The three types of post

  • Update: news, a finished job, a new service. Add a photo or video, a description and a button with a link.
  • Offer: needs a title and start and end dates, and gets a “View offer” button. You can add a coupon code, a link and terms.
  • Event: needs a title and dates. Without times, Google shows it as lasting all day.

How to post

  1. Open your profile on Google Search or Maps and choose Posts → Add post.
  2. Choose Update, Offer or Event and fill in the details.
  3. Optional: turn on Schedule this post, or set it to repeat.
  4. Choose Post. Google reviews it and marks it Live, Pending or Not approved.
  1. Step 1: open your profile and choose Posts, then Add post
  2. Step 2: choose Update, Offer or Event, add your photo and text, then choose Post
Adding a post. Illustration: Google’s screens can look slightly different. Scroll to see every step.

Google’s guide: Create posts on your Business Profile.

How long posts last

Google says posts older than 6 months are archived unless you set a date range. Offers and events end on their end date. In practice, one or two posts a month keeps your profile looking current.

What gets posts rejected

  • Phone numbers, emails or social handles in the text. Google may reject them. Use the Call now button instead.
  • Links to anything unsafe or misleading.
  • Posts about regulated products (like alcohol or prescription medicines) that break Google’s content rules.
  • Blurry, stock or heavily edited photos. Real photos of your work do better anyway.

Photos should be JPG or PNG, ideally at least 720 × 720 pixels.

12 post ideas for local businesses

  1. A before-and-after photo of a recent job.
  2. A new service or product.
  3. Public holiday hours, a week ahead.
  4. A seasonal tip (“Get your aircon serviced before summer”).
  5. Meet the team: a photo and one line about a staff member.
  6. A customer question you get all the time, answered.
  7. A limited-time offer with clear dates.
  8. An event, open day or workshop.
  9. A thank-you for a milestone, like 100 reviews.
  10. A new area you now service.
  11. Behind the scenes: your van, workshop or kitchen.
  12. A short video walk-through (up to 30 seconds).

Do posts help ranking?

Google doesn’t list posts as a ranking factor. Treat them as a way to help customers choose you once they find you, alongside reviews and photos. For what moves rankings, see how to rank higher on Google Maps.