Google Maps has quietly become one of the most important marketing platforms for local businesses. People use it to find restaurants, compare service providers, check reviews, and decide who looks trustworthy enough to call. In many cases, they never even visit a website before making that decision. Now Google is adding another layer to Maps: AI-powered search and discovery. In a recent announcement, Google introduced new features that allow users to ask Maps questions and receive recommendations directly within the app. Instead of typing basic searches like “coffee near me,” people can now ask things like: “What’s a good brunch spot with outdoor seating?” “Where can I get a quiet place to work nearby?” “What’s a good local sushi restaurant open right now?” Maps then analyzes reviews, photos, and business information to suggest places that match the request. Which raises a very practical question for business owners: How do you make sure your business shows up when Maps starts answering questions for people? [...]