Study: Google Shows AI Overviews on 88% of Local Service Searches
What happened
A 2026 study by Lilach Bullock analysed 400 real local service searches across the US and UK — the kind of queries homeowners type when they need a plumber, electrician, roofer, or other tradesperson. The findings: Google displayed an AI Overview on 88% of those searches (87% in the US, 88.5% in the UK).
When "near me" searches were excluded, the rate climbed to 96%.
The study also looked at which sources Google's AI Overviews cite most often. YouTube was the most-cited platform, appearing in 51% of AI Overviews (59% in the US, 43% in the UK). Reddit appeared in 27% and Facebook in 13%.
This follows separate research from SOCi showing ChatGPT recommends just 1.2% of local businesses, and a Yext survey finding AI has overtaken Google as the starting point for wealthier consumers.
What this means for tradespeople
If you're a tradesperson in the UK, nearly nine out of ten Google searches for your type of service now show an AI-generated answer before the traditional results. That's the box at the top of the page that summarises information, recommends businesses, and sometimes includes reviews — all before anyone scrolls to the organic listings or map pack.
This matters because the AI Overview is now the first thing homeowners see. If your business isn't part of the information Google's AI draws on, you're invisible at the point of decision.
The good news: Google's AI Overviews pull heavily from Google Business Profile data, including your reviews, star rating, and business description. Businesses with strong, recent reviews and complete profiles are the ones most likely to appear in AI-generated answers.
The study's finding that YouTube is the most-cited source is also worth noting. If you've ever filmed a job walkthrough, a how-to, or a customer testimonial and posted it on YouTube, that content may be feeding into AI answers about your trade.
What to do about it
- Keep your Google Business Profile complete and current — it's a primary data source for AI Overviews
- Collect Google reviews consistently, not just when you remember — recency is now the 11th most important local ranking factor
- Consider posting short job videos on YouTube — the study shows it's the single most-cited source in local service AI Overviews
- Read how Google AI search is changing how homeowners find tradespeople
Source: Lilach Bullock — AI Overviews Local Services Study 2026