AI in search engines: a blow to local visibility
Why it matters now
In 2026, major search engines have moved AI summaries to the top of the SERPs, diverting clicks that previously went to websites and local listings. Google expanded its AI Overviews in May during I/O 2026 and announced agents with more local tasks, such as bookings and services, within Search (Google). Recent academic evidence suggests that summaries reduce referral traffic to publishers and alter users’ click patterns on pages with AI Overviews (arXiv, Aug 2026; arXiv, Feb 2026). For an SME, this means some informational and “discovery” queries may be resolved without the user visiting your site or opening your profile.
What Google, ChatGPT and Perplexity do
Google defines AI Overviews as a core Search feature that synthesizes information and links to supporting sources, triggered when the AI “can be especially helpful” (Google Search Help; Google document). Independent studies have measured their activation and the impact on the visibility of cited sources across different verticals (arXiv, May 2026).
ChatGPT Search is now generally available and can use location to provide local results (for example, listings and a booking button), provided the site allows crawling by OAI‑Searchbot and the hosting does not block its IPs (OpenAI Help, ES). In addition, OpenAI incorporated local data through content deals such as the one with Yelp, which licenses reviews and photos to feed recommendations in ChatGPT (Axios, Jul 23, 2026).
Perplexity, for its part, integrates bottom‑of‑funnel actions like restaurant reservations within the result itself thanks to its deal with OpenTable (OpenTable; Perplexity). It also exposes premium sources and citation policies that prioritize linking evidence, which is relevant to appearing as a reference in its answers (Perplexity Help).
What changes in local visibility
- More “on‑page answers” and fewer clicks: controlled experiments find drops in clicks to third parties when generative summaries are shown, even when users report finding information with less effort (arXiv, Aug 2026).
- Google keeps links, but as support: Google’s own documentation emphasizes that AI Overviews include links that back the synthesis, not a classic list of results (Google document).
- The “action” layer is integrated: bookings and calls can be made from the search/chat interface itself, reducing steps and sometimes the need to visit your website (Google, I/O 2026; OpenTable–Perplexity).
- New technical requirements to be eligible: beyond on‑page SEO and structured data, it is advisable to allow crawling by AI bots (such as OAI‑Searchbot) so your data can appear in ChatGPT’s local answers (OpenAI Help, ES).
What it means for your business
- Optimize to “be cited” and “be actionable.” Keep NAP consistent, list services and prices clearly on the website, implement LocalBusiness schema and reservation/contact markups; these are signals that make it easier for the AI to cite your site and enable action without friction (Google Search Help).
- Open the door to AI crawlers. Review robots.txt and firewalls/CDNs to avoid blocking OAI‑Searchbot and other legitimate agents; this is a requirement to appear in ChatGPT’s local results with links and action buttons (OpenAI Help, ES).
- Prepare your funnel for “higher‑quality clicks, but fewer.” With more answers in the SERP, prioritize conversion metrics from integrated buttons (calls, bookings) and not only web sessions; Google is integrating more local tasks directly into Search (Google, I/O 2026).
At Veltim we develop websites optimized for SEO and AI: architecture and content prepared to be understood and cited by these systems, correct structured data and technical configuration for AI bots, without inflated promises: the goal is for your business to be found, cited and booked with fewer steps.
Do you want to know how to apply this to your business? Tell us about your case.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do AI summaries replace search results entirely?
A: No. Search engines still link to sources and retain classic results, but AI summaries can reduce the number of clicks to third‑party sites.
Q: Do I need to change my robots.txt?
A: You should review it and your firewall/CDN rules to ensure you are not blocking legitimate AI crawlers like OAI‑Searchbot if you want your content available for local AI answers.
Q: Will bookings and calls happen without my website?
A: Some platforms integrate actions directly in the search/chat interface, which can reduce the need for users to visit your site to complete bookings or calls.
In short
AI summaries at the top of search results are shifting discovery and informational traffic away from websites and local listings. To remain visible and actionable, ensure consistent NAP, clear service/pricing information, correct LocalBusiness and reservation structured data, and allow legitimate AI crawlers. Veltim builds websites prepared for these systems so your business can be found, cited and booked more easily.
Kevin Rojas — Fundador de Veltim. Programador e ingeniero de IA: agentes de voz, chatbots de WhatsApp e integraciones con CRM para negocios reales. LinkedIn · YouTube · Sobre Veltim
Contact: veltim.com · Phone: +34 623 05 08 56 · Madrid, Spain.