Ask Maps is a new AI-powered search directly inside your Google Maps app. People are asking more detailed questions and Google is choosing which businesses to recommend.
Ask Maps is a handy AI-powered search feature directly inside Google Maps.
After doing my own test, I can see how northern Michigan tourists will use this feature more this summer.
Marcie’s Ask Maps Test
Instead of a simple query like “pizza near me,” I asked a detailed question:
“Where can I get a good pizza in downtown Petoskey that has outdoor seating?”
My header graphic shows the Google results for my Ask Maps.
Where are these pulled from?
- Customer Reviews
- Profile Photos
- Google Business Profile details
When Google’s AI understands your search intent, it will scan listings, reviews, photos, and content, and then recommend specific businesses.
Then it builds an answer like:
- “Here are 3 highly-rated pizza places in Petoskey with outdoor seating…”
Time for some Duffy’s pizza!
How Does This Change Local SEO (Again)?
There was a time when you focused on ranking in the top three to get clicks to your website.
That was traditional local SEO.
Now, you need to focus on being the best match for questions so you get recommended.
Your business is no longer competing just for a top-three position.
You’re competing to be the best answer.
As a local business, you need to think beyond keywords.
Optimize your content and reviews for natural, detailed questions that local customers like me are actually asking.
Start Optimizing for Questions More
If you depend on local customers in northern Michigan, you need to think like a local customer.
- “Where can I get the best breakfast with views of Lake Michigan?”
- “Who is the most affordable web designer in Northern Michigan?”
- “Who has outdoor dining in Petoskey in summer?”
Your advantage is knowing the real questions people ask your business, and often.
- Use real questions to create Q&A sections on web pages and a really good FAQ page. Mirror how people actually ask questions.
- Your website and profile descriptions should use natural, conversational phrases that are helpful in nature.
- The BIG One: Lose the corporate language no one understands but you. Write the same way you would talk to a friend.
Ask Maps Favors Active Google Business Profiles
Updating your Google Business Profile matters more than ever.
If you’re posting to Facebook and Instagram, those same posts should be added to your Google Business Profile.
Make it a weekly habit to add a post, upload photos, and respond to reviews.
Because, AI favors businesses that feel alive.
And, make sure your Website and Google Business Profile and Socials align.
Since AI connects everything of yours, your message needs to be consistent online.
Dominate Ask Maps for Local
People aren’t just searching anymore, they’re asking.
And Google is choosing which businesses to recommend.
Make sure you’re that business!
