By Heidi Harris, Director, Solutions Engineer
Let’s dive into a powerful, yet often misunderstood, shift in how customers find services like yours: the rise of "zero-click" searches.
You might be thinking, "What's a zero-click search, and why should I care?" In essence, a zero-click search occurs when someone types in "body shop near me" into Google or asks their favorite AI agent to "find collision centers that repair [insert car make]," and they find the answer they need directly on the search page, without ever having to click on a website link.
.png)
In 2024, nearly 60% of Google searches ended without a click to an external site. This trend is higher on mobile, with over 75% of mobile searches globally reportedly ending in a zero-click interaction in 2024.
So, while your website remains vital, simply ranking high in traditional organic search isn't enough anymore. Your business needs to be positioned as THE answer that the AI provides.
Search engines are now providing these direct answers through:
- AI Overviews: These are AI-generated summaries that synthesize information from various sources to directly answer a user's question, often appearing at the top of the search page.
- Local Packs/Maps: For "near me" searches, Google directly displays a map with nearby businesses, their addresses, phone numbers, hours, and crucially, their star ratings and review snippets.
- People Also Ask boxes: These expandable sections offer answers to related questions, often drawing directly from website content.
Keep in mind, zero-click does not equate to zero business. For local businesses, zero-click results can lead to "high-intent engagement" through direct phone calls, direction requests, appointment bookings, and review checks right on Google. This is why your online reputation management becomes not just important, but absolutely critical.
Win in the Zero Click Landscape
- AI Prioritizes Trust and Authority: Search algorithms, especially those powering AI Overviews, are designed to deliver the most trustworthy and authoritative information. Positive, recent reviews, consistent business information across multiple platforms, and engagement with customer feedback all signal to the AI that your business is reliable and reputable.
- Reviews Are the New Click: In many zero-click scenarios, the star rating and snippets of reviews are the primary pieces of information a user sees about your business. For instance, a search for "best body shop near me" might bring up an AI Overview, but directly below it, or within a local pack, your star rating from Carwise and the sentiment of recent reviews will be front and center. This essentially replaces the "click" as the initial point of conversion from awareness to consideration.
- Direct Answers from Your Content: If your website content is structured to directly answer common customer questions using clear, concise language, and is bolstered by positive customer experiences, it's more likely to be selected by the AI for featured snippets or AI Overviews. Think about creating dedicated FAQ sections on your service pages, or blog posts that address "What to do after a car accident" with actionable, trustworthy advice.
- Local SEO is Turbocharged: Zero-click searches heavily overlap with local intent. Optimizing your Google Business Profile with accurate information, high-quality photos, updated hours, and a steady stream of positive reviews is paramount. It ensures that when someone searches for a local service, your shop is not only visible but presented as a trusted option directly in the search results.
.png)
The shift to zero-click searches isn't a threat; it's an evolution. By actively managing your online reputation and ensuring your digital profile speaks to your quality and customer care, you can transform these instant answers into powerful drivers for your collision repair business.
As your solutions partner, we are committed to providing you with tools and tips to manage your online presence and business effectively. For an even deeper dive into managing your online presence, check out the following videos on our YouTube channel: Mastering Your Google Business Profile and 5 Strategies to Earn Rave Reviews.
By Heidi Harris, Director, Solutions Engineer
Let’s dive into a powerful, yet often misunderstood, shift in how customers find services like yours: the rise of "zero-click" searches.
You might be thinking, "What's a zero-click search, and why should I care?" In essence, a zero-click search occurs when someone types in "body shop near me" into Google or asks their favorite AI agent to "find collision centers that repair [insert car make]," and they find the answer they need directly on the search page, without ever having to click on a website link.
In 2024, nearly 60% of Google searches ended without a click to an external site. This trend is higher on mobile, with over 75% of mobile searches globally reportedly ending in a zero-click interaction in 2024.
So, while your website remains vital, simply ranking high in traditional organic search isn't enough anymore. Your business needs to be positioned as THE answer that the AI provides.
Search engines are now providing these direct answers through:
- AI Overviews: These are AI-generated summaries that synthesize information from various sources to directly answer a user's question, often appearing at the top of the search page.
- Local Packs/Maps: For "near me" searches, Google directly displays a map with nearby businesses, their addresses, phone numbers, hours, and crucially, their star ratings and review snippets.
- People Also Ask boxes: These expandable sections offer answers to related questions, often drawing directly from website content.
Keep in mind, zero-click does not equate to zero business. For local businesses, zero-click results can lead to "high-intent engagement" through direct phone calls, direction requests, appointment bookings, and review checks right on Google. This is why your online reputation management becomes not just important, but absolutely critical.
Win in the Zero Click Landscape
- AI Prioritizes Trust and Authority: Search algorithms, especially those powering AI Overviews, are designed to deliver the most trustworthy and authoritative information. Positive, recent reviews, consistent business information across multiple platforms, and engagement with customer feedback all signal to the AI that your business is reliable and reputable.
- Reviews Are the New Click: In many zero-click scenarios, the star rating and snippets of reviews are the primary pieces of information a user sees about your business. For instance, a search for "best body shop near me" might bring up an AI Overview, but directly below it, or within a local pack, your star rating from Carwise and the sentiment of recent reviews will be front and center. This essentially replaces the "click" as the initial point of conversion from awareness to consideration.
- Direct Answers from Your Content: If your website content is structured to directly answer common customer questions using clear, concise language, and is bolstered by positive customer experiences, it's more likely to be selected by the AI for featured snippets or AI Overviews. Think about creating dedicated FAQ sections on your service pages, or blog posts that address "What to do after a car accident" with actionable, trustworthy advice.
- Local SEO is Turbocharged: Zero-click searches heavily overlap with local intent. Optimizing your Google Business Profile with accurate information, high-quality photos, updated hours, and a steady stream of positive reviews is paramount. It ensures that when someone searches for a local service, your shop is not only visible but presented as a trusted option directly in the search results.
The shift to zero-click searches isn't a threat; it's an evolution. By actively managing your online reputation and ensuring your digital profile speaks to your quality and customer care, you can transform these instant answers into powerful drivers for your collision repair business.
As your solutions partner, we are committed to providing you with tools and tips to manage your online presence and business effectively. For an even deeper dive into managing your online presence, check out the following videos on our YouTube channel: Mastering Your Google Business Profile and 5 Strategies to Earn Rave Reviews.
