
Image credit: Search Engine Journal
A new keyword research strategy for local search engine optimization (SEO) is being introduced to help local businesses enhance their visibility within artificial intelligence (AI) search recommendations by building “trust signals.”
The strategy extends traditional keyword research beyond website content, focusing on various online activities that AI tools now weigh when generating local business recommendations.
AI algorithms for local business suggestions reportedly consider factors such as customer reviews, business responses to those reviews, updates to Google Business Profiles (GBP), and the consistent use of relevant keywords across these platforms, according to industry experts.
The new approach emphasizes strategically deploying keyword intent within reviews, review responses, and GBP posts to create these trust signals.
Jeff Schwerdt, founder and CEO of Reviewly.ai, is slated to lead an upcoming webinar detailing this methodology. Schwerdt will share insights into where AI systems gather keyword-rich signals and how to construct keyword-driven trust signals effectively.
The session will also cover methods for automating this activity for clients, Schwerdt said. Reviewly.ai’s workflow for automating these trust signals will be presented during the webinar.
The company stated that building these signals is important for businesses seeking to optimize their presence in an increasingly AI-driven search environment.
Source: Search Engine Journal
Written by
Joyce de Castro
Joyce is a core team member at Rabbit Rank and the lead author covering SEO news, algorithm updates, industry trends, and actionable ranking strategies.
Keep reading
Related Articles

Réacteur Magazine Explores AI’s Impact on SEO, Digital Strategy
The September 2026 Réacteur edition covers AI’s impact on SEO, deploying data agents, AI Overviews in health,...

Google pilots program to pay publishers for AI content
Google is piloting a program to pay publishers for content contributing to AI answers in Gemini, AI Overviews,...

Google Analytics unveils customizable dashboards for global users
Google Analytics rolls out new customizable dashboards with drag-and-drop functionality, six visualization typ...