AIIMS Insights / Local search & Google AI
Google Business Profile and AI search: is your business ready?
Customers can ask Google who to call, where to go and what to buy. Your listing and your advertising need to be ready for the next step.
Why your Google listing deserves attention now
A customer does not always start by opening your homepage. They might compare nearby providers in Maps, look at opening hours, read reviews or ask a more detailed question through an AI-powered search experience. The information they find can shape their decision before your team hears from them.
That makes old phone numbers, incomplete services and broken booking links commercially important. A prospective customer who cannot work out whether you offer the right service may move on. A strong listing makes the next action clear: call, visit, book or request a quote.
Google Business Profile, still widely called GMB, is one part of that journey. It works best alongside useful website pages, genuine customer feedback and a clear business identity. Our Google Business Profile, Apple Maps and Bing Places service brings those local records into a coordinated plan.
How Gemini and Maps change the discovery journey
Google’s Ask Maps brings Gemini capabilities into conversational local discovery. People can describe what they need and explore options through follow-up questions. This adds another reason to keep the public information about your business clear and current.
For a service business, a useful starting point is the connection between its listing and its website. Does the listed service have a page that explains what is included? Does the contact route work on a phone? Are service areas described accurately? These are practical checks that help customers make informed decisions, regardless of how they found you.
Do not confuse being prepared with buying a guaranteed recommendation. Google does not publish a rule that only frequently updated or fully completed listings can be cited in AI answers. Its AI search guidance continues to emphasise established SEO foundations. Our SEO services and AI marketing services connect this work with the rest of your search presence.
Eight checks for your Google Business Profile
Before adding more content, check the basics. The aim is to help a customer understand your business and take the right next step.
| Check | What to review |
|---|---|
| Ownership and access | Confirm the right people control the profile and can resolve verification or account issues. |
| Business details | Check phone numbers, address or service area, regular hours and holiday hours. |
| Categories and services | Describe what you actually do and use clear service information. |
| Products | Maintain relevant details, images, pricing and destinations where product features are supported. |
| Bookings and quotes | Test supported booking links and the website journey for quote requests. |
| Customer reviews | Request honest feedback, respond helpfully and escalate sensitive matters appropriately. |
| Photos and updates | Show recent work and current information that represents the business accurately. |
| Links and measurement | Check destinations and review available calls, website visits and enquiry outcomes. |
Not every profile has the same features. Booking, ordering and product tools depend on category, market and supported providers. Google identifies relevance, distance and prominence as key local ranking factors; a posting schedule alone does not guarantee a position. See Google’s local ranking guidance .
Where Google AI advertising fits
Paid advertising is another route to reaching people during search. Google has expanded AI Mode ads to Australia, and eligible Search, Shopping and Performance Max campaigns can participate in available AI search placements.
If AIIMS already manages your Google Ads, a conversation with your Performance Manager can establish what is enabled, what is eligible and what needs attention. The right next step might involve campaign assets, landing pages, conversion tracking or product information, depending on your objective.
A dedicated campaign can support an agreed service or product priority. It cannot target only AI Mode or AI Overviews: Google controls placement through its systems and auction. AI ad activity is included in standard campaign reporting. This paid opportunity is separate from organic recommendations. Read Google’s eligibility and reporting guidance or explore our Google Ads management service .
Two ways to add momentum to your monthly plan
AIIMS clients can add either service, or choose both using the separate checkout links. If you are unsure which is appropriate, speak to your Account Manager before choosing. Both add-ons have no cancellation notice period.
Listing management
GMB – AI Driven Google Maps Overhaul
A$440 / month
+ GST. A$484 including GST.
Added to your monthly plan, with work starting within 48 hours. Focus on the business information and profile improvements that help customers find, understand and contact you.
Add GMB to my planPaid search readiness
Google AI – Gemini Ads Accelerator
A$485 / month
+ GST. A$533.50 including GST.
Fast setup with your Performance Manager, covering campaign readiness and the agreed next steps for assets, landing pages and measurement. Advertising spend is separate.
Add Gemini Ads to my planGMB work begins within 48 hours; completed verification and platform approvals can take longer. Google Business Profile itself is free. The management fee covers AIIMS services and does not guarantee ranking or AI citations. AI ad delivery depends on eligibility, auction conditions and market availability.
Keep your existing manager in the conversation
You should not need to restart the conversation with a new team just to add a service. Your existing Account Manager can connect the work to your business priorities, current campaigns and available assets.
Use the Account Manager directory to select your manager and contact them. You can also use the website enquiry form , call 1300 397 603 or continue your existing conversation in the AIIMS app. Include your business name and the add-on you are considering so the team can respond with the right context.
Frequently asked questions
Is GMB the same as Google Business Profile?
GMB is the older Google My Business name. Google Business Profile is the current name used for managing eligible business information on Google Search and Maps.
Does a managed listing guarantee an AI recommendation?
No. Accurate information and useful content support discovery, but neither AIIMS nor a completed profile can guarantee that Google will recommend or cite a business.
Can every business add a Book Online or Request a Quote button?
No. Supported actions vary. We check the options available to your profile and make sure your website offers a clear, working enquiry or quote journey.
Can I add both plans?
Yes. Each add-on has its own checkout. Choose the listing overhaul, the ads accelerator or both, and keep your Account Manager involved so the work supports the same priorities.
How quickly does the GMB work start?
Work starts within 48 hours. Starting the work is different from completing a verification, appeal or platform approval, which may require further time or information from the business owner.
Is there a cancellation notice period?
These add-ons have no cancellation notice period. Contact your Account Manager to arrange a change to your add-on.
Are advertising costs included in the Gemini Ads Accelerator?
Advertising spend is separate from the A$485 per month plus GST service fee. Your Performance Manager can discuss the campaign budget and objectives with you.
