Let’s cut to the chase: Every business should be posting to Google Business Profiles.
Why? Google is the most visited website in the world and it holds a 92.18 percent share of the search engine market. Plus, Google Business Profiles is literally the world’s largest business directory.
Oh, and it’s free.
What’s more, Google Business Profiles posts provide a way to communicate directly with people searching for your products or services.
But what is Google Business Profiles exactly, and how do Google Business Profile posts work? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Google Business Profiles?
Google Business Profile is a free tool that you can use to create and optimize a business profile that will show up in Google Search and Maps.
In other words, the Google Business Profile management tool provides you with more control over what shows up on Google when someone searches for your business.
The Benefits of Google Business Profiles
Is Google Business Profile worth it? You bet.
An optimized Google Business Profiles listing can help potential customers find important information about your business, such as a business description, opening hours, contact details, and health and safety measures. Google users can also read reviews, ask questions, and check out your recent posts.
Here’s an example listing from the Chicago Music Exchange:
If that’s not enough, according to research from SEO experts MOZ, Google Business Profile “signals” are the most important ranking factor for local pack rankings.
To put it another way, optimizing your Google Business Profile is the best way to boost your local SEO rankings.
What Are Google Business Profiles Posts?
Google Business Profile posts allow businesses to share updates, promotions, and offers with Google users within the search engine results.
There are five types of Google Business Profile posts that allow you to promote your business in Google’s search engine results:
- What’s new
- Events
- Offers
- Products
- Hours update
You can also include photos, videos, and calls to action in your posts.
So, where do Google Business Profile posts appear? Posts appear on listings in Google search results and Maps search results. Plus, posts are displayed on all devices.
In the mobile Google Business Profile example below, Honest Soul Yoga promotes its meditation events using a Google Business Profile post.
So, why post on Google Business Profiles? In short, posts are a great way to communicate with people searching for your products or services – for free! Posts allow you to do things like:
- Promote events
- Develop your brand
- Showcase products or service offerings
- Establish a more personal connection with searchers from the get-go
- Use calls-to-action (CTA) to drive more website traffic, signups, or even purchases
5 Tips for Posting on Google Business Profiles
Now that you understand what Google Business Profiles is and the benefits of sharing posts through the service let’s explore five quick tips to help you get the most from your efforts.
1. Share Original Images and Videos
Although Google Business Profiles isn’t technically a social media network, posts on the platform work in much the same way. So, just like with your social media posts, it always helps to include quality original images and videos.
When adding visuals, keep in mind the ideal sizes – here’s what Google recommends:
- Minimum photo resolution: 400px wide by 300px tall
- Supported photo formats: JPG and PNG
- Maximum video file size: 100 MB
- Supported video formats: AVI, MP4, MOV, FLV, WMV, MPG, M4V, MKV, M2TS, and MTS
2. Optimize Your CTA and Landing Page
When creating a Google Business Profile post, it’s good practice to include a call-to-action (CTA).
Depending on the type of post you’re using, you can add instructions such as “Book online,” “Learn more,” “Call,” “Buy,” or “Visit.”
Ideally, your call-to-action (CTA) should link to a dedicated landing page on your website that’s optimized to convert visitors into leads or customers.
3. Post at Least Once a Week
A Google spokesperson said, “Posts enable merchants to share timely, relevant updates on Google Search and Maps.”
Consequently, Google Business Profile posts are removed automatically seven days after publication, so it’s vital that you post regularly. Also, if you have a particularly important post about your business, you may want to repost it every week to ensure it stays visible.
That said, it’s worth noting that posts promoting upcoming events are removed after the event date has passed.
4. Identify the Best Time to Post on Google Business Profiles
Google doesn’t provide data on the best time to post. However, you should do your best to share new posts when you think your target audience is most likely to see them.
To identify the best time to post to your Google Business Profiles listing, consider when you receive most of your website traffic and keep a close eye on your post analytics.
5. Schedule Google Business Profile Posts With MavSocial
With so many social media channels to worry about, why not streamline the process? It’s easy to schedule your Google Business Profiles posts alongside your other social media posts with a social media tool like MavSocial. Scheduling your Google Business Profile posts also allows you to post at the optimal times for your audience, even if it’s not a great time for you. Plus, you can automate posts so you don’t even need to think about it!
Sign up for a free trial to get started and connect your accounts in minutes.
Once you’re set up, you can create and share posts to all your social media profiles from one simple dashboard.
Summary
If you’re not using Google Business Profiles yet, now’s the time to sign up.
This free service allows you to customize what shows up in Google Search and Maps when people search for your business. Plus, the service requires minimal input and can help new customers find your business.
Additionally, Google Business Profiles posts allow you to communicate to Google users on the search results – for free!
Remember to post every seven days to ensure that your updates remain visible in your Google Business Profiles listing. You can also boost engagement by adding quality images and videos to your posts. And don’t forget to include a call-to-action in your posts.
Finally, if you want to streamline your social media marketing, consider using a tool like MavSocial to schedule your Google Business Profiles posts alongside your other social media posts.
