The Hona Blog
Explore the Latest Trends, Tips, and Strategies in Legal Tech and Client Communication
Google now shows the new AI-powered “Ask” button in Maps and on Business Profiles. Don't let it give the wrong answers about your law firm.
While Google still shows the Q&A functionality on the backend in your Google Business Profile, it no longer appears for people looking your profile or searching for businesses like yours. Google now shows the new “Ask” button in Maps and on Business Profiles.
According to Google’s product team, “Customers can ask their question directly in Google Maps and get an updated, instant answer based on your answers and relevant reviews.” This Gemini-powered feature has been prioritized in December 2025 and it became more prominent during the summer of 2025.
Google pulls information from:
You can still answer questions about your law firm in your Business Profile. Just know this section is no longer visible to searchers.
According to Google: “Business Profile users can continue to answer existing questions about their business in the Q&A section in their Google Business Profile. Your published questions and answers will continue to power Google’s understanding of the real world and may be shown in Maps.”
Check and update these areas in your Business Profile and on your website to give Google’s AI all of the right information.
Make sure this information in your profile is up-to-date:
Inaccurate information in your profile will mean that Gemini and “Ask Maps” can’t answer correctly.
All of the information on your Business Profile must be the same on your website. Don’t provide Google with conflicting information. In particular, make sure the business name listed on Google is the same one found on your website.
Review your website’s accuracy and clearly label and update pages like:
Remember: AI is only providing the most likely answer to a question, not fact-checking, so you need to give it all the context. Your website is the best place to provide in-depth context about your law firm.
If you maintain a profile on any other review sites, like Yelp, or any directories of law firms, double check that all of your business information is accurate and updated.
Make sure that practice areas, business hours, contact information, staff information, etc. show up the same in every place someone might be searching.
Requesting more reviews! Google pulls information directly from reviews to populate answers in Maps. Legal marketing experts in particular note that Google seems to prioritize the user-generated answers that reviews already provide.
Here’s an example of the impact your reviews have on the answers given by Google’s AI via “Ask Maps.”
Rebecca was in a car accident. A few years ago she had to hire a personal injury lawyer for a slip-and-fall incident. But she remembers that the lawyer she hired then rarely contacted her. She felt isolated and confused, even though the case turned out in her favor. The communication was so bad she never referred that lawyer to anyone and mentioned it in her review.
In searching Google for other personal injury attorneys in her area, Rebecca comes across your firm. She wants to know upfront if your firm has a history of poor communication with clients. She uses the AI-powered “Ask” button to ask about your communication style.
If your firm has hundreds of positive reviews and many former clients mention how great your firm is at staying connected, Google is going to use that information to provide Rebecca’s answer.
So if you don’t have a solid process for requesting reviews, now’s the time to start.
Within its client portal and communication tools, Hona provides automated review requests. Set up these requests to send automatically via text message and the client portal at specific points in your case workflow.
Don’t miss out on valuable content that can revolutionize your law firm.
Focusing on the client’s perspective goes beyond resolution of the case at hand. It shapes loyalty, boosts referrals, and amplifies the firm’s reputation.
Clients often expect direct contact and honest updates from their legal representatives. Clear information builds trust and encourages favorable feedback. A deliberate focus on communication and convenience can transform these relationships.
Remote collaboration is more prevalent now, so voice or video calls often replace in-person sessions. Digital signatures, secure messaging, and automated deadline alerts bring order while reducing manual work.
Focusing on the client’s perspective goes beyond resolution of the case at hand. It shapes loyalty, boosts referrals, and amplifies the firm’s reputation.
Allocating time and resources to cybersecurity helps maintain trust, cuts down on incident costs, and preserves overall reputation.
Digital defense is important for legal professionals who handle private client data. Gaps in protection can expose case files, personal details, and firm strategies to unauthorized viewers. Passwords remain a baseline measure, but a deeper approach goes further.
Maintaining strong defense includes training all personnel. Email scams and suspicious attachments pose risks if individuals click without caution. Regular sessions on remote access policies and password hygiene reduce these hazards.
Allocating time and resources to cybersecurity helps maintain trust, cuts down on incident costs, and preserves overall reputation.
While securing a spot in the Google Map Pack and optimizing your Google Business Profile are essential, the world of local SEO is constantly evolving.
While securing a spot in the Google Map Pack and optimizing your Google Business Profile are essential, the world of local SEO is constantly evolving. To truly dominate local search, businesses must embrace advanced strategies that go beyond the basics. In this post, we delve into innovative tactics, explore real-world success stories, and discuss how technology can streamline your efforts to secure a competitive edge in local search.
One of the most powerful ways to enhance your local SEO is by creating hyper-local content. Instead of generic articles, focus on content that speaks directly to your community. This might include blog posts about local events, interviews with community leaders, or guides that highlight neighborhood-specific services. By tailoring your content to the local audience, you not only improve your search rankings but also establish your business as a trusted local authority.
With the rise of voice search, optimizing for conversational queries is becoming increasingly important. Think about how people naturally ask questions—“Where can I find the best Italian restaurant near me?” Optimizing your content to include natural language and question-based phrases can help capture this growing segment of search traffic. Additionally, implementing structured data markup (schema) on your website can enhance your chances of appearing in rich snippets, further boosting your local visibility.
Advanced link-building remains a cornerstone of effective SEO. However, in the local context, quality matters more than quantity. Focus on earning backlinks from reputable local sources such as community blogs, local news outlets, and regional business directories. These targeted links not only improve your search authority but also signal to search engines that your business is an integral part of the local community.
To illustrate the impact of advanced local SEO strategies, consider the example of a regional retailer who revamped their online presence with hyper-local content and strategic link-building. By focusing on neighborhood-specific topics and partnering with local influencers, the retailer saw a dramatic increase in organic traffic and in-store visits. Another success story comes from a personal injury law firm that integrated voice search optimization and structured data, leading to a 35% increase in mobile search traffic and a notable boost in case inquiries. These examples underscore the importance of thinking beyond the basics to achieve sustained local success.
Modern tools and software solutions, like Hona Software, can play a crucial role in executing advanced local SEO strategies. Hona helps automate citation management, monitor review trends, and provide actionable analytics that inform your local SEO efforts. By integrating such technology into your workflow, you ensure that your local strategy is not only comprehensive but also adaptive to the ever-changing digital landscape.
Advanced local SEO is about pushing beyond traditional tactics and embracing innovative strategies that resonate with your local audience. By focusing on hyper-local content, voice search optimization, sophisticated link-building, and leveraging technology, you can transform your local digital presence and stay ahead of the competition. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these advanced tactics will become essential for businesses striving to capture and sustain local search dominance.
Balancing your local SEO strategy requires a nuanced approach that integrates the strengths of the Google Map Pack, organic SEO, and paid advertising.
For local businesses, achieving top-of-mind awareness in search results involves more than just securing a spot in the Google Map Pack. True digital success comes from a balanced approach that integrates organic SEO, paid advertising, and Map Pack optimization. In this post, we explore how these components work together to create a robust local SEO strategy and share practical insights on how to balance them for maximum impact.
Imagine your local SEO strategy as a symphony where each instrument plays a critical role. The Google Map Pack is like the lead violin, immediately catching the audience’s attention with its prominent display and high click-through rates. Organic SEO represents the steady rhythm section, building long-term authority through content, backlinks, and on-page optimization. Meanwhile, paid ads add the dynamic flair that can boost visibility during peak periods or competitive times.
Each of these elements contributes uniquely to your overall digital presence. Focusing solely on one aspect may yield short-term gains, but an integrated approach ensures sustained local visibility and drives consistent traffic.
One of the key challenges in local SEO is creating a seamless strategy that leverages all three channels. Start by ensuring that your business information is consistent across your Google Business Profile, website, and ad campaigns. Consistency builds trust with search engines and reinforces your brand message. Next, develop a content strategy that supports both organic SEO and local engagement. Regularly publish blog posts, localized landing pages, and community-focused content that highlights your expertise and connects with local audiences.
Paid advertising, when used strategically, can complement organic efforts by capturing immediate traffic. For example, during seasonal promotions or when launching a new service, targeted PPC campaigns can drive additional visibility. By monitoring performance across these channels, you can reallocate resources and adjust your strategy based on real-time data.
Consider a local law firm that combines a well-optimized Google Business Profile with a content-rich website and targeted local ads. The firm’s GBP ensures it appears in the Map Pack, capturing high-intent searches. Simultaneously, its blog posts and resource pages boost organic rankings, while paid ads drive traffic during peak periods. This integrated strategy not only enhances overall visibility but also builds a cohesive brand image that resonates with potential clients.
Analytics are the backbone of any balanced digital strategy. Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track traffic, user engagement, and conversion rates across all channels. This data-driven approach allows you to fine-tune your strategies, ensuring that each component of your local SEO mix is performing optimally. Moreover, leveraging technology such as Hona Software can automate routine tasks, streamline data collection, and provide actionable insights to further integrate your local SEO efforts.
Balancing your local SEO strategy requires a nuanced approach that integrates the strengths of the Google Map Pack, organic SEO, and paid advertising. By creating a consistent, data-driven strategy that leverages each channel’s unique benefits, you can achieve sustained local visibility and drive significant business growth. In this interconnected digital ecosystem, synergy between all components is the key to unlocking your full local potential.
Optimizing your Google Business Profile and leveraging customer reviews are critical components of a successful local SEO strategy.
In the competitive realm of local search, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first impression potential customers encounter. A complete, engaging, and regularly updated profile not only improves your search ranking but also builds credibility and trust with your audience. In this post, we explore how to optimize your GBP and harness the power of customer reviews to drive local success.
Imagine your GBP as your digital storefront. When potential customers search for local services, they’re greeted by your profile—your business’s face on the web. To make a strong impression, it is critical that your profile is complete and accurate. Start by ensuring that your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms. This consistency not only helps Google validate your business but also reassures customers that your information is reliable.
A fully optimized GBP includes high-quality images that reflect your brand, detailed descriptions that explain what you offer, and up-to-date information on business hours and services. Regular updates are key. By posting news, promotions, or updates about your business, you keep your profile fresh and engaging, signaling to both Google and potential customers that you’re active and invested in your community.
Customer reviews are a cornerstone of local SEO. They provide social proof, build trust, and significantly influence your rankings in the Google Map Pack. When users see a business with numerous positive reviews, they’re more likely to click through and consider your services. Reviews also give you valuable insights into customer satisfaction and areas for improvement.
Encouraging your clients to leave reviews can be seamlessly integrated into your customer journey. Whether through automated follow-up emails or in-person requests at the end of a service, every positive review adds to your online reputation. Equally important is how you handle reviews once they’re posted. Responding to reviews—both positive and negative—demonstrates that you value feedback and are committed to continuous improvement. It also helps foster a sense of community and engagement, which can lead to higher overall satisfaction and repeat business.
To streamline the process of managing your GBP and reviews, consider integrating specialized tools into your workflow. Platforms like Hona Software can automate routine tasks such as review requests and updates, ensuring that your profile remains current without demanding constant manual attention. With Hona, you can maintain a dynamic online presence while focusing on what you do best—serving your customers.
Consider the case of a local boutique that transformed its online presence by overhauling its GBP. By updating photos, regularly posting updates, and actively engaging with customer reviews, the boutique not only improved its local ranking but also saw a noticeable increase in foot traffic and sales. This real-world example illustrates the tangible benefits of investing time and effort in your Google Business Profile.
Optimizing your Google Business Profile and leveraging customer reviews are critical components of a successful local SEO strategy. By ensuring that your GBP is comprehensive, accurate, and engaging, you lay a strong foundation for higher local visibility. Coupled with proactive review management, you can build trust, drive engagement, and ultimately convert local searchers into loyal customers. Embrace these practices, and watch your local presence flourish.
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Mastering the Google Map Pack is essential for any business serious about local search.
In today’s digital landscape, local search can make or break a business’s online success. At the heart of local search lies the Google Map Pack—a prime piece of digital real estate that appears at the top of search results for location-based queries. Whether you’re a local restaurant, a personal injury lawyer, or any small business, securing a spot in the Map Pack can drive significant traffic and boost credibility. In this post, we explore what the Google Map Pack is, how it functions, and why it remains one of the most important elements of local SEO.
When someone searches for “best pizza in New York” or “personal injury lawyer near me,” Google responds by displaying a set of three business listings along with a map. This collection, known as the Google Map Pack (or Local Pack), consists of a small interactive map highlighting business locations and three featured listings. Each listing typically displays critical details such as the business name, user reviews, ratings, address, phone number, and sometimes operating hours. The design is simple, yet highly effective—offering users a quick snapshot of local options while providing immediate access to directions or a call button on mobile devices.
The Map Pack sits at the top of search results, often above organic listings. This prominent placement means that businesses featured in the Map Pack enjoy higher visibility and click-through rates (CTR). Studies have shown that users are significantly more likely to click on these listings, making it a coveted position for local businesses. Ranking in the Map Pack not only increases your online exposure but also signals to potential customers that your business is relevant, trustworthy, and active within your community.
Google ranks businesses in the Map Pack based on several factors including proximity to the searcher, relevance of the business to the search query, and prominence as measured by review quality and quantity, website SEO, and local citations. In other words, a well-optimized Google Business Profile (GBP) plays a pivotal role. Businesses that invest in ensuring their GBP is complete and accurate—complete with updated photos, detailed descriptions, and a steady flow of positive reviews—tend to perform better in local searches.
To improve your chances of landing in the Map Pack, start by claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile. This means providing comprehensive information about your business, verifying your location, and maintaining consistency in your name, address, and phone number across all online platforms. Equally important is the role of customer reviews. A steady stream of positive reviews not only enhances your credibility but also boosts your search ranking. Additionally, optimizing your website for local SEO—by incorporating local keywords and building high-quality local citations—further reinforces your presence.
While the Map Pack is crucial, it’s part of a broader local SEO strategy. It works in tandem with organic search results and even paid advertisements. Understanding the click distribution patterns—where top Map Pack positions capture a large share of clicks while organic results and paid ads still play their roles—can help you develop a balanced digital marketing strategy. In this context, the Map Pack serves as both an immediate traffic generator and a long-term asset that bolsters your overall local online presence.
Mastering the Google Map Pack is essential for any business serious about local search. By investing in a well-rounded local SEO strategy that includes an optimized Google Business Profile, strong local website content, and a proactive review management system, you can secure that prime digital real estate. When done right, your business will not only appear at the top of local search results but will also build trust with potential customers, leading to increased engagement and revenue. Embrace the power of the Map Pack and watch your local visibility soar.
