Google Business Profile Posts: Types, Best Practices & Examples
Google Posts are one of the most underused GBP features. They appear directly on your profile, get indexed by Google, and signal active business management. Here's how to use them effectively.
What Are Google Posts?
Google Posts are short updates you publish directly to your Google Business Profile. They appear in your profile on Google Search and Maps, and they can also appear in the search results for relevant queries. Think of them as a mini social media feed built into Google.
Post Types & When to Use Each
| Post Type | Best For | Lifespan | CTA Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Update | News, tips, company updates, blog highlights | 6 months | Book, Learn More, Call, Order, Buy, Sign Up |
| Offer | Discounts, promotions, seasonal deals | Until end date | View Offer, Redeem Online |
| Event | Upcoming events, workshops, open houses | Until event end | Book, Learn More, Call, Order |
Google Post Specifications
- Character limit: 1,500 characters, but only ~80 characters show before "Read more"
- Image size: 1200 × 900 px (4:3 ratio) recommended, minimum 400 × 300 px
- Video: Up to 30 seconds, 720p minimum
- CTA button: Optional but recommended — drives measurable actions
Content Strategy: 30 Post Ideas by Industry
Every Business
- • Holiday hour announcements
- • New team member introductions
- • Customer review highlights
- • Behind-the-scenes looks
- • Tips related to your industry
- • Before/after showcases
- • Seasonal content
- • Milestone celebrations
Restaurants & Food
- • Daily specials with photos
- • New menu item launches
- • Chef spotlights
- • Ingredient sourcing stories
- • Happy hour promotions
Home Services
- • Completed project showcases
- • Seasonal maintenance tips
- • Emergency service availability
- • Customer transformation stories
- • New equipment/capabilities
Healthcare & Dental
- • Health awareness month posts
- • New treatment offerings
- • Insurance or payment updates
- • Prevention tips
- • New technology announcements
Writing Posts That Perform
- Front-load the first 80 characters: Only the first ~80 characters are visible before "Read more." Make them count — lead with the key message or offer.
- Include keywords naturally: Use location + service keywords. "Our Austin plumbing team is now offering 24/7 emergency drain repair" hits multiple search terms.
- Always add a photo: Posts with images get significantly more engagement. Use a relevant, high-quality photo (not stock).
- Include a CTA button: Every post should have a call-to-action — Book, Call, Learn More, etc.
- Be specific: "20% off teeth whitening through March" converts better than "Spring special available now."
Posting Schedule & Frequency
| Frequency | Effectiveness | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Excellent | Restaurants, retail with daily specials |
| 2-3× per week | Very Good | Most businesses — sweet spot |
| Weekly | Good | Minimum recommended for all businesses |
| Monthly or less | Minimal | Better than nothing, but limited impact |
Best posting times: Tuesday through Thursday, 9-11 AM local time tends to get the most engagement. However, test different times for your specific audience.
Do Google Posts Impact Ranking?
Google Posts are a medium-impact ranking factor. They don't have the weight of categories or reviews, but they contribute in several ways:
- Freshness signal: Regular posting shows Google your business is active
- Keyword relevance: Post content helps Google understand what you offer
- Engagement: Posts that get clicks improve behavioral signals
- Content indexing: Google Posts can appear in search results for relevant queries
Common Google Post Mistakes
- Using only stock photos (Google may flag or users will ignore them)
- Writing walls of text without key info in the first line
- Forgetting to add a CTA button
- Posting the same content repeatedly
- Including phone numbers in the text (use the Call CTA button instead)
- Posting only offers without any value-add content
Is Your Profile Fully Optimized?
Google Posts are one piece of the puzzle. Get a complete AI audit of your entire profile.
Analyze My Profile Free →