Powered By www.PaulThusius.com Welcome To Clicks Magazine th Contents What Is MultiModal Search and Why Should Local Businesses Care? Future-Proofing Your Business for MultiModal Search in 2025 & Beyond Search as you know it, has shifted. It’s no longer just about ranking on Goo- gle’s first page or stuffing a website with keywords. Because the way peo- Today’s consumers are searching in ways that would have seemed futuris- tic just a few years ago. If you’re only optimizing for the traditional Google search, you’re Some local businesses seem to show up everywhere—in Google searches, on voice assistants, in image results, even in TikTok videos. Others? Practi- cally invisible.The difference isn’t luck. It’s their strategy. Here’s how to ensure your business is dis- coverable across every search type people use today. Search is no longer just about key- words and backlinks—it’s now driven by AI- powered algorithms that per- sonalize results in real-time. If your business isn’t C L I C K S I S B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y (Paul Thusius helping small businesses connect with more customers online. Thanks for checking out our the first issue of Clicks, your online marketing resource guide for small business. Each month I will be covering topics that resonate with l businesses marketing. My goal is simple. I want to enable you to do big things online, and it all starts by breaking down the complexities of mar- keting your business online. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, or an established business owner. you can always benefit from increasing your brand’s visibility online. To your Success, Paul Thusius I you want to build your business, you need to market, it’s that simple. But you can lose thousands of dollars if you don’t know what you are doing. So I urge you to take action with some of the strategies I recommend. . I hope you enjoy this issue of Clicks . 03 16 22 10 How AI is Changing Search—And What It Means for Your Business How to Optimize for MultiModal Search & Make Your Business More Discoverable already falling behind. Businesses can no longer afford to focus only on keyword rankings—they need to ensure they’re discoverable across all these different search methods. optimized for AI-driven search, you’re losing out on traffic, leads, and customers to those who are. AI doesn’t just rank websites—it decides what gets seen, what gets featured, and what gets ignored. ple search—and how search engines deliver results—has evolved dramatically. So, what’s coming in 2025 and how can you prepare now so your business isn’t left behind? MULTIMODAL SEARCH Think about it: Most business owners assume their customers find them the same way they always have—by typing a few words into Google. But that’s no longer true. Today’s consumers are searching in ways that would have seemed futuristic just a few years ago. If you’re only optimizing for traditional search, you’re already falling behind. MultiModal Search refers to the use of multiple types of search inputs—text, voice, images, video, and AI-driven recommendations—to find information online. Instead of just typing a query into Google, consumers now rely on Google Lens, voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, TikTok search, and even AI-powered responses from tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE). A homeowner with a leaking pipe might ask Alexa for the nearest emergency plumber instead of typing a search query. A traveler looking for a great restaurant might snap a photo of a dish and use Google Lens to find places nearby that serve it. A first-time homebuyer might search YouTube or TikTok for “best real estate agents near me” instead of reading online directories. This shift means businesses can no longer afford to focus only on keyword rankings—they need to ensure they’re discoverable across all these different search methods. WHAT IS AND WHY SHOULD LOCAL BUSINESSES CARE? AND WHY SHOULD LOCAL BUSINESSES CARE? Each of these search types plays a different role in how consumers discover local businesses. The businesses that show up across multiple search methods—not just Google’s standard search results—are the ones getting the most visibility. VOICE SEARCH: THE RISE OF CONVERSATIONAL QUERIES More than 50% of adults use voice search daily, and that number is growing. The way people speak to their devices is different from how they type queries into Google. Instead of searching for “best pizza near me,” they might ask, “Where can I find the best New York-style pizza in down- town Chicago?” What does this mean for local businesses? You need to start optimizing for natural, conver- sational phrases. This includes adding an FAQ section to your website with commonly asked questions written in the way people actually speak. Another critical factor is Google Business Profile optimization —since voice search assistants often pull results directly from GBP. Ensuring your listing has accurate business details, service areas, and updated categories will improve your chances of appearing in voice search results. How MultiModal Search Is Reshaping Consumer Behavior IMAGE SEARCH: WHY VISUAL SEO MATTERS MORE THAN EVER Google Lens is now processing billions of searches per month, with users searching for businesses and products by snapping photos instead of typing text queries. For example, let’s say a customer sees a unique haircut style in a magazine. Instead of searching for “barbers that do modern fades,” they simply take a picture and let Google Lens find salons near them that offer similar styles. To make sure your business is searchable through images, focus on: Optimizing your website’s images – Use descriptive alt text, file names, and geotags. Uploading high-quality images to GBP – Google often pulls these into search results. Encouraging customers to upload photos – User-generated content helps signal relevance to Google. If your business has a physical storefront, your signage and branding should also be image- search-friendly. Google Lens can recognize text in images, meaning a well-placed sign with your business name and services could help customers find you in search results. VIDEO SEARCH: TIKTOK & YOUTUBE ARE BECOMING THE NEW GOOGLE More and more consumers—especially younger audiences—are skipping Google altogether and going straight to TikTok or YouTube to search for recommendations. In fact, nearly 40% of Gen Z users prefer TikTok over Google for discovering local businesses. This means local businesses need to start thinking about video content as a search strategy, not just a branding tool. Short, engaging videos can help position your business as the go-to choice in your area. Here’s how to make it work: Create short, informative videos answering common customer questions. Post local content showcasing your team, services, or customer experiences. Use local hashtags and geo-tags so people in your area can find your content. Even if you’re not an influencer, having a simple video presence on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels can put your business in front of a whole new audience. AI-POWERED SEARCH: GOOGLE’S SGE AND THE FUTURE OF LOCAL VISIBILITY Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is reshaping search by integrating AI-generated summaries into results. Instead of users clicking on multiple links, Google’s AI now provides direct answers based on the most relevant content. For local businesses, this means your content needs to be structured for AI-readability. Use: Clear, well-structured content (short paragraphs, easy-to-read formatting) Direct answers to common customer questions Google Business Profile updates (since AI pulls from GBP data frequently) This AI-driven shift means SEO is no longer just about keywords—it’s about providing clear, valuable answers that search engines can easily process. To stay competitive, local businesses should: 1. Optimize for voice search by adding conversational FAQs to their website. 2. Ensure all images on their website and GBP are searchable with alt text and geotags. 3. Start creating short-form video content to appear in TikTok and YouTube searches. 4. Update GBP with complete details, images, and service descriptions to improve visibility. 5. Structure content for AI-powered search engines so Google’s AI can pull accurate details. The businesses that embrace MultiModal Search now will be the ones dominating local search results in 2025 and beyond. The way customers search for businesses is changing fast. Those that stick to traditional SEO and ignore voice, image, video, and AI-powered search will fall behind. But for businesses that adapt early, MultiModal Search presents a massive opportunity to get ahead of competitors and attract more customers than ever before. Now is the time to optimize. The question is—will your business be ready How to Future-Proof Your Business for MultiModal Search HOW TO OPTIMIZE FOR MULTIMODAL SEARCH & MAKE YOUR BUSINESS MORE DISCOVERABLE Why Some Local Businesses Get Found Everywhere — And Others Stay Invisible Some local businesses seem to show up everywhere—in Google searches, on voice assistants, in image results, even in TikTok videos. Others? Practically invisible. The difference isn’t luck. It’s a strategy. Most businesses are still stuck in a traditional SEO mindset, optimizing only for text-based searches. But today’s consumers search in multiple ways—using voice assistants, snapping photos for image search, watching videos, and getting AI-powered recommendations from Google’s latest search updates. If your business isn’t optimized for all these search methods, you’re losing out on a growing number of potential customers. The good news? Most of your competitors haven’t caught on yet. That gives you an edge—if you take action now. Here’s how to ensure your business is discoverable across every search type people use today. MAKE YOUR WEBSITE MULTIMODAL-FRIENDLY A website is still your digital storefront, but it needs to be more than just SEO-friendly—it must be optimized for voice search, AI-driven search, and image-based discovery. One major shift is how people interact with search engines. Instead of typing “best chiropractor near me,” voice search users might ask: “Who’s the best chiropractor in [city] that accepts walk-ins?” To rank for these types of searches, your website should be written in a natural, conversational tone. Adding a well-structured FAQ page with full-sentence answers helps voice assistants and AI pull your content into search results. Another crucial factor is AI-readability. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) and other AI-powered search tools now generate summaries instead of just displaying a list of links. If your content isn’t structured properly, it won’t get featured. To optimize for this shift, use clear headings, concise answers, and well-organized sections. STEP 1: STEP 1: OPTIMIZE FOR IMAGE & VISUAL SEARCH STRENGTHEN YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE (GBP) More people are using Google Lens and Pinterest Lens to search for businesses visually. Instead of typing a query, they simply snap a picture of a product, menu, or storefront and let Google find similar businesses nearby. To take advantage of this shift, start by optimizing the images on your website and GBP. Every image should have descriptive alt text, an SEO-friendly filename, and geotagging so that search engines can understand and categorize it properly. For businesses with physical locations, storefront images and customer-submitted photos matter. A well-optimized photo can help your business appear in search results even if the person searching doesn’t know your name. For local businesses, Google Business Profile (GBP) is a game-changer. It doesn’t just help with Google rankings—it’s also used for voice search results, AI-driven answers, and image- based search queries. A complete, well-optimized GBP listing is far more likely to show up when someone asks Google Assistant for recommendations or when AI-generated search summaries highlight local businesses. To maximize visibility, make sure your profile is fully completed and regularly updated. Adding high-quality images and short videos makes your listing more engaging while also helping your business appear in image-based search results. Another key factor? Customer reviews. Google’s AI actively scans both the text and images within reviews to better understand what a business offers. A well-reviewed business that frequently updates its GBP is far more likely to show up across multiple search types. STEP 2: STEP 2: STEP 3: STEP 3: LEVERAGE VIDEO SEARCH TO REACH MORE CUSTOMERS To get found on video-based search platforms, create short, engaging clips that showcase what makes your business unique. Keep descriptions detailed and key- word-rich so search engines can categorize them correctly. Even a simple “Meet Our Team” or “Behind the Scenes” video can significantly boost your visibil- ity in video search results. YouTube and TikTok are quickly becoming primary search engines, especially among younger audiences. Many users now go straight to video platforms to research businesses instead of searching on Google. A restaurant, for example, might be discovered not through Google but through a TikTok review showcasing the atmosphere and best dishes. Similarly, a home service business might rank well on YouTube search results simply by posting a short, engaging video about their services. STEP 4: STEP 4: PREPARE FOR AI-POWERED SEARCH RESULTS Google’s AI-powered search tools are reshaping how businesses get found. Instead of just rank- ing pages, Google now generates direct answers using AI—and it pulls those answers from structured content, GBP listings, and business directories. To ensure your business gets featured in AI-driven search results, it’s important to: Write direct answers to common questions on your website. Organize content using clear headings and structured formatting. Ensure your GBP is up-to-date and detailed since AI pulls data from it. Claim and optimize listings on reputable business directories that Google references. As AI continues to evolve, businesses that optimize for AI-driven search now will have a major competitive edge. STEP 5: STEP 5: FINAL THOUGHTS: MULTIMODAL SEARCH ISN’T THE FUTURE—IT’S ALREADY HERE The businesses that get the most visibility today aren’t just ranking on Google’s text- based results—they’re appearing in voice search, image search, video search, and AI- powered recommendations. By taking action now, your business will be in the best position to: Rank in TikTok and YouTube search results for local businesses. Appear in AI-generated search summaries before your competitors do. Many businesses are still ignoring these opportunities. That gives you the chance to get ahead while most of your competition lags behind. The question is—will your business be one of the ones customers actually find? Be featured when customers use voice search with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Show up in Google Lens and Pinterest Lens searches. Search is no longer just about keywords and backlinks—it’s now driven by AI-powered algorithms that personalize results in real time. If your business isn’t optimized for AI-driven search, you’re losing out on traffic, leads, and customers to those who are. AI doesn’t just rank websites—it decides what gets seen, what gets featured, and what gets ignored. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), AI-powered assistants like Siri and Alexa, and hyperlocal AI search are reshaping how customers discover businesses. Instead of serving the same search results for everyone, AI analyzes user behavior, search intent, location, and even past interactions to generate results that are unique to each searcher. For local businesses, this is a game-changer—but only for those who understand how AI ranks content and how to train it to recognize their business as the best choice. Why it’s a Game -Changer for Local Businesses The way search engines determine relevance has always evolved, but AI is accelerating that shift faster than ever. Search is no longer static—it’s dynamic. Every query is contextual, shaped by who is searching, where they are, what they’ve searched before, and even how they phrase their query. A local coffee shop may show up for one person searching for “best lattes near me” but not for another user looking for “top cafés to work from” in the same area. Traditional ranking factors still matter—your business needs a strong online presence—but now, AI is layering on additional signals, favoring businesses that have fresh content, customer interactions, and real-world engagement. Think about it. If Google’s AI sees one business with recent reviews, frequently updated information, and high engagement across platforms, and another that hasn’t had a customer review in months, which do you think it will recommend? The businesses that actively feed AI the right signals—through updated profiles, optimized content, and ongoing engagement—are the ones winning in this new landscape. How AI Decides Which Local Businesses to Recommend AI-driven search doesn’t just return results based on keywords—it predicts which businesses are the most relevant, trusted, and useful at that moment. Several factors now play a role in whether your business appears in AI-powered results: - Relevance to the search query – AI analyzes business descriptions, website content, and customer reviews to determine if your business is a good match. - Location and proximity – Hyperlocal searches priori- tize businesses closest to the searcher, but AI also considers past engagement to personalize results. - Engagement and responsiveness – Businesses that actively respond to reviews, update their content, and interact with customers are favored. - Visual content and image recognition – AI-powered tools like Google Lens can identify businesses from photos, making high-quality images more valuable than ever. - Customer sentiment – The tone and details in reviews affect how AI perceives your business, not just star ratings. If AI can’t clearly understand and trust your business from the data available, it won’t recommend you—no matter how great your services are. Training AI to Recognize Your Business as the Best Choice Many businesses assume that AI will automatically recognize them as the best option in their category. That’s not how it works. Search engines aren’t manually ranking businesses anymore—they’re relying on AI to make those decisions. That means you have to train AI to recognize your business as the best choice by feeding it the right data. A well-maintained Google Business Profile is essential. AI pulls directly from these listings, and if yours is missing details—like accurate hours, service descriptions, or high-quality photos— you’re giving AI less to work with. The same goes for customer reviews. AI weighs not just the number of reviews, but their content and sentiment. Businesses that encourage detailed, keyword-rich reviews tend to perform better in AI-generated search results. Content also plays a role. AI prefers structured, clear answers—so your website should anticipate and answer common customer questions directly. Instead of vague service descriptions, provide useful details: “We offer 24/7 emergency HVAC repair in [city]” is better than “We fix air conditioners.” By optimizing the information AI pulls from, you increase the chances that your business becomes its top recommendation. AI-Powered Tools That Are Shaping Local Search Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are deciding which businesses get recommended based on natural language processing. Businesses that optimize for voice-friendly queries will have a significant edge. Google’s AI now generates direct answers to queries, pulling information from web- sites, GBP listings, and customer reviews. To stay visible, businesses need to keep their information up to date and AI-friendly. Google’s AI is learning from user behavior to customize search results. If your business engages regularly with customers online, AI is more likely to recommend you to those customers in the future. Consumers can now search by snapping a photo instead of typing. If your business has well-optimized images, AI can recognize and suggest your business in visual searches. With AI driving search results, businesses need to leverage the right tools to stay competitive. Predictive AI Search & Personalization Voice Assistants and Conversational Search Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) AI-Driven Visual Search (Google Lens, Pinterest Lens)