Google Business Profile post guidelines help small and medium-sized businesses create posts that follow Google’s rules while bringing in local customers. When you follow Google Business Profile guidelines, your posts can show up in Google Search and Maps, helping people choose your business over competitors. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Google Business Profile Posts, from types and best practices to rank tracking success.
What Are Google Business Profile Posts?
Google Business Profile Posts are short updates that you can add to your business listing on Google. These updates can include text, images, videos, and links. They appear when someone searches for your business or finds it on Google Maps. This means people see your posts when they’re already interested in businesses like yours.
Unlike ads or social media posts, Google Posts reach customers right as they are deciding where to go or what to buy. Google introduced Posts in 2017 as a way for businesses to share real-time updates. Over the years, the tool has evolved. Today, Posts are a trusted way to keep your profile fresh and show Google and customers that your business is active.
Posts can highlight offers, announce events, or share news. A bakery might post about a weekend special. A dentist might share that they now offer Invisalign. A fitness studio might promote an open house. The key is that these updates are visible at the perfect time, when a customer is searching for what you provide.
Types of Google Business Profile Posts
Google allows you to share various types of updates through your Business Profile. Here’s how each post type works, with real examples for restaurants, plumbers, and cleaning services:
Update Posts
Used for: Announcements, service changes, or general news.
- Restaurant Example: “We now serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM.”
- Plumber Example: “Now offering same-day water heater repairs in the Houston area.”
- Cleaning Service Example: “We’ve expanded our service area to include Round Rock and Pflugerville!”
Why use it: Keeps your listing fresh and shows that your business is active and engaged.
Offer Posts
Used for: Promotions, limited-time deals, and special incentives. These must include a start and end date.
- Restaurant Example: “Get 15% off your meal this weekend—Friday through Sunday!”
- Plumber Example: “Free leak detection with any service booked before June 30.”
- Cleaning Service Example: “Book your first cleaning and get a free fridge wipe-down, offer ends July 10.”
What you can include: Coupon codes, redemption links, and any terms and conditions.
Event Posts
Used for: Events with specific dates or times. These posts stay live until the event ends.
- Restaurant Example: “Join us for our Wine Tasting Night on July 12 at 7 PM.”
- Plumber Example: “Free home plumbing inspection event this Saturday, spots limited!”
- Cleaning Service Example: “Stop by our booth at the Austin Home Expo, June 28–30.”
Best for: Getting people to show up in person or online for something special.
Where Google Posts Appear and How Visibility Has Changed
Where your Posts appear depends on how customers find your business:
- On Desktop Search: Posts show below your business description in the knowledge panel
- On Mobile Search: Posts appear lower down in the profile; customers may need to scroll
- On Google Maps (Desktop and App): Posts appear in the Updates or Overview tab
- On Your Google Business Profile Website (If You’ve Enabled It): Posts display as part of the site’s content
When Google Posts launched, they appeared prominently near the top of profiles. Over time, Google moved them lower, especially on mobile. Today, Posts still offer visibility, but customers may need to scroll, especially on phones. That means your post titles, images, and CTAs need to grab attention fast.
How Long Do Posts Stay Live and Post Ordering
When you create a Google Business Profile Post, it won’t stay visible forever. Google has clear rules about how long each type of post will appear on your profile. It’s important to know how post-ordering works so you can plan updates that stay in front of customers at the right time.
- Update Posts: Typically stay visible for 6 months unless a new post is added. However, only the most recent post appears by default; users must click or swipe to view older ones.
- Offer Posts: Stay visible until the offer’s end date, as long as the date is properly set in the post.
- Event Posts: Visible until the event ends
Google orders Posts by when they were added, newest first. Even if an offer is still valid, a newer update will appear before it in the carousel. That’s why it’s important to post regularly.
When a Post expires, it moves to the View all area, where people can still find it if they choose to explore.
Post Format Specs and Tools
Google has specific guidelines for images and videos in Business Profile Posts. Following these specs ensures your content looks clean and professional across desktop and mobile. Using the right tools can also streamline your content creation workflow.
Images
- Format: JPG or PNG
- Minimum Size: 400 x 300 pixels
- Recommended Size: 1200 x 900 pixels
- Best Practices:
- Use high-quality, well-lit, and in-focus images.
- Avoid excessive filters or text overlays, as image cropping varies across devices, and parts of the image may get cut off.
Videos
Videos can enhance your GBP Posts by making them more engaging and dynamic, but there are important limitations and best practices to be aware of.
Recommended Video Specifications
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen is best for compatibility)
- Resolution: Minimum 720p (1280 x 720); 1080p (1920 x 1080) is ideal
- Format: MP4 or MOV (most reliable formats)
- Maximum File Size: 75 MB
- Maximum Length: 30 seconds
Tip: Avoid square or vertical videos as they may be cropped or display poorly on some devices.
API Limitation: Video Uploads Not Supported
- No API support: The Google Business Profile API currently does not support video uploads for Posts.
- This means third-party platforms (like Local Dominator, LocalClarity, BytePlus, or other schedulers) cannot upload videos directly to GBP posts.
- You can still use videos, but only by uploading them manually.
How to Upload Videos Manually
- Via Google Search: Search for your business name in Google → Click “Edit Profile” or “Add Update” → Attach a video from your device.
- Via GBP Dashboard: Go to your Google Business Profile Manager → Choose “Add Update” → Select “Add Photo/Video” and upload directly.
Tools to Help
- Canva: Design branded, correctly sized images with ease
- Adobe Express: Create eye-catching visuals with ready-made templates and auto-resizing tools
- MobileMoxie: Preview how your Posts appear on different devices
💡Pro Tip
After uploading, manually check your Post on both desktop and mobile. Sometimes images crop differently across devices.
Writing Posts That Get Results
Writing a good Google Business Profile Post means making sure your message is clear, helpful, and easy for customers to act on. A well-written post can help your business stand out and encourage people to visit, call, or learn more.
- Keep it Short: 80-100 words is a good target. Put key info at the start
- Be Clear: Avoid jargon. Use friendly, direct language
- Front-Load Keywords: Mention important terms early, but avoid stuffing
- Use Urgency and Value: Phrases like limited time or while supplies last encourage action
- Add a CTA: Options include Learn more, Call now, Get offer, Sign up
- Test Your Tone: Some businesses find higher engagement with a conversational style
Avoiding Post-Rejection
Posts can be rejected for:
- Low-quality images
- Misspellings, odd symbols, or spammy language
- Unsafe or misleading links
- Promotion of restricted goods
Check your content before posting:
- Read Google’s content policy
- Check that links go to secure, trusted pages
If your Post is rejected:
- Edit and resubmit
- Double-check for problem areas in images, text, or links
- Ask for help in Google’s support forums
Tracking Post Success
Use UTM tags on links to track performance in Google Analytics.
Example UTM link:
https://yourwebsite.com/offer?utm_source=google&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=summer_sale
What to measure:
- Website visits
- Calls from profile
- Conversions (purchases, sign-ups)
How to create UTM links:
- Use Google’s Campaign URL Builder tool
- Add utm_source=google, utm_medium=post, utm_campaign=name_of_offer
Manual vs Automated Posting
There are two primary methods for managing Google Business Profile Posts: posting manually or utilizing automation tools. The best choice depends on your business size, update frequency, and available time.
Manual Posting
- Best for: Single-location businesses or brands with occasional updates
- How it works: Post directly through your Google Business Profile dashboard
- Pros: Full control, easy to personalize each post
- Cons: Time-consuming if you manage multiple locations or post often
Automated Posting
- Best for: Multi-location businesses or teams posting regularly
- How it works: Use scheduling platforms that connect to Google’s API
- Pros: Saves time, keeps content consistent, reduces manual work
- Cons: Risk of posts feeling repetitive or impersonal if not reviewed
Use Local Dominator to Streamline GBP Posting
With Local Dominator’s Post Scheduler, you can:
- Schedule posts in advance across multiple listings
- Stay active without logging into each account
- Respond to reviews and manage local engagement in one dashboard
💡Pro Tip
Even with automation, take time to customize posts with local photos, keywords, and event details. Quality still matters.
Content Planning and Frequency
Posting frequency: Aim for once a week or at least 1-2 times a month
Ideas
- Announce new services
- Promote monthly specials
- Share community involvement
- Highlight positive reviews
Example
- Restaurant: This weekend only, a free drink with any burger
- Dentist: Book now for a free Invisalign consult
- Retail Shop: Join us for Small Business Saturday, with exclusive deals all day
Are Google Posts Worth It?
Google Posts are a free tool that puts your updates in front of people at the right time, when they’re searching for a business like yours. They help improve visibility, build trust, and can drive more visits, calls, and sales. Google Posts are recommended as part of a strong local SEO plan.
You now have the complete strategy for creating Google Business Profile posts that drive results. But remembering every spec and best practice in the heat of the moment is tough.
That’s why we created this comprehensive checklist. It’s everything you need to know, condensed into one easy-to-read infographic. No more searching for image sizes or second-guessing your CTA.
Pin this cheat sheet to your marketing board for instant access and create perfect posts in half the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you edit Google Business Profile Posts after publishing?
Yes, you can edit Google Business Profile Posts anytime. Updates to text, images, or links take effect quickly and help ensure your post stays accurate and relevant for customers.
Do Google Business Profile Posts support hashtags?
Google Business Profile Posts do not support clickable hashtags like social media. Adding hashtags offers no SEO benefit, so focus on clear, keyword-rich language for better visibility.
How often does Google recommend updating Posts?
Google doesn’t set a rule, but regular updates keep your profile fresh. Posting weekly or biweekly ensures your business looks active and engaged to people searching locally.
Do Google Business Profile Posts help with reviews?
Google Posts don’t directly impact reviews, but they can encourage happy customers to engage. Sharing updates can remind visitors to leave a review or return for another visit.
Can employees manage Google Business Profile Posts?
Yes, you can assign employees as managers on your Google Business Profile. They can help create and publish Posts, making it easier to keep your profile active and updated.
