At OMG National, we’ve been helping local businesses grow for over 30 years. We’ve seen a lot of changes in that time, but nothing quite as big as what’s happening right now with Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s not about robots taking over the world; it’s about how your customers are finding and choosing businesses like yours online. And trust us, it’s changing fast, and will continue to evolve in 2025 and beyond. If you’re a local home service business like a roofer or plumber, a professional like a lawyer, realtor, or doctor, or you own a store or restaurant, you need to understand these changes to stay ahead of the game.

Think about how your customers find you now. They probably use Google, right? Well, Google is getting smarter, thanks to AI. It’s not just about the keywords they type anymore. Google is trying to understand what they really mean and what they are looking for, and deliver the best, most relevant results. It is especially true for local businesses. For example, if someone types “best pizza near me,” Google uses their location, their past pizza orders, and even the time of day to show them the perfect pizza place. This means you need to think about more than just stuffing your website with keywords. You need to think about what your customers are actually looking for in your area, and make sure your website and online listings answer those questions clearly.

Another big change is that more and more people are using their voice to search instead of typing. They talk to their phones or smart speakers like Alexa and ask things like, “Hey Siri, find a good plumber open now in Springfield.” This means you need to make sure your business shows up when people ask these kinds of questions. Make sure your business information is up-to-date on Google, including your hours, phone number, and address. Also, think about the questions people might ask about your services and answer them on your website in simple, everyday language, just like you are speaking to them.

Pictures are becoming a bigger deal, too. People can now take a picture of something, like a broken air conditioner or a dish they like at a restaurant, and search for it online using that picture. If you’re a home service business, make sure you have good pictures of your work online. If you’re a restaurant, make sure your menu items are well-photographed. You want people to find you when they see something they like and snap a picture.

AI is not just changing how people find you; it’s also changing how you interact with them. Think about those helpful chatbots that pop up on websites. They’re powered by AI and can answer customer questions, schedule appointments, and even offer special deals, 24/7. These tools can save you time and help you provide better customer service, even when you’re not in the office.

All of this might sound a little overwhelming, but it’s really about understanding your customers better and making it easier for them to find and choose you. You need to think about what people in your area are searching for, use simple language on your website, make sure your information is up-to-date online, and use helpful tools like chatbots.

At OMG National, we’re here to help local businesses like yours make sense of all this. We understand the challenges and opportunities that come with these changes, especially for home service businesses, professionals, storefronts, and restaurants. We can help you update your website, manage your online listings, and use the latest tools to connect with your customers in your local market.