New Google Maps Features: AI Tools to Elevate Your Local Marketing

AI Meets Google Maps

In an exciting move for users and businesses alike, Google has integrated its advanced Gemini-powered AI into Google Maps. While AI-driven tools are becoming more common in apps, this particular upgrade brings a level of interaction that has the potential to reshape local search. With a focus on creating more customized experiences, Google’s new features aim to bring relevant, local recommendations to users’ fingertips, making it easier than ever to explore their surroundings in meaningful ways.

These updates go beyond simple navigation or business information. By helping users find specific activities, summarize key points from reviews, and respond directly to questions, this AI integration is designed to streamline the search journey. Ultimately, these tools enable users to connect with local businesses based on their own personalized preferences and needs. For businesses, especially those that thrive on local clientele like law firms, these features offer new avenues for increasing visibility and engagement with a targeted audience.

The three new features are highlighted below:

1. Curated Local Activity Suggestions

One of the standout features of Google’s latest AI-powered update in Maps is the ability to generate curated suggestions for local activities. This tool allows users to search for tailored experiences based on specific criteria, such as “fun activities with friends” or “places to visit on a date night.” By using natural language processing, Google’s AI can sift through a wealth of local information to provide users with recommendations that align with their preferences.

This curated search approach helps users quickly discover relevant options, whether they’re looking for family-friendly outings, pet-friendly cafes, or evening entertainment. For businesses, this feature presents a unique opportunity to connect with audiences who are actively searching for services that fit their needs. For example, a law firm with flexible hours or services geared toward small business clients can use these tools to appear in searches related to legal assistance for local business owners.

By positioning themselves effectively in Google Maps, businesses can use this feature to engage with potential clients at the moment they’re searching for relevant services—creating new possibilities for building connections within their communities.

2. AI-Powered Review Summaries

The new “review summaries” feature taps into Google’s AI to provide quick, meaningful insights from user reviews on business listings. Instead of scrolling through dozens of reviews, users can now read concise summaries that capture the overall sentiment and highlights of customer feedback. This feature is particularly helpful for users who want to know if a business aligns with their needs at a glance, allowing them to make faster, more informed choices.

In the legal industry, positive review summaries can serve as powerful endorsements that attract new clients. Summarized feedback enhances credibility, allowing prospective clients to see what others have valued most about a service or product. This feature has to power to make the listing more appealing in search results.

Ultimately, review summaries make it easier for businesses to stand out, supporting better user trust and engagement by presenting key points of client feedback clearly and concisely.

3. On-Demand Inquiries

With on-demand inquiries, Google Maps’ AI takes personalization to a new level by enabling users to ask specific, practical questions right within a business listing. Users can inquire about anything from seating arrangements to parking availability by typing their questions directly on the listing page. The AI then searches and pulls up relevant information about the business, allowing users to find specific details without needing to dig through various websites, pages and reviews.

This added level of interactivity can boost engagement for local businesses by addressing users’ unique questions in real time. Whether someone wants to know about amenities, service offerings, or special accommodations, on-demand inquiries help users instantly connect with businesses that align with their preferences. For attorneys, setting up a robust digital presence is key to responding to such queries effectively. These early and immediate points of contact can strengthen attorneys’ online presence and foster positive customer interactions.

Integrating Google Maps AI Features Into Your Local Marketing Strategy

Google Maps’ new AI-powered tools bring an array of options for businesses looking to refine their local marketing approach. Any content about your law firm and your legal services online needs to complement 3 key areas: context that can suggest your firm for a “near me” search, several positive reviews to be summarized, good organization and SEO strategies. An optimized Google Maps listing now makes businesses more discoverable and helps them engage directly with their target audiences.

To make the most of these features, businesses should actively manage their Maps listings & GBPs, encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews, and respond to user inquiries. These steps can contribute to a well-rounded digital strategy that keeps businesses visible and accessible, particularly in an increasingly automated online experience.

Why This Matters for TSEG Clients

With Google Maps’ AI features creating new ways to connect with local audiences, TSEG is here to help businesses take full advantage of these updates. We know that making the most of these tools requires a strategic approach—one that enhances visibility, builds trust, and fosters real connections with potential clients.

Our team at TSEG supports clients by optimizing Google Maps listings to attract and engage their target audiences. We help craft listings that feature tailored activity suggestions, highlight positive review summaries, and provide responses for on-demand inquiries that are aligned with user needs. With our expertise, we make sure clients aren’t just appearing in local searches but are also positioned to capture audience attention and trust. Partner with us today.