14/07/2026
If your business relies on local search, there’s something important happening inside Google.
After my post about how people are shifting from Google to AI tools to search for information, I wanted to share something just as important that’s happening inside Google itself. Google has rolled out major core and spam updates, and this time it’s not just a small tweak. It’s a change in how people search. Google Maps is becoming more of an answer engine.
People are asking more specific questions now. Things like “Where can I find a cafe that allows me to work from” or “Who is the best plumber for urgent roof repairs near me.” And instead of showing a long list, Google is choosing a few businesses it thinks are the best match.This is why some businesses are seeing drops in visibility. AI is acting like a gatekeeper and only surfacing the businesses that look active, trustworthy and relevant right now.
Google is looking at things like how recently your profile was updated, the quality of your reviews, how detailed your information is, the photos you upload and whether your content actually answers what people are asking. If your Google Business Profile has been sitting untouched for months, it’s less likely to be recommended.
The good news is you don’t need to overhaul everything. Small, consistent updates make a real difference. Add new photos. Update your services. Make your descriptions clearer. Respond to reviews in a way that sounds like you. Search for your business the way your customers would and see what Google shows.
The bigger shift is in how people make decisions. They’re not scrolling through endless lists anymore. They’re asking better questions and expecting better answers. Your business needs to show up as the answer, not just an option.
And this connects directly to what I said in my LinkedIn post (https://lnkd.in/gEaHaaiT). AI is shaping how people find and choose businesses, whether they’re using Google Maps or tools like ChatGPT. Your website and your Google Business Profile both need to be clear, current and easy to understand.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about showing up better and making sure your website actually explains what you do in a way people understand. The way people find information is changing fast, and your website is the next step after someone discovers your business through Google Maps or even tools like ChatGPT.
This is why keeping your website up to date matters. Both the front end, which your customers see, and the back end, which keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
If you want to chat about your Google Business Profile or your website and how you can show up more clearly for new clients, reach out.