“Near me” queries are changing. In the past, Google used your IP address to find businesses within a 5-mile radius. In the future, agents will use Inferred Intent and Capability Matching.

Agents don’t just look for proximity; they look for capability. “Find me a plumber who can fix a tankless heater today” is a query a standard search engine struggles with. But an agent will call the plumber or check their real-time booking API.

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is changing how local queries are answered. Query: “Where is a good place for dinner?”

• Old Logic (Google Maps): Proximity + Rating.
• RAG Logic: “I read a blog post that mentioned this place had great ambiance.”

The “Vibe” Vector

RAG introduces the “Vibe” factor. The model retrieves reviews, blog posts, and social chatter to construct a “Semantic Vibe” of the location.

• Vector: “Cosy + Romantic + Italian + Brooklyn”.

Optimization Strategy

To rank in Local RAG, you need text that describes the experience, not just the NAP (Name, Address, Phone).