The New Reality: Google is Answering Questions So You Don't Have To
If you’ve searched for anything on Google lately, you’ve probably noticed a big colourful box at the top of the screen. It’s an AI-generated summary that tries to answer your question right there on the search page.
For a busy business owner in Brisbane, this might look like a neat tool. But for your bottom line, it’s a massive shift. In the past, if someone searched for "how much does a retaining wall cost in Samford?", they’d click your website to find out. Now, Google might just tell them the answer and they never visit your site.
I’ve seen this start to eat into the traffic of dozens of local businesses. But here’s the good news: if you play your cards right, you can be the business that Google quotes in that box. When Google trusts your information enough to use it in an AI answer, you become the instant authority.
This isn't about fancy tech; it's about making sure your business is the one Google trusts most. If you want to stay ahead, you need to understand how to stand out in search so you don't lose those valuable phone calls.
Will This Actually Make You Money?
Let’s be blunt. If people get their answers from Google and don’t click your website, does that hurt you?
It depends. If they are just looking for free advice and were never going to hire you, then who cares? You’ve saved time by not answering a tyre-kicker's phone call.
However, if they are looking for a service—like a "plumber near me" or "best family lawyer in Brisbane"—and Google’s AI points them to a competitor because that competitor provided better, clearer information, then you are losing money.
Our data shows that businesses who lean into these AI changes see a 20-30% increase in high-quality enquiries. Why? Because the AI isn't just giving facts; it's recommending businesses it thinks are the most reliable. We want that to be you.
How Much Will This Cost You?
You don't need to go out and buy expensive AI software. This is about how you present your business online.
If you’re doing this yourself, it costs you time. You’ll need to spend a few hours a week updating your website content. If you hire a professional agency like Local Marketing Group to handle it, you’re looking at an investment, but the return is measured in booked jobs, not just "likes" or "clicks."
Most Brisbane tradies and shop owners are ignoring this. They think their 2015 website is "good enough." It’s not. By the time they realise they aren't getting as many calls, their competitors will have already claimed the top spots.
The Strategy: How to Win the AI Game
To win, you have to stop thinking like a salesman and start thinking like an expert who solves problems. Google's AI loves clear, direct answers to specific questions.
1. Answer the "Dumb" Questions First
I was talking to a landscaper in Morningside the other day. He was frustrated because people kept calling to ask about council permits for decks. He thought it was a waste of time.I told him: "Write a 500-word page on your site exactly about Brisbane City Council deck permits."
Why? Because when someone searches for that, Google’s AI will pull his answer, show his business name, and suddenly he's the expert they trust for the $30,000 deck build. You need to guide customers to your services by answering the questions they are actually typing into their phones at 9 PM.
2. Use Real Numbers and Local Facts
AI is great at general info, but it’s rubbish at local specifics. It doesn't know the current lead times for cabinetry in Brendale or the specific soil issues in Ipswich.You do.
When you put specific, local, and data-backed information on your site, Google sees you as a "primary source." AI summaries prefer primary sources. Instead of saying "we are affordable," say "most of our hot water repairs in Brisbane North cost between $250 and $450."
3. Make Your Site Work on Phones (Properly)
If your site is slow or hard to read on a phone, Google’s AI will likely ignore you. Most small business owners check their site on a big office computer. Your customers are checking it on a cracked iPhone screen while waiting for coffee. If it doesn't load fast, you've lost the lead. This is a core part of any Australian business SEO strategy today.What’s a Total Waste of Money?
Don't let some "marketing guru" sell you on: AI Writing Tools that churn out junk: If an AI can write it in 2 seconds, Google doesn't need your website to show it. Your value is your human experience. Buying "Backlinks": Most of those cheap links from overseas are useless now. Google is smarter than that.
- Fancy Animations: Your customers don't care if your logo spins. They want your phone number and to know you can fix their problem.
How Long Until You See Results?
This isn't an overnight fix. If you start updating your site today to be "AI-friendly," you’ll likely see a change in your search rankings and enquiry quality in 3 to 6 months.
It sounds like a long time, but remember: you’re building a lead-generation machine that works while you sleep. Most businesses in Queensland are still stuck in the old way of doing things. If you start now, you'll be miles ahead by Christmas.
Your 3-Step Action Plan
1. Identify 5 Questions: What are the 5 things customers ask you every single time they call? Write down the answers. 2. Create 5 Pages: Put those answers on your website. Use clear headings like "How much does [Service] cost in Brisbane?" 3. Check Your Contact Info: Make sure your phone number is at the very top of every page. If the AI sends someone to your site, don't make them hunt for a way to pay you.
Summary
Google’s AI isn't going away. It’s either going to be a barrier between you and your customers, or it’s going to be the best referral partner you’ve ever had.
Stop worrying about the technical jargon and start focusing on being the most helpful business in your suburb. Google will reward you for it with more phone calls and more bookings.
Want to make sure your business stays at the top of Google? At Local Marketing Group, we help Brisbane businesses navigate these changes so they can focus on what they do best—running their business.
Contact us today to see how we can get your phone ringing.