The New Way Google Works: What It Means for Your Bank Account
If you’ve searched for anything on Google lately, you’ve probably noticed something different. Instead of just a list of websites, Google is now often showing a big, coloured box at the top of the screen that answers your question directly.
In the marketing world, they call this 'AI Overviews' or 'SGE'. To you, it’s just the new 'Top of the Page'.
Here’s the blunt truth: If your business isn't appearing in that box, you’re going to lose phone calls. People are lazy. If Google gives them the answer and a recommendation right there, they aren't going to scroll down to find your website.
I’ve seen this happen to a landscaping business in Chermside. They used to be number one for 'retaining walls Brisbane'. Then the AI box showed up, recommended three other guys, and their phone stopped ringing almost overnight.
This guide is about making sure that doesn't happen to you. We’re going to look at the two ways to handle this: the 'Wait and See' approach (which is a disaster) versus the 'Be the Expert' approach (which actually makes you money).
Why Most Business Owners are Getting This Wrong
Most people think that if they have a website, they’re 'done' with the internet. That’s like saying because you have a ute, you’ve finished the job.
Google’s new AI isn't just looking for keywords anymore. It’s looking for answers. It wants to find the most helpful, most local, and most trusted business to show to its users.
If your website is just a digital flyer with a list of services and a phone number, the AI will ignore you. To win today, you need to understand how to stay top of Google as these changes roll out across Australia.
Approach 1: The "Old School" Way (Waste of Money)
Some agencies will tell you to just keep doing what you were doing in 2015. They’ll talk about 'keywords' and 'backlinks' until your eyes glaze over.The Cost: $1,000 - $2,000 a month. The Result: You might still show up on page one, but you’ll be buried under the AI box and the ads. You’re paying for a spot nobody looks at anymore.
Approach 2: The "Local Authority" Way (What Works)
This is about proving to Google that you are the best choice in Brisbane. It involves answering the actual questions your customers ask when they call you.The Cost: Similar to traditional marketing, but the effort is spent on better content. The Result: Your business gets cited inside that AI box. You become the 'recommended' option.
How to Get Into the AI Box
You don’t need to be a computer whiz to do this. You just need to be a business owner who knows their trade. Google’s AI likes three things: Clarity, Proof, and Locality.
1. Answer the "Dumb" Questions
Think about the last five phone calls you got. What did the customers ask? - "How much does a new hot water system cost in Brisbane?" - "Can you fix a leaking roof in the rain?" - "Do I need a permit for a deck in Coorparoo?"If those answers are on your website, Google can pull them into the AI overview. If they aren't, Google will find a competitor who did write them down. To get started with the basics, check out our introduction to SEO for a plain-English starting point.
2. Prove You Are Local
Google is getting smarter at spotting fakes. It knows if you’re a real business in Geebung or a call centre in Sydney trying to look local.You need to mention local landmarks, specific suburbs you serve, and local problems (like how the Brisbane humidity affects certain types of paint). This is a massive part of proving you're a local expert to both Google and your customers.
The Real Cost of Ignoring This
I’ll be honest with you: Ignoring these changes is the fastest way to make your website invisible.
I spoke to a solicitor in the CBD last month who was convinced AI was a 'fad'. Meanwhile, a younger firm down the street started publishing articles answering common legal questions about Queensland property law. Guess who’s getting all the 'first-time buyer' enquiries now?
It’s not the guy with the 10-year-old website that doesn't even work on a phone. By the way, if your website doesn't work on phones, you’ve already lost the battle before it started.
Your 3-Step Action Plan
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and keep the phone ringing, do this today:
1. Google yourself: Use your phone and search for your service + your suburb (e.g., "Plumber Indooroopilly"). See if an AI box appears. See who is in it. If it’s not you, you have work to do. 2. Write 5 helpful articles: Don't make them 'salesy'. Just answer the questions your customers ask. Use plain English. Mention Brisbane suburbs. 3. Update your Google Business Profile: Make sure your address, phone number, and photos are 100% accurate. Google uses this data to double-check who you are.
Is it Worth Hiring Someone?
You can do a lot of this yourself if you have the time. But if you’re busy running a crew or managing a shop, you probably don't want to spend your Sunday nights writing blog posts.
If you hire an agency, make sure they aren't just selling you 'rankings'. Ask them: "How are you going to get me into the AI overviews?" If they look at you blankly, walk away. They’re taking your money for old results.
At Local Marketing Group, we focus on one thing: making sure Brisbane small businesses get more enquiries. We don't care about fancy reports; we care about your phone ringing.
If you want to make sure your business stays relevant as Google changes, let’s have a chat. We’ll look at your site and tell you exactly what’s working and what’s a waste of money.
Ready to grow? Contact Local Marketing Group today.