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New Google Q&A Feature in 2017 – 3 Things Local Businesses Should Do

Posted by Erin Meyer

Google is constantly rolling out new features to make online search more user-friendly, more informative, and more targeted to meet consumer needs. The latest development is a new question and answer feature that is now appearing on Google Maps for Android and mobile search.

How the Google Q&A Feature Works

When consumers use Google Maps or Search to find a product or service, local business listings appear. After clicking on a particular business listing the user will see a summary of information about the business, including location, hours, pictures, reviews, and more. This new listing feature will allow users to scroll down to a Question and Answer section, where they can browse FAQs or ask new questions about the business.

Google's Q and A feature

How Your Business Can Leverage the Google Q&A Feature

The very first thing you need to do, if you have not already done so, is to make sure your Google business listing is complete and up-to-date. Be sure to take full advantage of all the available features. In order to leverage the advantages of the new Q&A feature, here are 3 more things you can do:

  1. Answer Questions – When someone submits a question in your business listing you will get a notification that a question is waiting for you. Make sure you pay attention to those pings and answer those questions as quickly as possible.
  2. Add Frequently Asked Questions – With the Q&A feature, business owners will be able to submit their own questions and answers to build useful and attractive content.
  3. Watch Your Competition – Regularly check out was it happening in the Q&A sections of your competitors’ listings. Look for good questions that you may have not thought of and add them to your own section.

Want to learn more about how to make the most of your Google business listing? Talk to the Upright Team’s local search experts today!