
Schema markup is code added to your website that helps search tools understand your content. It can highlight your business type, location, services, reviews, and more.
There are free tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to help with this. You can also ask your web developer or marketing partner to add it for you.
Your name, address, phone number, and website link should be the same across every platform. That includes Google, Yelp, Facebook, Bing, and any directories.
Inconsistent information can confuse search engines and lower your chances of showing up in AI search results.
If you serve different areas in Phoenix, build pages for each one. For example:
Mention local landmarks, neighborhoods, and seasonal needs. This helps show that your business is active in the community and improves Local SEO Phoenix performance.
AI tools and search engines give more weight to businesses with strong backlinks. This includes links from local news, directories, or partnerships.
You can get backlinks by joining the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, sponsoring events, or writing guest articles for Arizona-based websites. This shows that your business is trusted in your area, a key factor for both traditional and AI search optimization.
Many zero-click searches come from phones or voice assistants. People ask questions like “best dentist near me” or “who offers emergency HVAC in Phoenix.”
Make sure your website loads fast on mobile devices. Use natural language in your content to match the way people speak—this is essential for SEO for AI search.
Some platforms help improve your presence in AI and local search. These include:
These tools make sure your information is accurate across the web and support broader Phoenix digital marketing efforts.
AI search is not just a trend. It is how people are finding businesses today. If your business is not part of AI search and zero-click results, you may be losing customers without knowing it.
Focus on building a complete Google Business Profile, writing clear content, using structured data, and keeping your information consistent. These simple changes can help your business appear where people are actually searching.
If you want help improving your visibility in AI searches and zero-click results, we are here to support you. At WSI-Optimized Web Solutions, we provide best Phoenix seo services and other digital marketing servives. tailored to local businesses.
We handle everything from Local SEO Phoenix and Google Business optimization to content and schema. Contact us today to get started and reach more customers where it matters most.
Here are some other blog posts you may be interested in.
AI is changing how people search for information online. Tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews...
Search behavior is changing rapidly. For businesses in Phoenix, relying solely on traditional SEO practices...
More people than ever are using their voice to search online. Whether they’re asking Siri...