In this episode, we dive into the latest Google Business Profile updates and what they mean for local businesses trying to stay visible in an increasingly AI-driven search landscape. Local marketing strategist Alison Evans of Pinpoint Local is joined by SEO expert Jose Chavez of Ready to Rank as they break down what’s new, what’s changed, and why these updates matter now more than ever.

 

Alison and Jose walk through how Google is evolving GBP to support AI-powered search, maps, and recommendations. From new features and interface changes to shifts in how Google interprets business data, reviews, and engagement signals, they explain how these updates influence which businesses get surfaced, and which quietly disappear.

 

You’ll learn how the new GBP features impact trust, relevance, and authority at the local level, where businesses are making critical mistakes, and how to adapt your optimization strategy to align with how Google’s systems now evaluate local entities. They also share practical guidance on keeping your profile accurate, competitive, and resilient as automation continues to reshape local search.

 

Whether you’re managing a single location or multiple listings, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening behind the scenes of Google Business Profile, and how to position your business to benefit from these changes in 2026 and beyond.

I hope you find it insightful, and I’m always interested in hearing your thoughts.