Understanding how to influence your business’s ranking and messaging in local SEO is crucial, especially given the many forthcoming changes. The recent integration of Gemini model capabilities into the Places API offers an early glimpse into how Google may respond to local queries in the future. This update brings Large Language Models (LLMs) into the Places API, so now you get not just the usual data like opening hours, reviews, and photos, but also detailed, summarised information from the LLMs. This generative data provides a richer, more comprehensive understanding of each location, enabling users to make more informed decisions and helping your business reach the right audience at the right time.
But that’s not all. The Gemini model also adds context to the area. For example, if you search for “EV charging stations,” you won’t just get a list of nearby spots with EV charging. With Gemini, the response also includes dynamic, generative descriptions of each place and its surroundings, such as dining and shopping options within walking distance. This additional layer of information enhances the user experience by providing context and details that standard searches might overlook.
Business Categories to Leverage with Places API
The Places API offers a wide range of features across various categories to boost your local SEO efforts. Here’s a breakdown of some initial categories that Google is using Gemini for in the US during this testing phase:
“Culture” and the expected response from the Gemini model
- Art Galleries: Details about exhibitions, opening hours, and visitor reviews.
- Museums: Information on current exhibits, ticket prices, and accessibility.
- Performing Arts Theatres: Showtimes, seating options, and user ratings.
“Entertainment and Recreation” and the expected response from the Gemini model
- Amusement Parks and Centres: Info on rides, attractions, and operational hours.
- Aquariums and Zoos: Highlights of exhibits, feeding times, and visitor reviews.
- Historical Landmarks: Insights into historical significance, guided tours, and visiting hours.
“Food and Drink” and the expected response from the Gemini model
- Restaurants and Cafes: Showcase menus, opening hours, and customer ratings.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Details on events, drink specials, and user reviews.
- Specialty Food Shops: Unique offerings, opening times, and accessibility.
“Shopping” and the expected response from the Gemini model
- Retail Stores: Product offerings, store hours, and customer feedback.
- Malls and Markets: Location maps, shop details, and visitor reviews.
- Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: Product availability, special deals, and operational hours.
“Sports and Fitness” and the expected response from the Gemini model
- Gyms and Fitness Centres: Details on classes, membership options, and user reviews.
- Parks and Playgrounds: Facilities, accessibility features, and user feedback.
- Stadiums and Sports Complexes: Information on events, seating options, and visitor reviews.
Getting Started with GMBapi.com and the Places API
We are testing how the Google Business Profile fields influence the Gemini description of a location. We suspect reviews, photos, videos, and posts heavily influence the Gemini description of a location. We are still debating the influence of opening times, distance from the search, and how the specific query might impact the Gemini response. Google frequently regenerates these summaries to ensure they are up-to-date and based on the latest available information.
The following information is available at the moment:
- Explore New Places Details: Access comprehensive details for over 200 million businesses and areas of interest, from rental prices to delivery locations.
- Rich Insights: Get detailed information about places, including opening hours, contact information, user ratings, and reviews.
- Enhanced Search Capabilities: Find specific places easily with enhanced text search and nearby search functionalities, such as searching for wheelchair-accessible facilities.
- Interactive Maps: Integrate place details into your applications and websites with interactive maps powered by Google Maps Platform.
- Real-Time Updates: Stay informed with real-time updates on places, ensuring you always have the latest information.
We asked Gemini "When will we be able to download location data from the Places API with Gemini-generated descriptions?"
The functionality to download location data from Places API with Gemini generated descriptions is still under development as an experimental feature. According to the Google Developers documentation, it’s currently marked with a “New” label, indicating it’s not yet widely available.
Here’s what we found on the Places API documentation:
- A section titled “Gemini model capabilities for Places API” that discusses this feature – https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/places/web-service/experimental/places-generative
- The documentation acknowledges that currently, generating these summaries requires manual intervention. Gemini’s capability is intended to automate and improve this process.
While an exact release date isn’t available, you can stay updated on Places API news and announcements by following these resources:
- Google Developers Blog – http://research.google/blog/
- Google Maps Platform documentation updates – https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation
Ready to Elevate Your Local SEO and based in the US?
GMBapi.com, with its Places API integration, is your ticket to dominating local search results. We are looking for companies in the categories above in the USA, to jointly discover how we can use this information. By leveraging comprehensive Places API details, real-time updates, and enhanced search capabilities, you can ensure your business locations shine bright in local SERPs for many more years to come. Ready to see the magic in action? Give GMBapi.com a try and watch your rankings soar.
