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Starting This Year, You Won’t Be Pitching to Customers. You’ll Have to Convince Their AI First.

Last Updated: February 4, 2026

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There’s a big shift coming in how people find and hire local service pros, and it’s called Agentic AI. Don’t worry, this isn’t about flying robot plumbers or anything like that. But it does mean that AI tools are about to stop just answering questions and start doing things on people’s behalf. And that’s going to change how leads find you.

So What Is It?

Right now, most AI tools, like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, just answer questions. Maybe they write an email or help you brainstorm. Handy? Sure. But they don’t actually do anything unless you manually walk them through every step.

Agentic AI is the next step. It’s like having a super-smart assistant that can take a task and run with it. Say someone wants to take a trip to Spain. Instead of just suggesting flights, the AI would check their schedule, compare prices, buy the tickets, send the confirmation, and put the trip on the calendar, all without them doing anything beyond the initial request.

Wait… It Just Books Stuff?

Yeah. That’s the part that sounds crazy until you realize we’re already halfway there. If someone uses Gmail, Google already has their calendar, inbox, maybe even payment info through Google Wallet. This isn’t new data, it’s just being used in a new way. And people will gladly trade that kind of access for convenience, especially if it saves them time.

Some of us think handing over this level of access to our personal data is way too risky. But then again, just a few years ago, didn’t we all say that about using our fingerprints or facial recognition to open our phones? And yet here we are, doing it every day. The point is that your customers will do this, and that means their AI tools (aka machines rather than humans) will be the ones choosing which businesses to contact, and which to ignore.

What That Really Means for You

This is where things truly change.

Right now, a homeowner might ask Google or an AI tool for suggestions, read a few reviews, and then make the final call themselves. That is still a human-driven decision.

Agentic AI flips that on its head. In this next phase, the homeowner will say something like, “Get a plumber here to fix the sink.” That is it. No browsing. No comparing. No phone calls.

The AI will handle the entire process. It will look at availability, pricing, proximity, reputation, reviews, licenses, and past performance. It will choose the contractor, schedule the visit, handle payment, and notify the homeowner. The human does not pick the company. The agent does.

The homeowner just gets a notification that someone will be there in three hours and it will cost a certain amount on their card.

This sounds uncomfortable, but convenience always wins. The same way people now trust apps to book rides, deliver food, and move money without second guessing every step, they will trust agents to handle service calls they do not want to think about.

This doesn’t mean trust disappears, it just changes how it’s scored. No more gut feelings or first impressions. It’s all numbers now. The AI runs the math and decides who’s trustworthy before the homeowner even knows there’s a decision to make. It’s looking at hard data like how many listings you have, how many reviews you’ve got, what your average review score is, how consistent your data looks… That’s what wins.

That is why your business information needs to be clear, abundant, consistent, and rock solid everywhere it exists online. If the agent measures your stats, and you come up shorter than the other guy, you will never even know the job was on the table.

Whether your issue is not having enough citations, or your citations/listings contain inaccurate or inconsistent information, you should consider Directory Dominator. It’s one of our most-popular services that not only saves you time, but helps boost your rankings on all platforms.

Get Found by the Gatekeepers

Here’s what actually matters right now:

  • Your online listings need to be accurate. Everywhere. Google Business Profile, Yelp, Angi, Nextdoor, Facebook, Bing, you name it. If your business name, address, hours, services, or contact info don’t match, AI tools may pass you over.
  • Your website needs to be readable by machines. That means clear service pages, FAQ sections, and proper formatting. Think: “Can this AI figure out what I do and where I do it in five seconds or less?”
  • Reviews matter even more. AI looks at your ratings and how you respond to them. So respond to every review, good or bad. Keep it polite, honest, and human.

Reviews Matter More Than Ever

If there is one thing both people and AI pay close attention to, it is reviews. Reviews are packed with trust signals. But it is not enough to simply collect five star ratings.

You also need to respond to them.

  • Respond to every review, including one star reviews. Especially one star reviews. A thoughtful and professional reply shows accountability and reliability.
  • Be thoughtful and specific. Avoid copy and paste replies. A genuine response carries much more weight.
  • Ask happy customers for reviews. Most people are willing when asked at the right moment.

Review responses act like public conversations. They show both people and AI that your business is active, engaged, and trustworthy.

If this is an area you need help with, we do have some services that can help. Check out ReviewStream and StarSaver to see if either might be a time-saver for you.

The Bottom Line

We are moving from a world where people interact with people to get business done, to a world where AI often handles decisions on their behalf.

The good news is that you do not need to reinvent your marketing. You mostly just need to do the basics at a much higher level. Be visible. Be consistent. Be credible. Make it easy for both humans and AI to understand exactly what you do and why you are a good choice.

This is not a “someday” thing. It is already happening. Fortunately, you don’t need a computer science degree to keep up. Just take care of the basics, and do them right.

Need help getting ready for this shift? Give us a call and we’ll handle it. 

 

 

Agentic AI & Local Services FAQs


Agentic AI is the next generation of artificial intelligence that doesn’t just answer questions—it completes tasks on behalf of users. Instead of browsing and choosing a business manually, a homeowner will ask the AI to find and hire a local service pro, and the AI will select, schedule, and pay for the service based on data like reviews, availability, reputation and pricing.


With agentic AI, customers will no longer need to browse, compare or call your business. The AI will handle the entire hiring process, picking the contractor for the job based on data signals—and if your business doesn’t present strong data, you may never be considered.


Agentic AI measures hard data like consistent citations, reviews, ratings, and online listings. If your business information is inaccurate or inconsistent, AI tools may bypass you in favor of competitors with stronger online presence.


Online reviews act as trust signals. AI looks at review scores and how you respond to them. Responding to all reviews, especially lower‑rated ones, shows active engagement and helps boost your credibility with both AI and potential customers.


Your website should be machine‑readable with clear service descriptions, structured pages, and FAQs. Make it easy for AI to understand what you do, where you operate, and how to contact you in seconds.


Focus on accurate listings, consistent citations, strong online reviews, engaging review responses, and machine‑friendly website content. These basics help ensure agentic AI sees you as a credible choice.

Longer Videos, Bigger Payoffs: Turning Everyday Jobs into Marketing Gold

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

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In our last post, we talked about how easy it is to create short videos to show off your work, just a few quick clips from the job site, strung together in under a minute. Great stuff. But what if you’re ready to do a little more? Not a lot more, we’re talking maybe 15 extra minutes per week, and the payoff? Way bigger.

Today, we’re digging into how to create longer-form videos using the exact same jobs you’re already doing. You don’t need new content. You just need to expand what you’re already filming. Think 2 to 4 clips per job, each one lasting between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. That’s it.

Real Work = Endless Content

Here’s the truth: You’ll never run out of marketing material if you focus on the jobs you already do. Every home, every customer, every issue is a new chance to educate and earn trust.

Just like before, these videos don’t need to be scripted. Just speak off the cuff, like you would if your buddy asked you how the job’s going. You’re the expert, just share what you know.

Here’s a Simple Format You Can Follow:

  1. Walk In and Set the Scene
    What are you seeing when you arrive? Talk through your first impressions. Is there visible damage? Weird smells? Sounds? Get the viewer inside the job with you.
  2. Explain the Diagnostic Process
    Let them in on how you figure things out. Are you testing pressure? Checking for voltage? Popping open a panel? This is where they realize, “Oh yeah, this person really knows their stuff.”
  3. Break Down the Root Cause
    When you find the issue, explain how you know that’s the real problem. It helps build trust and shows you don’t just throw parts at a problem and hope it works.
  4. Educate the Homeowner
    Share a few quick tips on how the average person could’ve spotted this issue early or avoided it altogether. This builds goodwill and shows that you’re not just there to collect a check, you care.
  5. Show Off the Final Result
    Give them a clean before-and-after. Talk about what you fixed, how long it took, and what made your approach better than a quick patch job.
  6. Teach Customers How to Spot Shoddy Work
    This is a great trust builder. Point out the difference between a pro job and a hack job. Show off the details, tight connections, level installs, proper materials, and teach people what to watch out for.

Important Reminder: Always Get Permission Before Filming

Before you ever hit record, make sure you have clear permission from the homeowner. A quick conversation upfront goes a long way. Let them know what you’re filming and where it may be shared.

Just as important, never include anyone in the shot who has not explicitly agreed to be on camera. That includes homeowners, family members, neighbors, or anyone else who happens to be nearby. When in doubt, keep people out of the frame entirely. Protecting privacy builds trust and keeps you out of trouble.

Pro Tip: Lean Into the “Satisfying” Video Trend

One of the big video trends right now is all about satisfying results. That’s why those lawn makeover videos rack up millions of views. A guy shows up to an overgrown jungle of a yard, trims and mows it down, and leaves a perfectly manicured lawn behind. It’s addicting to watch.

You can do the same thing in the trades, and not just visually.

Yes, clean before-and-afters are powerful, but don’t overlook the sound of your work. Auditory satisfaction is a real thing. That means if you show up to a job where something’s squealing, rattling, or slamming, you’ve got gold on your hands.

Here are a few examples:

    • Electrical Panel Makeover: Start with a clip of a chaotic, homeowner-modified panel that looks like spaghetti. Then record the process of ripping it out and redoing it, a quick time-lapse works great here. End with a tidy, pro-level panel that looks clean enough to frame.
    • Plumbing Disaster to Pro Job: Film a messy DIY plumbing job, maybe with tape, glue, and a questionable drain setup. Then show the demo process and the final, straight-lined, properly supported replacement. It’s not just impressive, it’s satisfying.
    • Noisy Appliance Fixes: Say you’re working on a dryer that’s squealing, thumping, or grinding like a cement mixer. You replace the rollers and belt, clean out the lint buildup, and when you fire it back up, smooth, quiet, and clean. That kind of before-and-after, especially with sound, really hooks viewers.
    • Carpet or Rug Cleaning: These videos are some of the most-watched online. You start with a filthy rug covered in years of grime, stains, or pet mess. Then, film the full cleaning and restoration process (scrubbing, rinsing, extracting) until it looks brand new. The transformation is incredibly satisfying and can rack up millions of views.

Here’s a quick example for inspiration. A 51 second video of a small rug being cleaned and it’s already gotten 13M views!

These types of clips are fun to watch, easy to shoot, and they build major credibility with potential customers. Plus, they can generate views, and sometimes even revenue, if you’re posting regularly on platforms like YouTube or TikTok.

Make It a Weekly Habit (With a Backup Plan)

Here’s a smart rhythm to get into: pick two jobs each week to film. Post one, and keep the second one in your back pocket. Don’t delete that unused footage, you’ll thank yourself later.

If you’re out sick, go on vacation, or just have a chaotic week, you’ve got backup content ready to go. Consistency is key with video, and having that spare job filmed gives you breathing room.

So yes, you’ll spend about 30 minutes total filming each week. It may feel like a chore at first, but here’s the upside: once people start to see you consistently, trust builds. And when trust builds, the phone starts ringing. That kind of momentum is hard to beat, and a lot cheaper than buying more ads.

Do This Today:

  • Pick two upcoming jobs where you can shoot some footage.
  • Use the 6-step format above to guide your filming.
  • Watch a few “satisfying” videos online for inspiration.
  • Save your backup job footage, you’ll be glad you did.
  • Hand everything off to someone who can edit and post it for you.

Important Reminder: Always Get Permission Before Filming

Before you ever hit record, make sure you have clear permission from the homeowner. A quick conversation upfront goes a long way. Let them know what you’re filming and where it may be shared.

Just as important, never include anyone in the shot who has not explicitly agreed to be on camera. That includes homeowners, family members, neighbors, or anyone else who happens to be nearby. And make sure not to film anything that could identify the customer’s home. Avoid things like:

  • addresses
  • license plates
  • street signs
  •  wide exterior shots that give away the location.

When in doubt, keep things tight on the work itself.

You can keep it simple with a short verbal ask, like this:

Onsite script:
“Hey, would you be okay if I filmed a few short clips of this job while I’m working? It’ll just show the work being done, no people, no address info, and sometimes we use them for training or social media. Totally fine if you’d rather not.”

Or, if you’re sending formal quotes or work authorizations, you can include a line like this:

Quote add-on:
“With your permission, we may record short video clips of the work performed at your property for use in training or marketing materials. No individuals or identifying details (such as addresses or license plates) will be included without explicit consent.”

Being upfront about how you handle video protects your business, respects your clients, and builds the kind of trust that keeps people coming back.

 

 

Longer Job Videos for Marketing FAQs


Service professionals should create longer videos from everyday jobs because these videos use real work as content, build trust with potential customers, educate viewers about the problem and solution, and can generate bigger payoffs — including more visibility and inbound leads — than very short clips alone.


A simple format for longer job‑site videos includes: walk in and set the scene, explain the diagnostic process, break down the root cause of the problem, educate the homeowner or client, show the final result, and teach customers how to spot shoddy work. This structure helps tell a compelling story and build credibility.


No, you do not need scripted content to make engaging longer videos. You can speak off the cuff like you would to a friend, sharing your expertise and insights during the job to educate and connect with viewers.


Jobs that include dramatic transformations or satisfying results make especially watchable video content. Examples include electrical panel makeovers, plumbing disasters to professional replacements, fixing noisy appliances, or deep rug cleaning with a dramatic before‑and‑after. Including satisfying sounds or visuals can boost engagement.


A smart rhythm is to pick two jobs each week to film. Post one video and save the other as a backup. Having backup footage gives you content ready to publish even when your schedule gets busy, helping maintain consistency which is key to building trust and marketing momentum.


Before filming, always get clear permission from the customer, explain how the footage may be shared, avoid including anyone in the shot who has not agreed to be on camera, and avoid filming identifiable details like addresses or license plates. Protecting privacy builds trust and avoids potential issues.

One Phone. One Minute. Big Impact.

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

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You’re already doing the hard part: showing up and fixing the problem. This strategy just adds one extra minute per job. Pull out your phone, hit record, and let someone else handle the rest. No editing. No uploading. No typing required.

That one extra minute will do more to build trust and generate leads than most paid ads ever will.

Here’s how to make it happen, step-by-step.

 

Step 1: Record Your Outro (One-Time Setup)

Before you ever film a job, record a short video (or even just voice) clip that will be reused at the end of every video. This is a one-time task.

Use a simple script like this:

“If you need help with your HVAC, give Bob’s HVAC a call. We’ve been proudly serving the Houston area for over 15 years. Visit www.bobshvac.com or call 123-456-7890.”

Record this audio in a quiet place. Your truck works great.

Whoever is editing your videos can place this voice-over on top of a static image of your logo. You do not need to be on camera for this part, although showing your face can help build extra trust if you are comfortable with it.

Once this is done, you never have to think about it again.

Step 2: Set Up Your Social Accounts (One-Time Setup)

You need accounts on the following platforms: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

If setting these up feels annoying or like a waste of time, hand it off. Your office staff, your kid, your niece, a marketing company, any of them can knock it out. Just get it done once and you’re set.

Pro Tip: It’s best if these are not your personal accounts. That way, you can hand the login to someone else without giving them your personal social media accounts.

Each platform hits a different crowd. Facebook is where the Boomers and Gen X hang out. Instagram catches the Millennials. TikTok is all Gen Z. And YouTube is a solid mix of everybody, so don’t skip that one.

Step 3: Record 3 Quick Clips Per Job

This is the only ongoing work you personally need to do.

It takes less than one minute per job.

For each job, record three short clips on your phone:

Clip 1: Arrival (10 to 15 seconds)

Show the problem and explain what the customer reported.

“Just arrived at a home in Houston. The customer says their AC unit is making a loud clanking noise when it turns on.”

Clip 2: Diagnosis (10 to 15 seconds)

Explain what you found.

“We found the issue. The fan motor is failing and needs to be replaced.”

Clip 3: Finished Fix (10 to 15 seconds)

Show the result.

“New motor is installed and running smoothly. This should last another 10 to 15 years.”

That’s it. Less than one minute of total footage.

Just make sure there is enough light to clearly see what you are filming. If you are in a basement or utility room, turn the lights on first. Speak at a normal volume. The video does not need to be polished or professional.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the customer isn’t in the shot, and don’t say their name or address unless they gave you permission.

Step 4: Hand Off Everything Else

Once the clips are recorded, you are done.

Send the video files and your saved outro audio to whoever is handling editing and posting. This could be:

  • Your office manager
  • Your kid, niece, or nephew
  • A freelancer
  • A marketing company

Along with the files, send a short note like this:

“Furnace blower motor replacement in Houston, TX. Customer reported loud noise on startup. Replaced motor and tested system. Working properly.”

That note gives them everything they need to write the description, including:

  • Your company name
  • Phone number, website, and address
  • Service performed
  • City and state

You do not need to edit, post, or log into social media.

Start With One Video Per Week

Start simple. Just one video per week.

Once you see how easy it is and start seeing more visibility and leads, you can work your way up to two or three videos per week.

Even at one per week, you will:

  • Increase your online visibility
  • Build trust before the phone ever rings
  • Strengthen your reputation
  • Improve lead quality and close rates

Final Thought

People trust what they can see. And nothing shows you’re the real deal like a quick video of you showing up, finding the problem, and fixing it.

It takes less than a minute on-site to record a few short clips. That’s all it takes to build trust and stay visible online—without spending hours messing around with social media.

And if you don’t want to deal with editing or posting, you don’t have to. Just send the video files to someone else (your kid, your office manager, your marketing person) and get back to work.

Start with one video per week. You’ll stay top-of-mind in your area, attract better leads, and close more jobs. All from one extra minute on the job.

 

 

One Phone. One Minute. Big Impact. FAQs


“One Phone. One Minute. Big Impact.” means that by spending just one extra minute per job to record short video clips on your phone, you can create content that builds trust, increases your online visibility, and generates higher‑quality leads without spending hours on social media or paid ads.


For each job, record three short clips: an arrival clip showing the problem and explaining what the customer reported, a diagnosis clip explaining what you found, and a finished‑fix clip showing the completed work and result. All three clips together take less than one minute of footage.


No, you do not need to edit or post the videos yourself. After recording, you can send the video files and a brief job summary to someone else — such as your office manager, a family member, a freelancer, or a marketing company — to handle editing and posting for you.


Set up accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube so you can reach different demographic groups — Boomers and Gen X on Facebook, Millennials on Instagram, Gen Z on TikTok, and a broad audience on YouTube.


Start with posting one video per week. Even at that pace, you’ll increase your visibility, build trust before the phone ever rings, strengthen your reputation, and improve lead quality and close rates.


Recording quick job videos helps increase online visibility, build trust with potential customers before they call, strengthen your reputation as a real professional, and improve the quality of leads and your ability to close jobs — all with minimal time investment.

It’s Time to Exchange Your Hammer for a Nail Gun. How to Build a Better Online Toolkit in 2026

Last Updated: January 14, 2026

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Back in the day, a good hammer (Google Search) could get the job done. Optimize your site, sprinkle in keywords, and jobs would roll in. One tool, one focus. Simple. You could’ve called “S.E.O.” just “G.O.” (Google Optimization.)

But we’re not in that world anymore.

Show up to the digital jobsite with just that one hammer, and you’ll be stuck working late while everyone else is home cracking beers. What’s worse, you’ll be the guy taking whatever jobs you can get, instead of picking the ones you really want.

The way people search has changed drastically in the last 2 years. In 2026, just looking at the top few options, you’ve got Google, sure, but also: Bing, DuckDuckGo, ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Perplexity, ClaudeAI, DeepSeek, and the list goes on. So you need to put away your grandfather’s hammer and pick up a nail gun or your fate will look a lot like the dinosaurs.

Do NOT throw the hammer away though. You just need to add some new tricks. Here’s how to modernize, without a scrap-and-redo.

AI Changed the Jobsite, and the Blueprint

Today, people don’t just “Google it” like they used to. They’re asking questions in several different search engines and AI chat bots. They’re watching tutorials on YouTube or TikTok. Searching by voice. Checking Reddit for recommendations. Many times they don’t even have to click through to a website because they’re being given an answer directly by the AI or AI Overview.

If your business is only optimized for classic Google rankings, it’s like using a hammer while your buddies all use nail guns. You might still get it done, but it’s slower, messier, and you’re probably losing bids to competitors with better gear.

What Goes in Your 2026 Marketing Toolbox?

You don’t need a high-end digital workshop to compete. You just need the right tools in the bag, and you probably already have more of them than you think.

Here’s your updated small-business marketing toolkit:

1. Google Business Profile

This is still one of the most reliable tools in the box, especially for local leads. Keep it accurate, complete, and regularly updated with:

  • Photos from recent jobs: Before and after photos are ideal.
  • Customer reviews (the more the better): These are critical.
  • Updated service hours: Make sure you’re listing that you’re “open” whenever you’re willing to answer a call. Remember, if you’re “closed,” you won’t be served up as an option…

A dialed-in GBP helps you show up in local packs, voice searches, and AI results.

This is easily outsourced, but watch for anyone charging you for the GBP itself, and not just for their labor. The GBP is free from Google, but you’ll need to pay for the expert to use his/her knowledge, expertise, and time setting it up for you.

2. Helpful Content

Think blog posts, how-to videos, and service pages that answer real customer questions. But here’s the trick: it’s not about stuffing keywords anymore. That’s the duct tape of SEO. It’s sloppy and short-lived at best.

Focus on:

  • Clear, conversational answers
  • Real insights from your experience
  • FAQs and service explanations in plain English

Pro tip: Use headings like “What should I do if my furnace shuts off in the middle of the night?” so AI tools can pull that info directly.

Some of this can be outsourced, but you’re going to have to participate quite a bit. You can have someone else organize, edit, or post your content, but only you can capture the raw footage. Just pull out your phone and record a minute or two of you and your team doing the work you were hired to do. Then hand it off to your trusted third-party for the rest.

3. Video & Social Proof

Want to build trust fast? Show your face, your team, and your work. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram aren’t just for influencers, they’re where people look for proof. Seeing is believing.

Even one video a month can get picked up by AI tools and build major trust.

Try some of these ideas:

  • Show a job walkthrough
  • Answer a common question
    • How long does a water heater replacement take?
    • Do I have to go without water in the whole house while the work is being done?
  • Highlighting before-and-after results

Again, this is something you’re going to have to participate in. You have to gather the raw materials to hand off to your marketer, spouse, nephew, or whoever else you want to have doing the keyboard time.

4. Off-Site Mentions

Mentions on local news, local directories, and forums help AI see your business as legit. It’s like reinforcement behind the wall.

You can:

  • Pitch a local story (“How this HVAC company helped a family during the cold snap”)
  • List on trusted directories (This is both critically important and easy to do.)
  • Partner with complementary trades for blog or video content

The real no-brainer in the list is the local directories. They used to be DIY, but not anymore. You need broad reach, and yes, that means paying for a good service. Ours is Directory Dominator, but there are others. Just make sure you’re getting a fair deal and not overpaying for “speed” because in our experience, it makes zero difference.

Keyword Tricks Are Dead. Real Work Pays Off.

Google (and especially AI) doesn’t care how many times you get a keyword onto a page anymore. It wants proof you know your stuff. That means showing your experience, your skills, and your trust factor. If your site sounds like a robot wrote it, you’re going to get buried.

Google’s latest algorithm updates (especially the December 2025 one) came down hard on thin content, keyword-stuffing, and auto-generated junk. That sort of content is like using a staple gun when you really need screws.

What Google (and AI tools) want now is E-E-A-T:

  • Experience
  • Expertise
  • Authoritativeness
  • Trustworthiness

In other words: show you know your stuff, prove you’ve done the work, and make it easy for customers (and search engines) to see that.

If your site is packed with copied content, city-page spam, or vague promises, it’s probably getting buried. But if you’re answering real questions, solving real problems, and sounding like a real human, you’re in good shape.

We’ve covered this in more detail in these posts:

Feeling Overwhelmed? You Don’t Have to DIY This

Most business owners we talk don’t have time to mess around with schema markup, AI prompts, or figuring out YouTube tags.

Good news: you can hire folks who specialize in this stuff, just like your customers hire you.

Freelancers and agencies can help with:

  • Turning your FAQs into blog content
  • Building AI-friendly structure into your site
  • Managing multi-platform posting
  • Editing AI-assisted drafts to keep your voice authentic

This isn’t about turning into a marketing expert. It’s about getting the right help, so you can stay focused on running the business.

3 Quick Fixes You Can Do This Month

Not sure where to start? Here are three tools you can grab today:

  1. Update your Google Business Profile: add 5 new photos and respond to at least one review.
  2. Add a simple FAQ section to your most-visited service page.
  3. Shoot a 1-minute video answering a common question (use your phone!) and post it to YouTube and your website.

Final Word: Upgrade Your Toolbox, Not Your Entire Shop

You don’t need to scrap what you’ve built. But if you want to keep growing in this new AI-powered landscape, you do need to expand your tools and techniques.

The businesses that win in 2026 won’t be the ones chasing every trend. They’ll be the ones showing up consistently, offering real value, and being easy to find, wherever customers are searching.

So grab your digital toolbox. Tighten up the basics. Add a few new tools. And let the competition keep swinging that old hammer.

 

 

 

Build a Better Online Toolkit in 2026 — FAQs


A modern online marketing toolkit in 2026 includes multiple tools beyond classic SEO: optimized Google Business Profile listings, helpful content that answers real customer questions, video and social proof on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, off‑site mentions in local media and directories, and tactics tailored for AI search engines and chat interfaces.


Optimizing your Google Business Profile helps your business appear accurately in local searches, voice search results, and AI tools’ local packs. This includes keeping updated photos, service hours, and customer reviews to build trust and visibility for local leads.


Small businesses should create helpful content like blog posts, how‑to videos, and FAQ pages that provide clear, conversational answers to real customer questions. Content should focus on real insights and use headings that AI tools can pull directly as answers.


Video and social proof help build trust quickly with potential customers. Posting job walkthroughs, answers to common questions, and before‑and‑after results on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram increases visibility and credibility, which AI search engines may surface in results.


Off‑site mentions include features in local news, directories, community forums, and partner blogs. These mentions signal legitimacy and relevance to search engines and AI, reinforcing your business’s reputation beyond your own website.


Simple first steps include updating your Google Business Profile with new photos and replies to reviews, adding an FAQ section to a high‑traffic service page on your website, and shooting a one‑minute video answering a common customer question to post on YouTube and your site.

Google’s AI Overviews Nuking Your Traffic? Here’s What You Need To Do In 2026.

Last Updated: January 5, 2026

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If you’ve been noticing fewer website visits lately, it’s not just you. Last year Google continued to expand its roll-out of AI Overviews (AIOs), and it has been impacting search traffic in a big way. These AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of more and more searches are certainly convenient for users, but it’s starving websites of the clicks they depend on.

This patterns might sound a bit familiar, because it’s just like the Local Service Ads (aka Google Guaranteed) that they rolled 10 years ago. We watched in horror as many of our clients saw 50% of their organic traffic vanish thanks to that pay-to-play program. They pushed organic results further down the page, and businesses had to pivot fast. AIOs are doing something similar, but this time it’s likely going to be more severe.

But here’s the thing: big shifts like this are both a threat and an opportunity. If you’re smart about it, your business can actually benefit from AIOs by becoming the go-to source these summaries pull from. It’s all about getting cited, showing authority, and being clear, helpful, and trustworthy online.

The Reality Check: AIOs Are Taking Over, and Taking Clicks with Them

Here’s what the data says as of early 2026:

  • 58.5% of U.S. Google searches now end without a click (according to SparkToro), and AI Overviews will likely push that even higher this year.
  • Organic click-through rates have dropped 60% (according to Seer) since mid-2024 on AIO-heavy searches.
  • But there’s a silver lining: According to Seer, being cited in the AIO is correlated with a 35-91% higher click-thru rates. When users do engage, those clicks tend to be higher quality.

So yes, you may be losing some top-of-funnel traffic, like people searching “how to patch drywall.” But if your business gets cited as the expert source, users who do click are more likely to trust you and take action. That’s a big double win. You’re likely losing out on the lower-value time-wasters, but gaining the high-value contacts that drive sales.

E-E-A-T: Your Secret Weapon as a Local Expert

If you’ve read our past articles, you know how important EEAT is: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. EEAT is to AI Optimization what keywords were to SEO.

Here’s how to show Google (and customers) you’ve got it:

  • Experience: Share real stories. “As a plumber in Tampa for 18 years, I’ve seen every kind of pipe burst imaginable.”
  • Expertise: Add bios to your site with certifications, licenses, awards, and specialties.
  • Authoritativeness: Get featured on other local sites, earn positive reviews, and publish content people actually find helpful.
  • Trustworthiness: Use clear contact info, show before/after photos from real jobs, and include testimonials.

Pro tip: A photo of a job site is worth a thousand stock photos.

Write for Questions and Answer Them Right Away

AIOs love content that directly answers user questions. That means your blog shouldn’t just be a wall of text, it should be a helpful resource structured around real questions.

Try this format:

  1. Start with a direct 1-2 sentence answer.
  2. Then go deeper with more detail.
  3. Use clear headings, bullets, and visuals.

Example topics that work great:

  • “How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Charlotte in 2026?”
  • “Is It Better to Repair or Replace an Old Furnace?”
  • “What’s the Best Type of Roof for Rainy Climates?”

Free tools like AnswerThePublic or Google’s “People Also Ask” can help you find these kinds of questions fast.

Of course, we can also help you with this task. Our AI Quickstart includes an FAQ page that comes with all the proper structure and markup.

Use Structured Data (Don’t Worry, It’s Easier Than It Sounds)

Before you let your eyes glaze over, just know that this portion is very easily outsourced to a digital marketer. In fact, we help people with this all the time. Many people slap together the basic info they want and then turn it over to us to just clean it up and add the techy, back-end stuff. For those of us who speak geek, it’s quick and painless. That translates into inexpensive to outsource for you.

If that describes your perspective on this topic, head over to our AI Quickstart page and start there.

But if you’re feeling brave, here’s the gist:

Structured data (also called schema markup) helps AI understand your content. And more importantly, it can increase your chances of being the cited source in the AI Overview.

Just head over to Schema.org and learn about how to do these types of markup:

  • FAQ schema on pages that answer common questions.
  • HowTo schema for walkthroughs (like “how to unclog a sink”).
  • LocalBusiness schema for your business data.

Bottom line: Schema makes your content AI-readable, and that means more chances of getting cited.

Double Down on Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Don’t overlook your Google Business Profile. AIOs are increasingly pulling from local data, and your GBP is a key signal.

Make sure you:

  • Add your services, pricing, Q&A, and photos.
  • Keep your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) consistent everywhere (exact, to the letter.)
  • Encourage customers to leave reviews, especially detailed ones.

Think of your GBP as your digital storefront. If it’s complete and active, you’re sending the right signals to both people and AI.

This is another place where you can very easily and inexpensively outsource to a pro. Our GBP Optimization service exists for exactly this reason.

Use Original Visuals and Unique Local Insights

AIOs favor content that looks and feels real. That means:

  • Job site photos
  • Before/after shots
  • Local data or stats (“We’ve installed 500 water heaters in Austin since 2015”)
  • Visual breakdowns using Canva or similar tools

These are the kind of things that make your site stand out from generic competitors, and give AIOs something solid to cite.

Rethink What Success Looks Like in 2026

Yes, traditional traffic may dip. But that doesn’t mean you’re not winning.

New things to track:

  • Are you seeing more branded searches? (People Googling your name?)
  • Is your direct traffic going up?
  • Are more people calling from your GBP?
  • Are you getting cited in AIOs?

The goal isn’t just clicks. It’s trust, visibility, and leads, and AIOs can still drive all three when you play it right.

Final Thoughts: Adapt or Be Invisible

Like every big Google update, this one is a shake-up. But it’s not the end… it’s a turning point.

Yes, you may need to lean a little more into paid ads. Yes, you’ll need to tighten up your content and stay sharp about your local authority. But those who rise to the top will stay at the top.

This is your moment to stand out as the go-to expert in your area. Not just for people, but for the AI that’s now shaping what people see first.

Ready to get cited?

Let’s make 2026 the year your business doesn’t just survive, it leads.

Need some assistance, or just prefer to outsource this stuff? We’ve been working with contractors and service pros for years, and we’re already optimizing content for AI Overviews. Reach out anytime.

 

 

AI Overviews & Website Traffic FAQs for 2026


Your website traffic may have dropped because Google’s AI Overviews now answer more user queries directly on the search results page, which increases no‑click searches and reduces organic click‑through rates, especially for informational searches.


By becoming a cited source in Google’s AI Overviews, a business can see higher quality clicks because users trust and engage more with expert sources featured in the AI summaries.


EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) signals to Google that your content is authoritative and trustworthy, which improves the chances your content gets cited in AI Overviews.


Content that answers real questions with short direct answers followed by detailed explanations, organized with headings, bullets, and visuals, helps Google’s AI parse and cite your content.


Structured data such as FAQ schema, HowTo schema, and LocalBusiness schema helps AI better understand your content signals and increases the likelihood your content is used in Google’s AI Overviews.


Complete and optimize your Google Business Profile with services, pricing, photos, reviews, and consistent business info, and use original local visuals to strengthen local authority for AI Overviews.

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