Plenty of buyers still Google. But more and more, the journey starts — or ends — with an AI assistant. Someone asks ChatGPT for a shortlist, then Googles the names to check reviews. Or they ask Perplexity and just call the first name it gives. The order is shifting.
What each does well
Google still shows the map, the hours, the reviews, the directions. AI assistants do the narrowing — turning 'twenty options' into 'here are two good ones.' If AI does the narrowing and you're not in it, Google never gets its turn with that customer.
Why you can't pick one
Your Google presence still matters — partly because AI reads it. The two are linked: strong listings and reviews help you on Google and help you get named by AI. The mistake is assuming that 'we're fine on Google' means you're fine in the answer an assistant gives.
See where you stand
TownCheck asks ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity the questions your customers ask — every week — and shows you your score, who's being recommended instead, and what to fix. A one-time checkup is $14.99.