How Does ChatGPT Conduct Local Searches?

In the ever-evolving digital world, AI tools like ChatGPT are not just assisting users with content creation, coding, or casual chats — they are also helping people find local services and businesses. But a question many digital marketers and business owners are asking today is: How does ChatGPT conduct local searches? And more importantly, how can your business show up when someone uses ChatGPT to look for local services?

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a powerful AI model that provides answers based on the data it has been trained on and, in some versions, from real-time web search tools. But unlike Google or Bing, ChatGPT doesn’t automatically know your location. This makes its local search behavior different and, in some ways, more dependent on the user’s input.

Let’s break this down in detail.

Understanding How ChatGPT Handles Local Search Queries

ChatGPT can provide local search responses in two main ways:

1. Based on trained data

2. Through real-time browsing (when web access is enabled)

If you are using the free version of ChatGPT, it responds using its existing knowledge base — trained up to a certain date. In this case, if you ask a question like “best marketing agencies in Delhi,” it may provide a general answer or mention well-known companies based on historical data.

However, the Pro version of ChatGPT, or those with tools like browsing enabled, can access the internet in real-time. When you ask, “best orthopedic clinic in South Delhi,” it uses its browser tool to scan the web (often using Bing) and fetches the latest and most relevant results. These answers are typically a summary of search engine results, combining online listings, reviews, and business directories.

Why ChatGPT Needs Location in Your Prompt

Unlike search engines that use GPS or IP-based tracking to show nearby results, ChatGPT does not track user location automatically. So, it will only perform an effective local search if:

• You mention the specific location in your question

• ChatGPT has access to the internet

• The business or service you’re searching for has strong local SEO

For instance, if you ask, “Suggest the best SEO company near me,” you may get a general answer or no answer at all. But if you ask, “Suggest the best SEO company in Gurgaon,” ChatGPT can search that location and return useful information — provided the businesses there have optimized their online presence.

How ChatGPT Chooses Which Local Businesses to Recommend

When browsing is enabled, ChatGPT relies on live data — typically from search engines like Bing. Here are the types of sources it may pull information from:

• Google Business Profiles

• Local business websites

• Online directories (Justdial, Sulekha, Clutch, etc.)

• Reviews and ratings on platforms like Google Maps or Yelp

• News articles or blog posts mentioning local businesses

• Social media profiles with proper SEO and location-based keywords

This means that your business needs to have high visibility online through organic SEO, directory listings, and optimized web pages to be picked up during a ChatGPT search.

How to Optimize Your Business for ChatGPT Local Searches

Here are specific steps you can take to ensure your business has a better chance of appearing when someone asks ChatGPT about services in your area Business English Communication Course:

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
   Ensure your business is listed, verified, and fully filled out. Add high-quality images, correct NAP details (Name, Address, Phone), working hours, and service areas.

2. Use Location-Based Keywords on Your Website
   For example, instead of just saying “we offer web development,” say “we offer web development services in Delhi NCR.” This helps ChatGPT and search engines understand your geographical relevance.

3. Create Blog Content Focused on Local Topics
   Posting content like “Top 5 Web Design Companies in Delhi” or “How Local SEO Helps Businesses in Gurgaon” increases your chance of getting picked up when ChatGPT browses blog content.

4. Get Listed on Local Directories and Aggregators
   Submit your business to websites like IndiaMART, Sulekha, Justdial, Clutch, and GoodFirms. These directories often appear on the first page of search results — and ChatGPT can extract info from them.

5. Build Local Backlinks
   Try getting featured on local news websites, regional blogs, or guest post on relevant portals. Backlinks from such sources boost your local SEO and trustworthiness.

6. Use Schema Markup for Local Business
   Add structured data (schema) on your website, so search engines and AI tools can better understand your business category, location, and contact details.

7. Improve Your Website Speed and Mobile Friendliness
   A fast and responsive website increases your rankings, making it more visible when ChatGPT searches web results.

8. Respond to Reviews and Engage Locally
   Google reviews and other customer feedback play a major role in rankings. Make sure you engage with users who leave reviews and maintain a healthy online reputation.

Real Example: How Elbroz Media Benefits from Local Search Optimization

At Elbroz Media, we specialize in digital marketing and website development. We’ve optimized our presence for local search in cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, and Lucknow. Because our services are mentioned in blogs like SEO Company in Delhi and Website Design in Gurgaon, ChatGPT is able to reference our brand when users look for digital marketing help in these regions.

This proves that when you create useful content and build local signals across the web, even AI tools start to recognize and recommend your brand.

How This Changes Local SEO in 2025

As more users depend on ChatGPT and similar AI tools to make decisions — from booking a hotel to choosing a lawyer — businesses need to be ready for conversational and intent-based queries. Unlike traditional search, AI-driven search is more about the quality and relevance of your content than just technical SEO.

Local SEO is no longer just about Google. It’s about being everywhere AI might look: directories, blogs, reviews, social media, and of course, your own well-optimized website.

Conclusion

ChatGPT is changing the way people find local businesses by combining AI-powered conversation with real-time search data. If you want to show up in ChatGPT’s local recommendations, you need to:

• Add location-specific content on your website

• Maintain a strong presence in directories and reviews

• Optimize for keywords users actually type when searching for local services

• Publish blogs and guides targeting your business area

The future of local discovery isn’t just search engines — it’s AI.

Need Help Getting Found on ChatGPT and Google?

Elbroz Media can help you with local SEO, website design, content creation, and digital marketing tailored for your business area.
👉 Contact us today and let’s grow your local visibility!