Last week we published the Latest Updates to Google My Business, which was packed full of all the new features Google My Business released in 2017. There are descriptions of new features with instructions and links to learn more. And still, the question I got over and over was “What are Google Posts?”
You could Google search, “What are Google Posts” and dig through a million links. Or hang out here and I’ll explain what a Google Post is and how you can use this new Google My Business Feature to promote your business.
What is a Google Post?
Google Posts were introduced as a way share fresh content with people who found your business through Google Search. This new Google My Business feature lets you create posts with content you want displayed to customers when they find your business on Google. Publish your events, products, and services directly to Google Search in the Knowledge Panel and Maps.
They are meant to be used to show search user what is going on with your business right now. Each post you create is removed from search results after seven days, or after the event date, you specify if you are posting an event.
Google Posts give you the opportunity to promote your latest and greatest content, deals, events, product updates, and service specials appear with your listing in search. Enhance the search and comparison parts of the buyer’s journey with these quick and simple updates.
How a Google Post Shows on Search and Maps
Google Posts are part of your Google My Business account and only show as part of your business listing as it appears in search results. If a Google Search user is looking for “best carpet cleaners in Boston” they are not going to see your posts in search results. For a service or product local search your local SEO and Google My Business optimization will need to have your business ranking high in the local pack and maps where your business can be clicked, and then they will see your Google Post.
If they search for AAA Carpets and Floors, and that’s your Google My Business verified and optimized business account, then the Knowledge Panel for your business will display to the right of search results where customers will see your Google Posts.
Tips on Using Google Post to Promote Your Business
Character Limits: Only the first 80-100 characters will show in the Post so make those characters count and preview the Post to make sure your sentence isn’t cut off.
Headlines: Write headlines that make the reader want to click through. Think of it as an ad to inspire action.
Call to Action: Tell the viewer what to do next. “Free Download” or “Learn How to” or “Order Now” are clear CAT’s that minimize the decisions the audience needs to make.
Image Size: The best image size is 750 x 750. Anything smaller than 250 x 250 won’t be accepted. Preview the post to make sure the image appears as intended.
Post Often: Share daily specials and current promotions to keep customers up-to-date on your offers.
Multiple Post: If you have more than one post, the newest one will display first and older post show in a carousel format. Users can scroll through up to 10 posts, but only the first two can be fully seen without scrolling.
Do’s and Don’ts for Writing a Google Post directly from Google
There is a right and wrong way to leverage Google Post. To get the do’s and don’ts we went directly to the source. This is what Google tells us about Google Post:
Google’s Suggestions for Writing the Perfect Google Post
- Be precise: What are the 3 things your customer needs to know? What do you want them to remember, for how much, and when?
“Happy Hour! Half-price milkshakes from 5-6 PM every Friday.” - Be personal: Show what your business values:
“We love families at Mike’s and to show our appreciation, kids eat free this weekend!” - Tell your customers what they can do. Are you selling a product? Tell them how they can buy.
“Tickets range from $60-$160, and are available for purchase at the front desk starting at 12 PM EST today.” - Highlight what makes your business, product, or offer unique. Large selection? Free shipping? Tell people:
“Free shipping on orders over $50.” - Be timely — use a key selling point or popular item as the hook for your post:
“Spring is here. All flip flops now 30% off.” - Be sure to include any redemption instructions, unique codes, or restrictions on offers or sales:
“$10 off purchase of $50 or more. 50% off select women’s clothing.” - Use abbreviations for days and months, and don’t use periods, to allow more space for your post, and abbreviate hours:
Jan, Feb, Mar… Mon, Tue, Wed… 9 AM, 5 PM, 12 PM - Avoid the commercial slang and excessive exclamation marks or all caps that make your post look like an advertisement:
“BOGO: 50% off men’s sneakers.” “Crazy SALE today!!!” - Don’t include more than one offer or too many exclusions in one communication:
“Half price coffee and tea from 3-6 PM on Fridays, and buy 6, get one free donut on weekdays.” “10% off new seasonal sandwiches. Not valid on lunch specials.”
Creating a Google Post in Google My Business
Make sure you are signed into your Google My Business account. From your dashboard, it is a simple process to get your posts live.
Once you create a Google Post, it will appear in search results within moments. REMEMBER the post are removed after seven days or once the event date you have set has passed. But old posts will be visible on mobile under the “Posts” tab.
How to CREATE a Post on Desktop
How to CREATE a Post on Mobile
How to EDIT a Post on Desktop
How to EDIT a Post on Mobile
How to DELETE a Post on Desktop
How to DELETE a Post on Mobile
How to Get Insights (Analytics) on Your Google Posts
Google Posts don’t integrate with Google analytics without creating a custom campaign URL. Google My Business gives you analytics on your Google Post with Insights where you can see how many views your post received and the number of button clicks. It can take 2 to 3 days for Insights data to be updated but this is information you need to make improvements and create better posts.
On your desktop, select a post in the Posts Menu and it will show you the number of views and clicks. On the Google My Business mobile app find the post you want in the post menu and tap the down arrow icon at the top next to “Published” to expand the screen and see the number of views and clicks.
Try Google Posts for Your Business – IT’S FREE
Use Google Posts to get more information about your business in the search engine results sidebar beyond just hours and location. Promote the latest sales and offers, and add location-specific promotions that help build online awareness about your business. Your post content will appear that the top of search results on mobile and be one of the first things a mobile Google Search user sees.
USE THESE FREE GUIDES FROM REPUTATIONLOOP.COM TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
How to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing | 8 Low-Cost Digital Marketing Tactics | Local SEO Checklist: 9 Tips to Get Found Online | 2017 Reputation Management Checklist | Using & Understanding Google My Business INSIGHTS | Local SEO for Brick & Mortar Businesses Guide
About The Author
Zach Anderson is the co-founder of Reputation Loop (helping small businesses grow by generating customer feedback and online reviews) who loves online marketing and golf.
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