Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first impression a potential customer has of your business. It’s more than just a listing; it’s a dynamic tool that can drive engagement, inform customers, and boost your local search ranking. One of the most underutilized features of GBP is the Posts function. By consistently creating high-quality posts, you can capture attention, communicate directly with your audience, and significantly improve your online visibility.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about Google Business Profile Posts. We will cover the different types of posts you can create, best practices for optimization, and how to measure their impact. Following these steps will help you transform your profile into a powerful marketing channel.
Key Takeaways
- GBP offers versatile post types like “What’s New,” “Offers,” “Events,” and “Products.” Each serves a unique purpose, from sharing updates to promoting sales or events. Choosing the right type ensures your message is clear and impactful.
- To maximize visibility, focus on writing compelling copy with strong CTAs, using high-quality visuals, and posting consistently. Posts expire after seven days, so maintaining a regular posting schedule is crucial for keeping your profile fresh and active.
- Use GBP’s insights to track views and clicks on your posts. Analyze which types of posts and content formats perform best, and refine your strategy to focus on what resonates most with your audience.
What Are Google Business Profile Posts?
Google Business Profile Posts are like mini-ads or social media updates that appear directly on your Business Profile in Google Search and Maps. They allow you to share timely updates, announce events, promote offers, and showcase your products. These posts appear in the “Updates” or “Offers” section of your profile, providing fresh content that can influence customer decision-making.
Think of it as a direct line of communication with people actively searching for businesses like yours. When someone finds your profile, posts give them a reason to choose you over a competitor by highlighting what’s new and exciting. There are several reasons why your business might not appear on Google Maps, such as incomplete information or verification problems. Addressing these issues promptly can ensure your posts reach the right audience.
Types of Google Business Profile Posts
Google offers several post types, each designed for a specific purpose. Choosing the right one is key to delivering a clear and effective message.
1. What’s New / Updates
This is the most versatile post type. Use it to share general information about your business. This could include blog post announcements, news about your company, details about new services, or temporary changes, such as updated business hours. It’s a great way to keep your audience informed and show that your business is active.
2. Offers
Offer posts are perfect for running promotions and sales. You can create a post with a specific start and end date, a compelling title for the offer, and even a coupon code. These posts are visually distinct, often featuring a special tag that makes them stand out. This format is excellent for driving immediate action and attracting customers looking for a deal.
3. Events
If your business is hosting a workshop, webinar, or in-store event, this is the post type to use. You can set a title, start and end dates, and a time for the event. This helps you promote your events to a local audience that is already interested in what you have to offer. It’s an effective way to drive registrations and attendance.
4. Products
While your products should be listed in the “Products” tab of your GBP, you can also highlight specific items using a Product post. This allows you to feature a new arrival, a bestseller, or a seasonal item directly in your profile’s feed. You can include a photo, product name, price or price range, and a description.
Best Practices for Creating High-Impact Posts
Creating posts is simple, but creating posts that get results requires a strategic approach. Here are some best practices to follow for maximum visibility and engagement.
Write Compelling Copy
Your post is a small piece of digital real estate, so make every word count.
- Start with a Hook: The first 100 characters are the most important, as this is what users will see before clicking “more.” Grab their attention immediately.
- Be Clear and Concise: Explain what the post is about quickly. Avoid jargon and be direct with your message.
- Include a Call-to-Action (CTA): Every post should guide the user on what to do next. Use CTA buttons like “Learn More,” “Call Now,” “Book,” or “Buy.”
Use High-Quality Visuals
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially on a platform as visual as Google.
- Image and Video Specs: Use high-resolution images and videos. The ideal image size is around 1200 x 900 pixels, maintaining a 4:3 aspect ratio.
- Authenticity is Key: While stock photos can work in a pinch, authentic photos of your team, products, or location perform much better. They build trust and give customers a real sense of your business.
- Keep it Bright and Focused: Ensure your photos are well-lit and that the subject is clear. Avoid blurry or busy images that distract from the main message.
Post Consistently
Consistency is crucial for success with GBP Posts. Posts expire after seven days (unless they are for an event or offer with a future end date).
- Create a Schedule: Aim to post at least once a week. This keeps your profile fresh and signals to Google that your business is active, which can positively impact your local ranking.
- Plan Your Content: Create a simple content calendar for your GBP posts. Plan out promotions, company news, and seasonal topics in advance so you’re never scrambling for ideas.
If you’ve been posting regularly but notice your profile isn’t performing as expected, it’s worth checking if your GBP is in good standing. Profiles can sometimes get suspended due to policy violations or incomplete information. Knowing the common reasons Google Business Profiles get suspended can help you avoid disruptions and maintain your visibility.
Incorporate Relevant Keywords
While keyword stuffing is a definite no, strategically including relevant keywords can improve your post’s visibility for related searches.
- Think Like a Customer: What terms would a potential customer use to find your products or services?
- Natural Integration: Weave keywords into your post copy naturally. For example, a bakery in Brooklyn might create a post that says, “Stop by our Brooklyn bakery for freshly baked sourdough bread.”
How to Create a Google Business Profile Post: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get started? Creating a post is a straightforward process.
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile Manager.
- Select the business you want to manage.
- From the dashboard menu, click on “Posts.”
- Choose the type of post you want to create: Update, Offer, or Event.
- Add your content: This includes your photo or video, a written description (up to 1,500 characters), and a call-to-action button.
- For Offers and Events, add the relevant details like titles, start/end dates, and coupon codes.
- Click “Preview” to see how your post will look.
- Once you’re satisfied, click “Publish.”
Your post will typically go live within a few minutes and will be visible on your Business Profile in Search and Maps.
Measuring Your Success
Google provides basic insights into how your posts are performing. Within your GBP dashboard, you can see the number of views and clicks each post receives. While the analytics are not as deep as those of other platforms, this data is valuable.
Track which types of posts get the most engagement. Do your offers get more clicks than your updates? Do posts with videos outperform those with static images? Use these insights to refine your strategy over time and focus on what works best for your audience.
Final Thoughts
Google Business Profile Posts offer a free and effective way to increase visibility, engage customers, and boost your local SEO. By sharing consistent updates, using eye-catching visuals, and writing strong, action-driven copy, you can turn your profile into a powerful tool for generating leads and improving online presence.
Mastering your GBP strategy is essential for building a strong digital foundation, and The Ocean Marketing is here to help. A Free SEO Audit can provide a clear picture of what’s working and highlight opportunities to strengthen visibility, ensuring your efforts on GBP and beyond are as effective as possible. Contact us today to learn how we can help your brand stand out.
Marcus D began his digital marketing career in 2009, specializing in SEO and online visibility. He has helped over 3,000 websites boost traffic and rankings through SEO, web design, content, and PPC strategies. At The Ocean Marketing, he continues to use his expertise to drive measurable growth for businesses.
