Unlocking the Future of Customer Engagement with Google Business Profiles AI Upgrade

Google has introduced a new AI-powered feature called Know Before You Go for Google Business Profiles. This update offers bite-sized, AI-generated tips that help potential customers get useful insights before visiting your business. From parking advice to the best dishes to order and even accurate happy hour times, this feature pulls information directly from your website, social media, and customer reviews. This marks another step in Google's push toward smarter, more intuitive pre-trip insights for users, complementing recent changes like Ask Maps replacing the Q&A section.

For business owners focused on Local Marketing, understanding and using this feature can improve how you connect with customers and help your business rank higher across Google and AI search platforms. This post explains how to use the Know Before You Go feature effectively and why it matters for your business.

How the Know Before You Go Feature Works

Google’s AI scans multiple sources related to your business, including your website, social media posts, and customer reviews. It then generates short, helpful tips that appear directly on your Google Business Profile. These tips answer common questions customers might have before visiting, such as:

• Where to park near your location

• What menu items are popular or recommended

• Accurate timing for special offers like happy hours or events

• Accessibility information or peak hours to avoid crowds

  
  

This feature aims to reduce uncertainty and improve the customer experience by providing clear, reliable information upfront.

How to Prepare Your Business for Know Before You Go

To make the most of this AI upgrade, you need to ensure your online presence is accurate and up to date. Here’s how:

1. Keep Your Website and Social Media Updated

Google pulls data from your digital platforms. Make sure your website and social media pages include:

• Clear parking instructions or nearby parking options

• Updated menus with popular dishes highlighted

• Correct business hours, including special hours for holidays or events

• Details about happy hours, promotions, or unique offerings

  
  

2. Encourage and Manage Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are a key source for the AI to generate insider tips. Encourage satisfied customers to leave detailed reviews mentioning specific experiences, such as:

• Best dishes they tried

• Parking convenience

• Staff friendliness or wait times

  
  

Responding to reviews also signals that your business is active and engaged, which can help your profile rank higher.

3. Use Google Business Profile Features Fully

Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete with:

• Accurate address and contact details

• Photos that showcase your business environment and offerings

• Updated service or product lists

• Posts about upcoming events or changes

  
  

This completeness helps Google’s AI pull the right information for the Know Before You Go feature.

How This Feature Helps Your Business Rank Higher

Google rewards profiles that provide useful, accurate information to users. By using the Know Before You Go feature, your business can:

• Appear more prominently in local search results

• Gain higher trust from potential customers due to clear, helpful tips

• Improve engagement by answering common questions before customers even ask

  
  

This means your business can stand out in crowded local markets and attract more visitors.

Practical Tips to Maximize the Know Before You Go Feature

Monitor AI-Generated Tips Regularly

Check your Google Business Profile often to see what tips the AI is showing. If you notice inaccuracies, update your website or social media to correct the source information.

Highlight Unique Selling Points

Make sure your digital content emphasizes what makes your business special. Whether it’s a signature dish, a cozy atmosphere, or convenient parking, these details help the AI create more attractive tips.

Use Customer Feedback to Improve

If customers mention common questions or confusion in reviews or messages, address those points clearly online. This can improve the quality of AI-generated tips and enhance customer satisfaction.

Combine with Other Local Marketing Efforts

Integrate this feature with your broader local marketing strategy. Use Google Posts, local ads, and community engagement to build a strong presence that supports your AI-driven insights.

Why Business Owners Should Care About AI in Local Marketing

The Know Before You Go feature is part of a larger trend where AI helps customers make decisions faster and with more confidence. For business owners, this means:

• Less time spent answering repetitive questions

• More qualified visitors who already know what to expect

• Better online reputation through accurate, helpful information

  
  

By embracing this AI upgrade, you position your business to meet customer expectations in a digital-first world.

Final Thoughts on Using Know Before You Go

Google’s Know Before You Go feature offers a new way to connect with customers before they visit your business. By providing clear, AI-generated insider tips, it helps reduce uncertainty and improves the overall customer experience. Business owners who keep their online information accurate and encourage detailed reviews will benefit most, seeing better engagement and higher rankings across Google and AI search platforms.