“Ask Maps about this place” is a new, AI-powered feature in Google Maps designed to provide users with quick, summarized answers to questions about a business or location. It leverages Google’s generative AI, specifically Gemini, to extract information from various sources within Maps, including reviews, business details, photos, and other publicly available data.
How it works for users:
Natural Language Queries:
Users can type in natural language questions, similar to how they would ask a person. Examples include: “Is this place good for events?”, “Do they offer drone shots?”, “What’s their pricing like?”, “Do they serve vegan options?”, or “Is this place wheelchair accessible?”.
Instant, Summarized Responses:
Instead of manually sifting through numerous reviews or photos, users receive concise, AI-generated answers almost instantly.
Information Sources:
The AI pulls information from a variety of sources:
Google Business Profile (GBP):
This is often the primary source, including details the business owner has provided about their services, amenities, and attributes.
User Reviews:
The AI analyzes the text of reviews, summarizing common sentiments, tips, and answers to specific questions mentioned by other users.
Photos:
Google can even use AI to understand what’s depicted in photos associated with the listing.
Website:
Information from the business’s linked website is also factored in.
Third-party sources:
In some cases, if the information isn’t readily available from Google’s own data, the AI may pull from trusted third-party websites.
Suggested Queries:
Google Maps often suggests pre-formed questions to help users get started, tailored to the specific business category.
Accessibility:
This feature is primarily available in the Google Maps app and initially rolled out in the U.S., with plans for wider global expansion.
How it helps business owners:
Increased Engagement:
By providing quick answers, it can encourage more users to interact with your business listing and potentially convert into customers.
Leveraging Existing Data:
The answers are largely based on what customers have already said in reviews. This means positive and detailed reviews are crucial for shaping accurate and favorable AI responses.
Optimization Insights:
Business owners can monitor the types of questions users are asking about their listings. This provides valuable insights into what information customers are seeking, allowing businesses to:
Update Google Business Profile:
Add missing services, attributes, or frequently asked questions to their GBP to ensure the AI has accurate information.
Encourage Specific Reviews:
Encourage customers to mention specific aspects of their experience (e.g., “The vegan options were delicious!”) to bolster the AI’s understanding.
Add More Photos:
Upload diverse photos that clearly depict their offerings and amenities.
Optimize Website Content:
Ensure their website provides comprehensive answers to common questions, as the AI prioritizes information directly from the business’s own sources.
Replaces Q&A:
This AI-powered feature is seen as an evolution, and likely a replacement, for the traditional Q&A section on Google Business Profiles, offering a more dynamic and instant answering mechanism.
