This video explains why Google Business Profiles are becoming one of the most important local SEO assets for businesses in 2026. James Dooley interviews Mike Martin, founder of GBP Optimizer, about why he shifted focus from traditional SEO to Google Business Profile management. Mike Martin explains that AI is commoditising many agency services because cheaper alternatives can now replicate them, while Google Business Profiles still require direct integration with Google and reward real world activity. The discussion covers Ask Maps, Gemini integration, review velocity, scheduled images, AI written posts and Q and A optimisation because these features help local businesses rank faster in map results and generate more calls, leads and customers. The main outcome is clear. Businesses with strong Google Business Profile optimisation can often outperform standard local websites because map listings sit above organic results and convert traffic far more effectively.