iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Gemini can name a different local business when you repeat the same query, so one answer is not a dependable local ranking. In a study summarized by Scalevise, Gemini repeated its top recommendation far less often than Google’s traditional Local Pack—but those figures describe a particular test, not every query or future result. For a useful picture of local AI visibility, track exact prompts across relevant engines and keep each result’s location, wording, date, and sample size.
What the volatility figures measure—and what they do not
Scalevise reports that Steady Demand’s August 6, 2026 study analyzed 1,487 local-intent prompts across 50 U.S. metropolitan areas and 10 service categories, producing 14,472 citations from Gemini and ChatGPT. In a separate literal-repeat test, the methodology review reports that the same top recommendation appeared in 7.9% of Gemini repeats, compared with 90.2% for Google’s Local Pack. Scalevise summarizes those results as about 7% versus roughly 90%. These are vendor-study results under the tested conditions, not universal probabilities for every location, interface, prompt, or model version. Scalevise’s study summary · Digital Applied’s methodology review.
The review also reports a 40% agreement figure across three differently worded local-intent queries. That is a cross-phrasing measure, not the result of asking identical words repeatedly. In the separate exact-repeat experiment, six fixed New York queries were run in four timed rounds, for 72 calls; reported cited-domain overlap ranged from 26.5% to 46.3%. The small test and its specific prompts and timing matter when interpreting that range.
“Top recommendation repeated,” “business named,” “website cited,” and “cited domains overlapped” describe different outcomes. A business can be mentioned without its own site appearing as a citation, and citation overlap does not by itself tell you whether the same business led the answer.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Why compare engines instead of treating AI search as one channel?
Different search surfaces may draw from different sources. A SIGIR 2026 study found that top-1,000 Tranco domains appeared among top sources for 52.7% of traditional Google Search queries, 40.0% of AI Overview queries, and 32.6% of Gemini queries in its benchmark. These are benchmark-specific source-selection rates, not local-business probabilities, and the paper does not independently validate the local repeatability figures above. Read the SIGIR 2026 study.
For a local business, the practical consequence is that a single “AI visibility” score can conceal meaningful differences. Track Gemini, ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and the Google Local Pack separately when they matter to your customers. Keep the surface or engine attached to every observation rather than pooling results into one unlabelled count.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
How to measure local AI visibility consistently
- Build a fixed prompt panel. Start with questions customers actually ask, tied to a service and place. For example: “Who’s a reliable locksmith in Canterbury?” Keep exact wording fixed for repeatability checks.
- Choose the surfaces and locations. Record each engine or search surface and the market being tested. Do not assume a result for one metro represents another.
- Set a repeat schedule and sample size. Run the same prompts on defined dates and at a consistent cadence. Record the number of runs; a single answer is an anecdote, while a run count lets you calculate an observed share.
- Capture distinct outcomes. For each answer, note whether the business was named, whether its website or another source was cited, and which result led the recommendation. Preserve the answer or a structured record so that the outcome can be checked later.
- Report the conditions with the result. Include prompt wording, location, category, engine or surface, collection date, number of runs, and the outcome being counted. If model or interface details are available, record those too.
- Test prompt variation separately. If you compare “best X in city” with “top rated X near city,” report that as cross-phrasing agreement—not as repeatability for an identical query.
A simple report can show, for each prompt and engine, the share of runs in which the business was named, the share in which its site was cited, and the share in which it led the answer. Keep the denominator visible, such as “named in 6 of 20 runs,” rather than presenting a percentage without its sample count.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How to use a changing result without overreacting
A changed answer establishes that the observed output changed; it does not establish why. Keep measurement separate from action: compare repeated observations first, then investigate possible explanations using additional evidence. Do not infer that one website change or local optimization caused a citation or ranking shift from a before-and-after answer alone.
Findable’s observational audit illustrates why that distinction matters. Its page, last updated September 24, 2026, describes 941 UK businesses and 61,848 citations, and explicitly distinguishes being named in an answer from appearing in a cited source. It also says the measurements do not demonstrate that any single factor causes an AI answer. The audit is UK-specific and observational, so it is context—not a universal rule for U.S. markets or a causal recipe. Findable’s audit and limitations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What a sound conclusion looks like
Use repeated, clearly labelled observations to describe how often a business appeared under particular conditions. Compare engines, locations, categories, and prompt types without combining unlike measures. The available studies support treating AI local answers as variable samples; they do not establish a universal Gemini rate or prove that any single tactic will make a business appear more often.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
