For a long time, getting found online meant one thing: show up on Google. You’d focus on keywords, keep your website clean and quick, and cross your fingers that the search gods smiled on your business. But lately, something’s shifted. More people are skipping the search bar and going straight to apps like ChatGPT to ask for help.

And the numbers back it up. Search engine use is actually starting to decline, while AI tools are becoming the go-to for answers. (source: Business Insider)

If you’re a contractor, plumber, electrician, or any kind of local service provider, this shift matters. Because if the way people ask for services is changing, the way you show up needs to change too.

chatgpt AI SEO search results local splash

What’s AI SEO – and Why Should It Be on Your Radar?

AI SEO is a newer spin on an old goal: helping people find your business online. But instead of showing up on Google’s search page, you’re trying to appear in the responses people get when they ask chat apps or voice tools for advice. For example, “Who installs tankless water heaters near me?” or “Best electrician in [your city]?”

You might also hear it called GEO (short for Generative Engine Optimization) or AEO (Answer Engine Optimization). Don’t get hung up on the jargon. What matters is this: people are asking questions, and these platforms are answering by pulling from what’s out there on the web. If your information is clear and helpful, you stand a better chance of being part of the answer.

This isn’t a tech gimmick. It’s a new lane in the same game. If more people are asking smart tools for help, you want your name in that mix.

How Do These Chat Tools Actually Learn About Your Business?

Here’s the short version: they read the internet.

Not in real time like Google’s search bots, but they’ve been trained on a mountain of online content. Websites. Business listings. Articles. Reviews. FAQs. All of it. That information gets baked into how they respond to questions.

So if your website explains what you do, where you work, and answers the kinds of questions your customers are already asking, then you’re giving these systems something useful to work with.

Want to Show Up in Chat Results? Here’s What to Focus On

If you’ve already done basic SEO, you’re ahead of the game. But showing up in answers from ChatGPT or similar platforms means thinking a bit differently about how your site presents itself.

Ask yourself: If someone who’s never heard of me lands on my site, would they know what I do, where I work, and how to get in touch? If the answer isn’t a quick yes, you’ve got room to tighten things up.

chat gpt AI SEO local splashHere’s how to get your site working harder for you:

Say what you do and where you do it.

Make it obvious. “Licensed electrician serving Mesa and Chandler” is a lot better than “Full-service contractor” buried halfway down the page.

Write like you talk.

Think about the questions your customers ask you. What’s it cost? Do you offer emergency service? How long does it take? Put those questions on your site. Then answer them like you would if someone asked you face to face.

Structure matters, too.

Using subheadings for those questions, and answering clearly right underneath, makes it easier for people and smart systems to pick up what you’re saying.

Help the tech help you.

There’s something called structured data (also known as schema markup) that lets you tag parts of your site (like your hours, reviews, services, and FAQs) so they’re easier for search engines and smart assistants to understand. You don’t need to be a coder. Free tools can generate it for you.

Be local, and say so.

Don’t just say “we serve the area.” Mention towns, zip codes, landmarks – anything that gives your content some local color.

Let your reputation speak up.

Reviews still count. These platforms are learning from what people write about you – on your site and across the web. Keep your feedback fresh and your tone real.

Don’t Outsmart the Algorithm — Just Let them Find You

Forget the tech lingo for a second. You don’t need to hack the system or chase every trend. You just need to show up like the pro you already are.

Think about it from your customer’s perspective: they’ve got a leaky pipe or a broken panel or a hot attic they can’t stand to be in, and they need help. Fast. Whether they ask a search engine, a voice assistant, or some chat app on their phone, the goal’s the same: get found, get trusted, get hired.

Your job is to make sure your website answers the right questions, speaks to the right location, and shows why you’re the one to call. Keep it honest. Keep it useful. Keep it human.

That’s what these smart systems are really looking for anyway.

Tech Tip FAQ: Do I Need to Use Schema Markup?

Q: Is writing out a list of questions and answers on my site good enough?

Absolutely. A plain FAQ section, written in clear language, is already helpful for your visitors and for chat-based platforms.

Q: So what’s the point of schema markup then?

Think of it like labeling your tools. Schema helps search and smart tech understand exactly what your content is. It’s not required, but it can boost your visibility and make your info easier to reference.

Q: Do I need a developer to set this up?

Nope. You can use free tools like the Solis Schema Markup Generator to create the code, and then copy it into your site. Test it with Google’s Rich Results tester to make sure it’s working.

Need a Hand?

You can absolutely take a crack at this yourself. There are free tools out there, and we’ve linked a few in this article. But free still costs time, and for most busy business owners, that’s in short supply.

If you’d rather skip the guesswork and get things done right, Local Splash is here to help. We specialize in making service businesses like yours stand out – whether someone is searching the old way or asking the latest AI assistant.

One more thing we’re doing across all our sites: a new file called llms.txt. It works alongside your robots.txt file, and it’s designed to guide how Language Learning Models (LLMs) interact with your content. It might seem like a small detail now, but it’s a forward-looking move that helps future-proof your site as these systems evolve.

Talk to Local Splash and let’s get your business in front of the people already looking for it.

Have you ever been asked to share access to your Google Business Profile, only to hesitate – wondering if this would expose your personal email or sensitive information? 

You’re not alone. Many business owners worry that granting access to GBP might give someone control over the entire Google account, including gmail and private data.

But here’s the truth: when a legitimate agency like Local Splash requests access to your GBP, it’s for a valid reason. Agencies can keep business details accurate, leading to improved local search rankings and a greater ability to attract customers.

Yet, concerns over privacy can make business owners reluctant to share access. Let’s talk about how Google Business Profile access works, what’s visible (and what’s not), and why it’s safe to share access with qualified professionals. You can accomplish all of this without risking your personal data.

Why Business Owners Hesitate to Share GBP Access

Many business owners worry about sharing access to their GBP because of common misconceptions, including:

  • Fear of exposing your personal information: Some assume adding a user will give them access to their Gmail, Google Drive, or personal account details.
  • Loss of control: Business owners worry that once access is granted, they may lose ownership of their listing.
  • Security worries: Many hesitate because they think a user might make unwarranted edits or even delete the profile.

The good news? These concerns are based on misconceptions of how permissions inside Google Business Profile actually work.

What Happens When You Add a User to Google Business Profile?

Remember these three points: 

  • Granting access to your GBP does not give access to your Gmail inbox, Google Drive, or other Google services.
  • Users added to a GBP can only manage the business listing – they can’t access your personal data.
  • Google accounts are used only for login and verification, not for sharing private content.

You’re Either the Owner or a Manager

Google offers two roles to access a Google Business Profile, Owner Access and Manager Access:

CapabilityOwnerManager
Add and remove users
Remove Business Profiles
Edit all URLs
Accept all Google updates
Opt in or out of Bookings
Edit location settings
Manage Google Ads account links
Edit business info (hours, address, phone)
Respond to reviews & Q&A

Key Differences:

  • Owners have full control, including the ability to add/remove users.
  • Managers can update business details but cannot remove the profile or control user access.
  • Users do not gain access to the business owner’s personal Google account.

Why Granting GBP Access Is Important for Your Business

Giving access to your GBP isn’t just safe – it can be necessary for effective business management. 

Here’s why:

  • Faster updates: A trusted agency or employee can update your hours, services, and contact info immediately, ensuring accuracy.
  • Better engage with your customers: Responding quickly to reviews, messages, and questions builds trust and enhances customer relationships.
  • Local SEO: When an agency optimizes your profile, it makes your business more visible to prospective customers in the local search results.
  • You maintain control: You can remove users anytime, ensuring your business stays protected.

How to Safely Add and Manage Users in GBP

google business profile add user

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Users

  1. Sign in to Google Business Profile.
  2. google business profile add user 2Click the three-dot menu > Business Profile settings > People and access.
  3. Select Add User, enter their email address, and choose Manager or Owner.
  4. Click Invite – they’ll receive an email to accept access.

Recommended Security Practices

  • Only add a trusted team member or agency as Manager. 
  • Keep ownership control within your business — avoid granting Owner access to agencies unless necessary. Unlike some providers, if Local Splash creates a profile for a business, we transfer ownership to the business.
  • Remove access immediately if a relationship ends.

You can learn more about the privacy settings in Google Business Profile at the Google Support link here: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3415281

GBP Privacy Questions in a Nutshell

Does adding someone to my GBP give them access to my Gmail?

No. They can only manage the business profile, not view your emails.

Can they see my Google Drive or other Google services?

No. GBP access is completely separate from all other Google tools.

Can a Manager remove me as the Owner?

No. Only Owners can manage users, and only the Primary Owner and Owner access can transfer ownership.

What if I change my mind?

You can remove a user at any time from the People and access settings.

Final Thoughts: Why Business Owners Shouldn’t Worry

Granting access to your Google Business Profile does not put your personal data at risk. It simply allows a trusted agency or employee to keep your profile updated, respond to customers, and improve your local online presence.

By understanding how GBP access works, you can confidently share management permissions, without hesitation.

Adding Local Splash as a Manager to your Google Business Profile is a smart business move that enhances your visibility and reputation. Handing over the tedious management of your online presence frees you up to focus on more pressing decisions to grow your business. Reach out to Local Splash to discuss your options. 

 

A Practical Tool for Service-Based Businesses

We’re excited to share the Local Splash App, a new way to manage the key parts of your business all in one place. This app was built specifically for service-based businesses to help you connect with new customers, keep track of leads, and handle day-to-day tasks without extra hassle.

For more than 20 years, we’ve worked with local owners to help them grow their business. With over 10,000 satisfied clients and an impressive 4.9/5 customer satisfaction rating, we offer a foundation of trust and proven results which The Local Splash App builds upon. For the first time, we’re putting a tool into your hand that can save time and drive results.

Why We Built the Local Splash App

Illustration of the Local Splash App interface showing analytics, business performance metrics, and a dedicated business line, emphasizing an all-in-one solution for managing small businesses.

If you’re like most small business owners, your to-do list is never-ending. You’re answering calls, following up on leads, running ads, and trying to stay organized — all while serving your customers.

 

How many times have you missed a lead because you couldn’t get to your phone fast enough?

We’ve seen many of the same issues come up again and again:

  • Missed Leads: When calls or inquiries pile up, it’s easy for some to fall through the cracks.
  • Unclear Results: You know you’re spending money on ads, but it’s hard to see if they’re working.
  • Too Many Tools: Switching constantly from one app or platform to another just slows you down, it doesn’t help.
  • Being Tied to a Desk: Running your business shouldn’t mean being stuck in the office all day.

That’s where the Local Splash App comes in. We built it to solve these problems and give you back some of your time.

How the Local Splash App Makes a Difference

Stay Connected

The app includes a dedicated business phone line, so you can make calls or send texts without using your personal number. Whether you’re in the office or on the go, you can stay organized.

Screenshot of the Local Splash App's lead tracking feature, displaying a list of real-time leads, contact details, and follow-up statuses to ensure no leads are missedRespond to Every Lead

Leads are tracked in real-time, so you always know when someone has reached out. You’ll get notifications right away, making it easy to follow up before they move on to someone else.

See What’s Working

The app shows clear, easy-to-read data about your ads. You’ll know which ones are bringing in calls or inquiries and where you’re getting the best results. This kind of information helps you make smarter decisions without wasting time or money. The built-in Client Dashboard provides real-time tracking of campaign results, helping you measure performance and adjust strategies from one easy-to-use interface.

Work Anywhere

You don’t need to be at your desk to keep your business moving. With the app, you can update your information, check on your campaigns, and take care of important tasks no matter where you are.

Features Designed for Busy Business Owners

Business Phone Line

Keep your personal and business communications separate with a dedicated business phone line built right into the app. Whether you’re making calls or sending texts, everything stays professional and organized. For instance, if a client calls while you’re out, the app logs the call, so you can easily follow up later without losing track.

Lead Tracking

Leads are tracked in real-time, giving you instant visibility into who’s reaching out and what they need. Imagine receiving a notification as soon as a customer submits an inquiry. You can respond promptly, showing them they’re a priority. No more hunting through emails or sticky notes to find a potential lead.

Advertising Insights

Visualization of the Local Splash App's ad campaign insights, including performance metrics like clicks, impressions, and a graph showing trends over time.With the advertising insights feature, you can see exactly how many calls and inquiries each ad generates. This means you can stop guessing and start focusing your budget on the ads that actually work. For example, if you notice a click-to-call ad is bringing in twice as many leads as another campaign, you can quickly allocate more budget to maximize results.Click-to-call ads are easily integrated into the app, enabling potential customers to connect with you instantly. 

Mobile-Friendly Tools

Running a business often means being on the move. The app lets you update business information, check campaign performance, and handle daily tasks wherever you are. Whether you’re between appointments or working from home, you can manage everything right from your phone. Picture yourself updating your holiday hours while waiting for a client—it’s that convenient.

Straightforward Design

The app was created with busy business owners in mind, so you won’t need a tutorial to get started. All the tools are intuitive and easy to use, so you can jump in and manage your business right away. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll find the design straightforward and frustration-free.

Helping You Focus on What Matters

We understand the challenges of running a small business because we’ve worked with thousands of them. The Local Splash App was built to handle the busywork so you can focus on growing your business and serving your customers. The app’s bespoke lead generation tools are specifically tailored to help you capture and convert inquiries efficiently.

The Local Splash App – Where to Download 

You can download the Local Splash App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. ake the first step to a more manageable, organized business today.