In 2024-2025, the search was very different. Google has introduced AI Overviews and AI Mode that summarizes information above the results and still directs to sources. That means that your pages are no longer competing in the ten blue links but within the summary of the results. There is no special markup to be provided, so all good SEO fundamentals apply.
Why this is important to small business
These changes leave Google with roughly 90 percent of the global search, thus making almost every customer journey.
Stat Counter World Stats
When comparing an SEO agency Tucson or searching for an SEO service company near me Tucson, you should seek a partner who is investing and working on the next generation of content, technical performance, and geo-SEO, not solely the title tag.
A how-to guide
Have visibility in AI Overviews and traditional results
Make complete pages with very structured answers with headings, data, and sources. The recommendation used by Google on AI features is to continue applying the common SEO practices that assist systems in choosing relevant links. Have concise takeaways and schema where applicable.
Improve your Hit Core Web Vitals, and that will especially improve INP
Optimize the target INP statistic, reduce long main-thread work, and remove more unused JS. Increasing responsiveness benefits the users and also fits the same category as what the Google ranking system tries to reward. You can track real-user data using the Search Console CWV report.
Revisit Local SEO fundamentals that continue to push the needle
Google Business Profile (GBP): Pick a suitable primary category and then some secondary ones, and fill in the services, and put NAP in the same place. Location industry experts still give GBP, on-page optimization, and reviews as top local priorities.
Case studies at Sterling Sky indicate that volume and regency of review correlate with better local pack visibility. Question all happy customers, and react to feedback as well as avoid artificial-looking bursts.
Local content: Post service pages and manuals that mention specific Tucson neighborhoods, points of interest, and issues that you handle. That facilitates relevancy and nearby search intent.
Measure what counts
View query-based impressions and clicks, such as branded, service + location, and queries that may trigger AI Overviews.
Monitor calls, fill out forms, and store visits with GBP and your site. Correlation is key in determining how performance, page speed, and content can drive ROI.
Selecting an SEO supplier
When you do the vetting on an SEO agency Tucson, request:
A strategy on remediation of core web vitals and INP with post-and-pre-improvement metrics.
The content approach should give sources and distinct headings and have the objective of being chosen in AI Overviews.
Typical SEO errors of small businesses
Even with the right tools in place, there are a few areas that the smallest businesses continue to fall into trouble in. Other bad habits and pitfalls that can be easily avoided are the excessive usage of the former keyword stuffing and the lack of working with mobile users and optimizing them, avoiding working with CWV, and omitting the basics of local SEO, which are Google Business Profile and customer reviews. Being aware of such pitfalls, business owners can prevent the loss of their resources and become more noticeable online.
Conclusion
The future of search is taking shape quickly; it requires creating truly useful local content, winning trust through reviews, and providing a high-speed, smooth site. That mix will make your brand look great in traditional results and AI overviews and turn more visitors into buyers. Hope it helped, and if you have your own biggest SEO question, drop it in the comments, or share this guide with another local owner who needs a spot-on roadmap.
