Google Maps and the ubiquitous Google Search are both getting a new feature: a Q&A section that will be appended to listings.

Users ask

Searching for the location on Google Maps or Search often leads to a local listing. Soon, they’ll each include a Q&A section.

At launch, the section will appear at the foot of the listing. So, users will be able to scroll down and ask a question. If and when the question is answered, the user who posted it will be notified.

Community responds and upvotes

Google users will also be able to answer question that others have posed, and upvote informative responses that others have submitted.

Upvotes aren’t just for ego: upvoted submissions will appear nearer to the top of the Q&A section.

Benefits for business

Business owners can answer a question like any other user. They can also add their own FAQ too.

When a user asks a question about a place, Google lets the business owner know about it and gives them an opportunity to respond.

This seems like the sort of feature that will be adopted quickly by the Google community, but how will content posted to the Q&A sections be monitored?

Is the new Q&A section for Google locations more of an opportunity, or a risk?

Copy Transmission is a Melbourne-based agency :: Better Brands. Loud & Clear.