Google Is Removing Business Profile Q&A And Replacing It With AI - Here's What Contractors Need To Know
Google is shutting down part of your Google Business Profile. If you've ever used the Q&A section in your GBP (or had customers do it), things are about to change.
As of November 2025, Google has officially discontinued the My Business Q&A API. This means 3rd-party tools and software will no longer be able to read or post new Q&A content. While old content might hang around for a little while longer, this marks the beginning of the end for static Q&A sections as we know them.
This isn't just a cleanup. It's a shift toward AI-powered answers on Google Maps.
The move away from Q&A appears tied to Google's focus on smarter, AI-powered content. According to Yext, many Q&A sections had become outdated or unmoderated - something Google couldn't risk keeping around.
What Is Replacing GBP Q&A?
Enter: "Ask Maps about this place". Originally part of a Gemini + Maps related AI announcement from Google in October 2024 - "Ask Maps" rolled out starting in early 2025. This AI-powered feature uses content from your GBP - reviews, descriptions, photos, and more - to generate real-time answers when people ask questions inside Google Maps.
- It pulls from your GBP content, customer reviews, and more
- Appears on some industry searches (pressure washing, roofing, HVAC, painters, remodelers) but not all (electrician, tree service, plumber, pest control, landscaping) – These results are based on Footbridge Media test searches in November 2025.
- Behavior is inconsistent across devices - mobile vs desktop vs Maps app may show different experiences
- It's rolling out gradually, so not everyone sees it yet
You can try this for yourself. On mobile Google Maps, search for your business category. You might see an "Ask" box. But if your GBP isn't built out well, those answers might be generic - or worse, wrong.
How This Affects Contractors and Home Service Pros
If you're in the trades, this update may feel small. But it actually puts a huge spotlight on the need for a complete, optimized GBP.
AI is only as smart as the info you give it. If your GBP is missing details, poorly categorized, or has outdated info, your business might lose out on leads to competitors who simply invested a bit more time in their listings.
A complete GBP isn't just about SEO anymore. It's about feeding AI the right data to speak on your behalf.
Contractors who want to win more leads through Google need to shift how they think about their listings. Google's AI isn't going to call and ask you for clarification - it's going to decide based on what it sees. Reviews, descriptions, categories, photos - it all plays into the answers potential customers are getting.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Check your Google Business Profile. Is every section filled out?
- Regularly add photos and update your business description
- Respond to reviews - especially detailed ones
- Make sure you're categorized correctly
- Add services, service areas, and hours of operation
While the old Q&A content fades away, you can still own how your business is represented in search. It just requires a little more intention.
If you're already using Footbridge Media's contractor marketing program - we're already handling all of those GBP content updates for you. For our current clients, we recommend against making ANY changes to your GBP whenever possible, given the increased frequency of Google Business Profile suspensions happening recently.
If you're not already a Footbridge Media client - whether it's local SEO or Local Services Ads for contractors, the team at Footbridge Media can help make sure you're ready for what's next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Google is discontinuing the API used to access and manage Q&A content, which likely signals a phase-out of the feature. AI tools like Ask Maps are starting to replace static Q&A sections.
Ask Maps uses AI to pull answers from reviews, business info, photos, and other GBP data to respond to user questions in real time.
Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete and accurate. Keep it updated with new photos, services, and detailed descriptions. This helps improve how AI features like Ask Maps represent your business.
About Chris Lonergan
Chris Lonergan has over 13 years of contractor marketing experience with Footbridge Media. With a background in web design, print design, content creation, and online marketing, Chris is focused on providing quality marketing and business solutions in the construction and service industries - helping small business owners to more efficiently manage their companies and grow their operations.
Chris Lonergan has previously contributed to and/or been featured in PM Magazine (Plumbing & Mechanical | Contractors x Engineers), theNEWS (ACHR - Air Conditioning | Heating | Refrigeration), Turf Magazine (For Landscaping and Green Industry Professionals) Service Roundtable's blog, inPAINT Magazine, the SMB Marketing Agency Show, and the Green Industry Podcast. Chris is also a past SGI/CertainPath breakout session presenter.
