The way people search is changing. Instead of scrolling through ten blue links, many customers now get an AI-generated summary at the top of Google, or they ask an assistant such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude or Perplexity: “Who is a good electrician in Pretoria?” If you are a tradesperson, it pays to understand how this affects you.

What is happening

• Google AI Overviews show a short AI summary above the normal results for many searches, often with links to the sources it used.
• AI assistants answer questions in conversation, and for local searches they often draw on maps, reviews and business directories.
• Many customers still click through to phone or message a business, but they may see fewer, more carefully chosen options.

How these tools decide who to recommend

Nobody outside these companies knows the exact formula, and it changes. In practice, the businesses that get mentioned tend to share the same strengths:

• Clear, consistent information about who they are, what they do and where they work.
• Good, recent reviews from real customers.
• A presence on trusted sites, such as Google Business Profile and respected directories.
• Helpful content that answers real questions.

What you can do today

1. Set up your Google Business Profile and keep it complete (see our Google Maps guide).
2. Collect reviews after every job (see how to get more Google reviews).
3. Be listed in a trusted directory. A NoahGuy listing gives you a profile with your trade, service areas and contact details that customers and search tools can find.
4. Use the same details everywhere. Name, phone number and areas should match across Google, your directory listings and social pages.
5. Describe your services in plain language. Say exactly what you do (“geyser installation and repairs in Randburg”) rather than vague slogans.
6. Answer common questions on your website or profile: call-out fees, response times, what areas you cover.

Will AI replace searching for a tradesperson?

Unlikely. Homeowners still want a real person who turns up and does the job. What is changing is where they begin their search. The good news is that the basics (a clear profile, honest reviews and a reliable reputation) work whichever way customers look.

Be easy to find in every place customers might look. Create your free NoahGuy listing.