If you’ve noticed the “Questions & Answers” section disappear from your Google Business Profile, you’re not imagining things. Google officially retired the feature in October 2025, marking another major shift in how brands connect with customers through local search.
For years, Q&A was a powerful way to showcase expertise, answer common customer questions, and even optimize content for AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and Siri. But with its retirement, businesses need to pivot strategically to keep their visibility strong.
What’s Changing
Google’s Q&A tool allowed anyone to ask and answer questions directly within your business listing — a prime spot for SEO-rich, conversational content. Google confirmed all existing Q&As will soon be deleted, which means that valuable keyword-based content will vanish unless repurposed elsewhere.
What Businesses Should Do Now
1. Move Q&A Content to Your Website’s FAQ Page
If you’ve invested time answering questions in your Google listing, don’t lose it!
Turn those responses into SEO-optimized FAQ content on your website. AI search tools (like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Bing Copilot) love structured, clear answers formatted with proper schema markup — exactly what FAQ pages deliver.
2. Strengthen Your Google Business Profile Posts
While Q&A is gone, Google Posts are still alive and effective. Use them weekly to share updates, promotions, and short educational blurbs that highlight your expertise and activity.
3. Focus on Reviews as Your “New Q&A”
Customer reviews are now the biggest on-platform credibility booster. Encourage reviews that naturally answer buyer questions — e.g., “The technician explained everything clearly” or “They helped me understand my insurance process.” These provide keyword context and social proof.
4. Enhance Your AI + Local Search Presence
Since AI assistants rely heavily on structured data, make sure your listings and site include:
- Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across platforms
- Updated hours, services, and categories
- Schema-marked FAQs and reviews
Rustic Pencil’s AI + Local Search Optimization service was built exactly for this shift — to help you show up in conversational search where people are asking for “the best ___ near me.”
The Takeaway
Google’s decision to retire Q&A is part of a broader move toward AI-driven, structured information. Businesses that adapt quickly — repurposing their Q&A insights, refining their SEO, and leaning into AI-friendly formats — will continue to lead visibility in local and conversational search.
If you’re not sure how to pivot your strategy, we can help. Rustic Pencil specializes in AI-optimized local listings, FAQ content, and review management to keep your brand searchable — even as Google changes the rules.
