As of early 2026, AI search – driven by systems like Google’s Gemini and evolving Bing AI – prioritises businesses demonstrating deep relevance to user *intent*, not just keywords. This means understanding the ‘why’ behind a search, and providing comprehensive, structured data about your business to feed these AI models.
- Schema Markup Implementation: Current systems include advanced schema types beyond basic NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) – now features service schemas, product schemas, and even event schemas to detail everything your business offers.
- Google Business Profile Optimisation: AI heavily relies on GBP data. In 2026, consistent, detailed, and frequently updated GBP profiles are crucial, including high-quality photos and responding to all reviews.
- Local Citation Building & Management: AI assesses authority through consistent citations across relevant Australian directories (TrueLocal, Yelp AU, industry-specific sites).
- AI-Powered Content Creation: Generating informative, locally-focused content (blog posts, FAQs) that directly answers customer questions is vital.
In 2026, Australian businesses must also be mindful of evolving privacy regulations regarding data used for personalisation. Ensuring compliance with the updated Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) is paramount when leveraging AI for search optimisation. Furthermore, the increasing use of voice search necessitates optimising for conversational queries.
Instead of navigating these technical complexities and constantly adapting to the changing AI landscape, let ROI.com.au handle your local search optimisation. We can take care of all this for you. Contact our team today to discuss a tailored strategy for your business.
