Most business owners barely notice the small action links on their Google Business Profile. A restaurant typically adds an “Order Online” button. A salon often includes “Book Now.” A service business like a plumber might link to an appointment scheduler. Once those links are in place, they usually get ignored—much like a gym membership that never gets used.

That’s starting to matter a lot more. Google Maps is becoming significantly more capable, and those simple links are turning into a meaningful advantage. Google is developing AI that can actively use them to help people order food, book hotels, schedule services, and complete other tasks.

Google recently introduced new agentic features for Ask Maps. This means Maps can do more than just display businesses—it can help users accomplish goals. Someone might say, “Order spicy pad kee mao with seafood for pickup on my way home,” and Ask Maps can locate suitable restaurants along the route, evaluate what’s available, and even place the items in a cart. Similar capabilities are being applied to hotels and local events, where the system checks pricing, availability, and ticket links.

What’s particularly important is that Google’s AI looks for businesses that already provide the necessary information and working links. If a competitor has a clear, usable ordering or booking link and you don’t, the AI may find it easier to complete the request with them instead of you.

The practical takeaway is straightforward: make it simple for Google’s AI to understand your business and guide customers toward ordering, booking, or scheduling with you. As AI plays a growing role in local search, this kind of readiness becomes essential—which is why we include GBP optimization in every tier of Authority Platform, the service that keeps your profile current so you can stay focused on running your business. Check out which tier is right for you here: Authority Platform