The answer
Fix the website page that best represents the service you want Gemini to compare.
A study reported by Search Engine Land on August 19 found business websites were the leading citation source in tested Gemini local AI answers. That does not prove every local query behaves the same way, but it is strong evidence against treating the owned website as a brochure behind directory profiles.
What the study found
The research analyzed local-intent Gemini responses and categorized their citations. Business websites led the source mix, ahead of several intermediary categories. The result matters because direct-site facts can shape an AI-generated comparison before a user visits a directory or contacts the business.
Evidence boundary: this is one study of Gemini, not a universal law for all models, markets, languages, or query types.
The minimum viable direct-site proof stack
- Offer: name the service in the language buyers use.
- Fit: say who it is for and when it is not appropriate.
- Location: state the service area or remote-delivery boundary.
- Commercial context: provide a price, starting point, or pricing method where possible.
- Proof: connect claims to projects, reviews, credentials, or documented outcomes.
- Action: explain response time, booking path, and what happens next.
Rewrite the service introduction for comparison
A weak introduction says: "We provide innovative solutions tailored to your needs." A useful introduction says what is delivered, for whom, in which geography, and what problem the service removes.
Follow that opening with decision-relevant sections: process, scope, exclusions, timeline, pricing logic, proof, and frequently asked questions. Google says no special AI markup is required for AI features; normal indexing, snippet eligibility, and useful content remain central.
Do not abandon directories
Directories, reviews, and business profiles remain valuable as external confirmation. The mistake is asking them to carry facts the website itself never states.
Analysis: the most resilient setup is a strong first-party page supported by consistent third-party proof. When sources disagree, an AI system has to choose which version to trust.
CTA: JQ AI SYSTEMS rebuilds service pages as comparison-ready evidence: clear fit, proof, structured answers, and aligned external facts.
Link Map
- Search Engine Land: Business Websites Dominate Gemini Citations in Local AI Search (19 Aug 2026)
- Google Search Central: AI Features and Your Website (accessed 25 Aug 2026)