How AI Search Engines Read Schema in 2026
Modern AI search engines (Google AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT Search, Perplexity) use JSON-LD structured data as a verifiable fact layer that supplements natural language. A 2026 analysis of 1,885 pages found that schema markup helps AI systems extract accurate claims, especially when combined with entity-based strategies (e.g., sameAs links to Wikidata). As of March 2026, Schema.org includes 823 types and 1,529 properties, with recent additions such as ConferenceEvent and the displayLocation property.
What Is LocalBusiness Schema?
LocalBusiness tells AI your physical location, opening hours, service radius, and contact details. It is the foundation for "near me" queries and local AI answers. The LocalBusiness schema type tells Google exactly who you are, what you do, where you are, when you are open, and how to contact you.
JSON-LD Example
Below is a complete LocalBusiness schema with geo coordinates, structured opening hours, and area served:
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "LocalBusiness",
"@id": "https://www.downtowncafe.com/#business",
"name": "Downtown Café & Bakery",
"description": "Artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and light breakfast and lunch in the heart of downtown.",
"image": "https://www.downtowncafe.com/images/storefront.jpg",
"url": "https://www.downtowncafe.com",
"telephone": "+44-20-555-6789",
"email": "[email protected]",
"address": {
"@type": "PostalAddress",
"streetAddress": "100 High Street",
"addressLocality": "London",
"postalCode": "EC1A 1BB",
"addressCountry": "GB"
},
"geo": {
"@type": "GeoCoordinates",
"latitude": 51.5074,
"longitude": -0.1278
},
"openingHoursSpecification": [
{
"@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification",
"dayOfWeek": "Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday",
"opens": "07:00",
"closes": "18:00"
},
{
"@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification",
"dayOfWeek": "Saturday",
"opens": "08:00",
"closes": "15:00"
}
],
"priceRange": "£",
"paymentAccepted": "Cash, Credit Card, Contactless",
"currenciesAccepted": "GBP",
"areaServed": {
"@type": "GeoCircle",
"geoMidpoint": {
"@type": "GeoCoordinates",
"latitude": 51.5074,
"longitude": -0.1278
},
"geoRadius": "2 km"
},
"servesCuisine": ["Coffee", "Bakery", "Breakfast", "Lunch"],
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/downtowncafe",
"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12345678"
],
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": 4.5,
"reviewCount": 312
}
}AI Visibility Tips
- Always include
geowith precise lat/long — essential for AI geolocation. - Use
openingHoursSpecificationover deprecatedopeningHours— more detailed and machine-parsable. - Set
areaServedwith GeoCircle — helps AI answer "businesses that deliver in my area." - Add
servesCuisinefor restaurants — AI uses this for "best Italian near me." - Include multiple
sameAslinks — builds an authoritative local entity footprint. - For multi-location businesses, create a parent Organisation and separate LocalBusiness nodes for each branch.
Common Mistakes
LocalBusiness schema mistakes that cost you local AI citations:
- Using Organisation instead of LocalBusiness — you lose location-specific rich features.
- Missing telephone or email — AI can't create actionable local results.
- No priceRange — AI can't answer "affordable cafe near me."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple LocalBusiness locations on a single page?
Use an ItemList or Collection of LocalBusiness entities with distinct @id URIs.
Does Google penalise invisible schema?
Yes, Google now penalises JSON-LD that isn't visible to human users. Always ensure schema matches visible on-page content.
Is LocalBusiness schema used for voice AI "near me" searches?
Yes, it is the primary signal for voice and AI local search.