What Are Google AI Overviews?
Since 2024, Google has been showing AI-generated summary answers at the top of search results. These "AI Overview" boxes directly answer the user's question and list source links below. For local queries (e.g. "open cafes in Istanbul"), these boxes are typically fed from Google Business Profile data.
How GBP Affects AI Visibility
When selecting local businesses for AI Overviews, Google primarily looks at:
- A verified Google Business Profile
- Up-to-date and complete business information (address, phone, hours)
- High rating and many Google reviews
- Business description and category
- Photos and recent activity date
Steps to Optimize Your GBP for AI
- 1. Verify: Unverified GBP profiles almost never appear in AI Overviews.
- 2. Choose a category: Your primary category should be as specific as possible. Not "Restaurant" but "Italian Restaurant".
- 3. Write a description: Add up to 750 characters of business description. Always include the city name and main services.
- 4. Manage reviews: Respond to all reviews. AI favors active and trustworthy businesses.
- 5. Keep it current: Regularly update opening hours, holiday closures, and special days.
Use GBP Together with mytrend.ai
mytrend.ai covers AI engines beyond Google — ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude. GBP is essential for Google AI Overviews; mytrend.ai handles all other AI engines. Using both together provides complete AI visibility.