The SEO Juice: As Google Search declines, Google Maps is more important than ever

Grab your glass – it’s time for another cup of The SEO Juice! This month’s episode was like a perfectly blended smoothie, packed full of information ranging from the change in consumer behavior around Google search and Maps, to Google’s shiny new AI tools, to top 2025 predictions.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to keep your SEO strategy fresh!

Industry Updates: Fresh Squeezed Insights

New AI Features: “Ask Maps” and Review Summaries
Google’s stepping up its game with tools that make your business more discoverable:

“Ask Maps About This Place” lets users ask questions like, “Does this bakery have gluten-free options?” Google pulls answers from your GBP (Google Business Profile), reviews, and website.
AI Review Summaries provide a quick snapshot of customer feedback, highlighting what people love most about your business, updated weekly.

What to Do: Keep your GBP accurate and detailed. A well-maintained profile is the secret recipe for these tools to work their magic.

Local SEO Predictions

2025 Predictions

Google Maps
Search impressions are on the decline, and there’s a good reason: Google Maps is taking over.

Why? Because mobile map impressions are inherently more local and more likely to convert. Think about it: if someone’s searching on Maps, they’re not just browsing, they’ve got intent, and they’re ready to act.
Features like Open in Maps make Maps the go-to for searchers looking for nearby businesses, pushing traditional search further down the funnel.

Pro Tip: Make sure your Google Maps presence is spotless. Add photos, update your service areas, and don’t sleep on the Merchant Center—it’s your new best friend for product visibility.

Maximize New GBP Features
Stay ahead of the game by leveraging these updates:

Merchant Center: Showcase your in-store products for free and boost your local visibility.
Menu Optimization: Clear, searchable names are key—so skip the “Chef’s Special” and go with “Classic Caesar Salad.”
AI Photo Tags: Google Vision AI is now looking at photo tags as a ranking signal. High-quality, well-tagged images are now pure SEO gold.

Adapt to Video Search Trends
With TikTok potentially on the chopping block, YouTube Shorts are stepping up as the hero of short-form video content. Video isn’t just a trend; it’s becoming a cornerstone of local SEO.

What to Do: Post quick, engaging videos that highlight your business—like a behind-the-scenes look at your café or a tour of your store.

Checkbox Optimizations

Here’s what’s new for Google Business Profiles:

New Attributes for property managers, like “Has in-unit washer/dryer” and “Onsite maintenance.”
Messaging Options: Businesses can now add WhatsApp or SMS to their profile for direct communication.

What to Do: Audit your GBP today to make sure all relevant attributes are selected. Those little details can make a big difference.

Caught in the Wild: Fun New Features

Here’s what we spotted this month:

Nearby Offers Carousel: A new desktop feature that highlights local deals and events. Post regularly to take advantage of this visibility boost.
Gym Attributes Spotlight: Attributes like “pickleball courts” are now prominently displayed for gyms. Check your highlights and update your profile to stand out!