The Consequences of AI on Local Brand Visibility: Insights from SOCi's 2026 Index

In the contemporary digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how consumers discover brands and make choices. According to SOCi Inc.'s newly published 2026 Local Visibility Index (LVI), a striking reality emerges: the competitive nature of local visibility is being compressed into a mere moment of decision. As AI takes on a more pivotal role, the cost of invisibility for brands not adequately adjusted to this new paradigm has never been higher.

Monica Ho, the Chief Marketing Officer of SOCi, emphasizes that the AI landscape is fundamentally altering the consumer decision journey. Traditional methods of exploring options online—where consumers would scroll through lists of recommendations—are rapidly being replaced by a model where AI provides a singular suggestion based on user queries. The implications for brands seeking visibility in this environment are profound.

SOCi's analysis of over 350,000 locations from 2,751 multi-location brands across the spectrum reveals a startling contrast between AI-driven platform recommendations and conventional search results. Specifically, services like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity demonstrate a preference for selectivity; for instance, ChatGPT only recommends around 1.2% of brand locations. In stark contrast, traditional local search results typically include approximately 35.9% of listings in the popular Google local 3-Pack. This disparity reflects a dramatic increase in the challenge of attaining visibility in an AI-reliant search landscape.

The trend underscores a significant shift—brands no longer simply need to achieve a good ranking; they must actively engage in practices that ensure they are actively chosen by AI systems at the moment of consumer intent. As Ho articulates, brands that fail to optimize for AI searches find themselves relegated to a state of invisibility when it matters most.

Moreover, SOCi's findings indicate that the criteria used by AI platforms go deeper than traditional search necessitated. While fundamental factors like accurate business data and positive reputation signals continue to hold weight, these elements are now applied with considerably greater intensity. Inconsistencies or inaccuracies within a brand's listings can significantly erode confidence in AI systems, rendering them invisible in critical decision-making instances.

The shift has also seen a remarkable emphasis on consumer sentiment affecting visibility. Brands can influence their representation by cultivating positive reviews. In SOCi's report, it was concluded that locations recommended by AI platforms tend to carry an average rating of 4.3 stars, showcasing how vital consumer perceptions have become in the AI-driven recommendation process. As the competitive landscape narrows due to AI, brand reputation increasingly establishes which contenders will be deemed worthy of recommendation.

Interestingly, SOCi's research reveals that high performance in traditional local search does not guarantee corresponding visibility in the AI realm. In retail, there is a mere 45% overlap between brands that excel in traditional local search visibility and those favored by AI assistants for recommendation. This inconsistency arises because AI platforms integrate signals from a variety of sources, including Google Maps and Yelp, and promote those brands that maintain a cohesive and high-quality presence across multiple outlets rather than relying solely on a single channel strength.

For the first time, the 2026 LVI introduces AI visibility as an essential measure alongside traditional search metrics and social reputation. Brands that understand and invest in these evolving benchmarks—prioritizing accurate data, bolstering positive sentiment, and fostering ongoing localized engagement—will find themselves better positioned to navigate a world increasingly dictated by AI's ability to select, rather than simply discover.

As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, SOCi provides actionable insights through their full 2026 LVI dataset. Brands can benchmark their visibility performance against category leaders within their respective industries and gain guidance on refining their strategies as AI continues to reshape the future of consumer discovery.

For a comprehensive understanding of these findings and metrics, brands are invited to download the full report at www.soci.ai/insights/lvi/.

SOCi is pioneering the transformation of how multi-location enterprises achieve visibility in local and AI search, with an innovative approach aimed at ensuring that every location remains discoverable and competitive in today's rapidly changing marketplace.