Select Language:
Google has recently introduced “Ask Maps,” a new feature in Google Maps powered by Gemini technology designed to assist users with local business research, trip planning, recommendations, and more. Over the past week, I had the chance to test this feature, and it proved to be quite robust. I also connected with the Gemini team for insights into the future of Ask Maps, whether advertising options are on the horizon, and other details. A detailed overview is available, highlighting tested examples and my perspective on its capabilities.
Ask Maps is currently rolling out to users in the United States and India within the Google Maps app, supporting both Android and iOS devices. A desktop version is expected to launch soon. During testing, Google provided a GIF showcasing the feature in action, demonstrating how users can interact with it seamlessly.
At this stage, ads are not integrated into Ask Maps, and the team clarified that advertising is not part of the current rollout. However, they haven’t ruled out incorporating local ads in the future, as it seems like a logical placement for targeted local advertising.
Regarding tracking, the impressions from Ask Maps will follow standard Google Maps metrics. These impressions are likely to be reflected in Google Business Profile reports, though they may not yet be separately itemized. It would make sense for Ask Maps to eventually appear as a new surface within the GBP analytics interface, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for updates.
For local businesses, especially those dependent on local search visibility, it’s highly recommended to explore how your listings are displayed within Ask Maps, monitor customer sentiment, and assess the overall presentation as part of the AI-driven responses.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
