Wiki · citable explainer
GBP is essential for Google local surfaces but is not a complete AI-visibility stack for non-Google answer engines.
GBP is necessary for many local Google paths and insufficient as a universal AI identity strategy.
Is GBP required?
For local businesses with a public location, yes it remains foundational for Google surfaces.
Is it sufficient alone?
No. Non-Google systems need broader structured and identity evidence.
What completes the stack?
Organisation schema, optional llms.txt, consistent NAP, and selective public passports.