I would not ignore your Google Business Profile because Ask Maps sounds like a future feature. Conversational local search still pulls from the same practical inputs: categories, services, hours, photos, reviews, website links.
If those are messy, the answer will be messy, and no conversational UI will save a business that has not updated its services since 2019.
Customers ask like humans now
"Who fixes heat pumps near me tonight?"
"Is this place good for kids?"
"Do they take walk-ins?"
Your profile should answer those in plain language before a user has to dig.
Photos and services are not decoration
Add real service names. Update seasonal hours. Post occasional updates if you use them.
Reviews that mention specific jobs help future answers sound grounded.
Website still matters
The profile should send people to pages that match the promise.
If Ask Maps sends someone to a generic homepage, you waste the intent.
I would audit one location this week
Pick your busiest listing. Search five questions a customer would ask. See what comes back. Fix gaps you control.
Maps features change names. Local businesses still win on clarity, proof, and being open when they say they are.
