The Future of local search
At 8:00 a.m. in Montreal, a commuter named Sophie leans into her phone and says,
“Where can I get a coffee and use WiFi nearby with seating right now?”
Her AI assistant replies instantly with a recommendation in Plateau Mont Royal, STM metro directions, and a cappuccino already ordered under her name. No browser. No comparison shopping. That small moment reflects a major change in how people find local businesses and how those businesses get discovered.
AI Chatbots Are Now the First Point of Contact
As of mid 2025, AI assistants are handling a growing share of local searches. They are no longer a novelty. They are where most consumers begin their day, make choices, and complete tasks.
AI ChatBot - Global Market Share (July 2025)
These bots do not show a list of websites. They give one answer. Often, that answer includes directions, a review snippet, and a Book Now button. For businesses, being selected rather than just seen is the new goal.
Local Search Still Matters But It’s Voice Driven Now
Almost half of all online searches still have local intent. But how people express that intent has changed. Instead of typing “coffee shop downtown,” users are asking their phone, smart speaker, or even their smartwatch.
These conversations are context aware and task driven. If your business is not structured for machine understanding, it may not appear at all.
From Clicks to Zero Step Conversions
Today’s AI tools are built to complete actions. That could be:
- Booking a haircut
- Ordering takeout
- Scheduling a consultation
- Finding parking
In many cases, users never visit a business website. The decision happens inside the chat. That changes everything for how small businesses in Montreal and other Canadian cities need to think about visibility.
Even Google Is Adapting
Google’s AI Overviews now combine reviews, hours, directions, and buttons in a single screen. For many users, that is the only screen they see. If your business information is not structured and synced, you risk being left out.
Canadians Trust AI More Than Ever
According to Salesforce, nearly 70 percent of users prefer AI to compare options, handle bookings, and troubleshoot. People like having a virtual assistant that understands their habits.
If your business is not appearing in these AI guided experiences, strong reviews and a polished website will not help.
Three Moves Every Local Business Should Make
- Make Your Data Machine Readable
Ensure your hours, services, and contact information are consistent across platforms. Use schema markup and keep your Google Business Profile accurate. - Check How You Appear in Chatbots
Test ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot using real world searches. Ask, “Where can I get a manicure near the Old Port?” and see if you appear. - Allow for Instant ActionsMake it easy for AI to book your service. This may mean connecting with OpenTable, Calendly, or Shopify plugins for scheduling and sales.
Canada’s Regulatory Lens
While the European Union’s Digital Markets Act is setting global standards, Canada is paying close attention. Expect more transparency demands and open data requirements. If your business content is inaccurate or incomplete, AI tools may overlook or misrepresent you.
What’s Coming Between 2026 and 2030
| Trend | What It Means |
| Personal AI Agents | Assistants that know your preferences and act |
| Community Sentiment | Bots will factor in reviews from local groups |
| Voice Only Shopping | Transactions will happen entirely by voice |
| Embedded Paid Suggestions | Sponsored results will appear in chatbot answers |
| Privacy Led Discovery | Canadians will choose platforms with low tracking |
Key Takeaway: Be Chosen by the AI, Not Just Seen
The café Sophie found did not win her over with ads or SEO tricks. It was visible to her assistant, had real time availability, and was easy to book. That is the new standard.
Local SEO is not just about rankings anymore. It is about being chosen by machines that speak for your customers. Clean data. Simple booking. Clear integration.
If your business is still optimizing for search engine clicks, it may already be invisible.