Google is replacing the familiar Q&A section in Business Profiles with AI-driven answers. The change will reshape how customers find information about your business online — and how you maintain control of that information.
Timeline for the Q&A Retirement
- November 3, 2025: Google will retire the My Business Q&A API, which lets businesses and developers manage Q&As automatically.
- Manual access remains — for now: Customers can still view or post questions through Google Search and Maps, but the Q&A feature is already disappearing in certain regions.
What’s Replacing Google’s Q&A
Google is moving to AI-powered tools that generate answers automatically using data from across the web.
Ask Maps
Google Maps now includes an Ask Maps feature where users can type conversational questions — like “Is this restaurant dog-friendly?” or “Does this store offer same-day pickup?”
The AI pulls answers from:
- Your Business Profile details
- Customer reviews
- Uploaded photos
- Your website content
AI Mode / AI Overviews
Google’s Gemini AI now provides summaries and answers directly within search results. Instead of relying on the old Q&A database, the system gathers insights from multiple sources to respond instantly.
How This Change Impacts Your Business
This shift removes the direct channel where businesses once answered customer questions.
Now, Google’s AI will answer for you, using whatever information it can find online.
To stay in control, you need to guide what the AI sees and uses.
1. Export Old Q&A Content
Before November 3, 2025, download your existing Q&A data.
Use it to create or improve FAQ content on your website — it still answers the same customer questions but in a space you control.
2. Strengthen Your Website Content
AI systems depend on reliable website data.
Build structured FAQ pages, add schema markup, and make sure your key services and policies are easy to understand.
3. Focus on Reviews
AI will rely heavily on review content to summarize your business.
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews that mention specific experiences, services, or features.
4. Monitor AI Summaries
Regularly check how your business appears in Google’s AI-generated answers.
If something is inaccurate, fix it at the source — your website, Google Business Profile, or customer reviews.
Why This Matters
Your online reputation and content accuracy will directly influence how Google’s AI describes your business.
Businesses that invest in clear, verified, and well-structured content will benefit most from this shift.
How Imprinted Owl Can Help
At Imprinted Owl, we help businesses prepare for Google’s AI-first search future.
We can:
- Export and repurpose your Q&A content into SEO-friendly FAQ pages.
- Optimize your website with structured data that AI systems can understand.
- Improve your review strategy to highlight the best of your brand.
- Monitor how Google’s AI represents your business and make content adjustments as needed.
Stay ahead of these changes.
Make sure your business speaks clearly — even when AI is doing the talking.
Ready to future-proof your online presence?
Contact Imprinted Owl today to strengthen your content, SEO, and visibility before Google’s Q&A retirement takes effect.
