What Is MultiModal Search and Why Should Local Businesses Care?
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
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.
How to Optimize for MultiModal Search & Make Your Business More Discoverable
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 their strategy. Here’s how to ensure your business is discoverable across every search type people use today.
How AI is Changing Search—And What It Means for Your Business
Search is no longer just about key- words and backlinks it’s now driven by AIpowered algorithms that per- sonalize 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
Future-Proofing Your Business for MultiModal Search in 2025 & Beyond
03 16 22 10
Search as you know it, has shifted It’s no longer just about ranking on Google’s first page or stuffing a website with keywords. Because the way peo-
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?
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 marketing 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
CLICKS IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
(Paul Thusius helping small businesses connect with more customers online.
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 .
WHATIS
MULTIMODAL SEARCH
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)
Think about it:
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
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
How MultiModal Search Is Reshaping Consumer Behavior
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, conversational 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
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 imagesearch-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:
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
How to Future-Proof Your Business for MultiModal Search
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
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
STEP 1:
MAKEYOURWEBSITEMULTIMODAL-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
STRENGTHENYOURGOOGLEBUSINESSPROFILE(GBP)
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 imagebased 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
STEP 2: STEP 3:
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
OPTIMIZEFORIMAGE&VISUALSEARCH
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
STEP 4:
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
To get found on video-based search platforms, create short, engaging clips that showcase what makes your business unique Keep descriptions detailed and keyword-rich so search engines can categorize them correctly
Even a simple “Meet Our Team” or “Behind the Scenes” video can significantly boost your visibility in video search results
STEP 5:
PREPAREFORAI-POWEREDSEARCHRESULTS
Google’s AI-powered search tools are reshaping how businesses get found Instead of just ranking 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
The businesses that get the most visibility today aren’t just ranking on Google’s textbased results they’re appearing in voice search, image search, video search, and AIpowered recommendations
By taking action now, your business will be in the best position to:
Be featured when customers use voice search with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
Show up in Google Lens and Pinterest Lens searches
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?
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
Whyit’saGame-Changer forLocalBusinesses
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
HowAIDecidesWhichLocal BusinessestoRecommend
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 prioritize 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
TrainingAItoRecognize YourBusinessastheBestChoice
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-PoweredToolsThat AreShapingLocalSearch
With AI driving search results, businesses need to leverage the right tools to stay competitive
Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE)
Google’s AI now generates direct answers to queries, pulling information from websites, GBP listings, and customer reviews To stay visible, businesses need to keep their information up to date and AI-friendly
Voice Assistants and Conversational 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
Predictive AI Search & Personalization
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
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
Search is no longer just about who ranks highest it’s about who AI trusts the most For local businesses, this means:
- Keeping Google Business Profile and directory listings updated so AI has reliable data
- Encouraging ongoing customer engagement and reviews to train AI to recognize business relevance
- Structuring website content in a way that AI can easily extract and summarize
- Leveraging AI-powered search tools to ensure visibility across multiple platforms
Most businesses haven’t caught up to AI-driven search yet which means those who adapt now will have the advantage
Your competitors might still be playing by the old SEO rules But AI isn’t following those rules anymore
Because AI isn’t just reshaping search it’s reshaping which businesses succeed The ones that adapt now won’t just be found they’ll be chosen
Search isn’t what it used to be It’s no longer just about ranking on Google’s first page or stuffing a website with keywords The way people search and how search engines deliver results has evolved dramatically And the changes aren’t slowing down
If you think MultiModal Search is big now, just wait In the next few years, we’ll see an even greater shift toward AI-driven search experiences, real-time personalized results, and an explosion of voice, image, and video-based discovery
For local businesses, this isn’t just an interesting tech trend it’s a make-or-break moment Those who adapt early will dominate their markets Those who wait? They’ll struggle to stay visible at all
So, what’s coming in 2025 and beyond? More importantly, how can you prepare now so your business isn’t left behind?
THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF MULTIMODAL SEARCH
The days of simple, text-based queries are fading People are searching in more dynamic, interactive ways, and search engines are responding by prioritizing visual, conversational, and AI-powered results
Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is just the beginning AI is increasingly analyzing context, behavior, and intent to deliver hyper-personalized search results
Instead of everyone seeing the same ten blue links, results will vary based on location, search history, device, and even past engagement with a brand
And it’s not just Google Bing, Apple, Amazon, and even social platforms are investing heavily in AI-driven discovery, voice search, and visual search tools
For local businesses, this means one thing: the traditional way of optimizing for search isn’t enough anymore
THE RISE OF VISUAL SEARCH & WHY IT CAN’T BE IGNORED
Search engines are evolving to see just as well as they can read and that shift is happening fast Google Lens, Pinterest Lens, and AI-driven image recognition are now core search tools, and their usage is skyrocketing
Consumers are taking photos of products, scanning restaurant menus, and even searching for services based on images they see in the real world Instead of typing “best sushi restaurant near me, ” a user can simply snap a picture of a sushi dish they like, and Google will tell them where to find it nearby
If your business isn’t investing in high-quality, well-optimized visual content, you ’ re missing out on a massive wave of future search traffic Stock photos won’t cut it Real, authentic images your storefront, team, products, and customer experiences are what AI-driven search tools prefer
Businesses that fail to make their content “searchable” through images will become invisible in the next generation of search
VOICE SEARCH & CONVERSATIONAL AI: THE NEW GATEKEEPERS OF LOCAL SEARCH
Voice search isn’t just a convenience anymore it’s becoming a primary way people search for businesses, especially when they’re on the go Whether it’s Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, or in-car voice assistants, more consumers are relying on spoken queries rather than typing
The challenge? Voice searches don’t return long lists of results They often provide just one or two recommendations and AI assistants are deciding who makes the cut
This means businesses must optimize for natural, conversational language Your website, Google Business Profile, and even customer reviews should reflect the way real people speak and ask questions
And it goes beyond just words AI-driven voice assistants also prioritize businesses that have strong engagement signals, meaning frequent updates, positive customer interactions, and complete business profiles
AI & AUTOMATION: THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND FUTURE SEARCH RANKINGS
Google’s Gemini and Claud 3 - make it match the article’s vibe
If search engines are becoming smarter, then businesses need to become smarter about search AI is already curating search results, generating answers, and personalizing recommendations but soon, it will also shape how businesses optimize for search
Rather than manually tweaking websites or guessing what works, businesses will need to lean on AI-powered tools to analyze search trends, predict customer intent, and automate optimization
Platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and AI-powered SEO tools are giving businesses an edge by identifying ranking opportunities, generating optimized content, and even suggesting real-time changes based on how search behavior is evolving
The businesses that embrace AI for their own marketing and search strategy will not only adapt to AI-driven search but will be in a position to influence it
HOW TO STAY AHEAD OF THE NEXT SEARCH SHIFT
Waiting until these changes fully take hold is a mistake By the time most businesses realize what’s happening, the leaders will have already positioned themselves ahead
To stay visible and ahead of competitors local businesses need to start adapting now
Prioritize High-Quality, Searchable Visual Content Photos and videos will be just as important as text for discoverability Invest in authentic, high-resolution visuals that represent your brand and services
Adopt a Conversational Approach to Content AI and voice assistants favor natural language, so ensure your website, business listings, and customer engagement reflect how people actually talk
Keep Your Google Business Profile (GBP) Active & Updated AI pulls from GBP more than ever, so businesses that frequently update their listings will have a ranking advantage
Use AI to Optimize for AI Tools like AI-powered SEO analyzers, content generators, and automation platforms can help businesses stay ahead of search trends in real time
Think Beyond Google Search is expanding across TikTok, YouTube, Bing, Amazon, Apple Maps, and AI chat tools Businesses that diversify where they appear will dominate in future search
THE BUSINESSES THAT PREPARE NOW WILL WIN LATER
The next evolution of search isn’t years away it’s already happening AI, voice, and visual search are transforming the way customers discover businesses, and only those who stay ahead of these shifts will remain competitive
Most local businesses will wait until it’s too late only realizing the impact once they see their search traffic and leads dry up
The businesses that prepare now will be the ones dominating search results in 2025 and beyond So the real question isn’t whether MultiModal Search is the future It’s whether your business will be ready for it
