Short answer
- Google Business Profile posts come in three main types: updates, offers and events.
- Good posts are short, specific, have a real photo and one clear button (Book, Call, Learn more).
- Posting roughly once a week keeps your profile looking active. Consistency beats volume.
- Posts are a small piece of local visibility. Reviews, categories and photos usually matter more, so post on top of those, not instead.
The three post types
Google's help page on posting on your Business Profile describes posts for sharing updates, offers and events on Search and Maps.
| Type | Use it for | Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Update | News, tips, new photos, behind-the-scenes, seasonal reminders | Text, ideally a photo, optional button |
| Offer | A deal with a clear start and end | Title and dates; optional code, terms and link |
| Event | Workshops, open days, tastings, classes | Title and event dates and times |
Don't put a phone number in the post text. Google's guidance notes that posts with phone numbers in the text may be rejected. Use the Call button instead.
30 post ideas
Show your work
- A before and after from this week's job.
- A finished project with one line on what was done.
- A short video clip of the work in progress.
- Your most popular service, explained in three sentences.
- A product or menu item with its price.
Answer questions
- The question customers ask most, answered.
- "How long does it take?" for your main service.
- What to do before your appointment.
- A common myth in your industry, corrected.
- How your pricing works.
Seasonal and timely
- Holiday hours.
- Seasonal service reminder (gutter cleaning in fall, AC check in spring).
- Back-to-school, wedding season, tax season, whatever fits your customers.
- Weather-related tips.
- Local event you're part of.
Trust and people
- Meet a team member.
- A new certification, license or training.
- A thank-you for reaching a milestone.
- A customer's review, shared as an image with their first name only.
- Your guarantee or policy in plain words.
Offers and events
- New customer offer with an end date.
- Slow-day offer (weekday mornings, quiet weeks).
- Bundle or package deal.
- Referral reminder (without tying it to reviews).
- Open day, class or workshop.
News
- New service or product.
- New hours or location update.
- New equipment that improves results.
- A local partnership.
- Booking is now available online.
Ideas by industry
| Business | Post that tends to fit |
|---|---|
| Restaurant or cafe | This week's special with a real photo; event night; holiday hours |
| Barber or salon | Fresh cut of the week; open slots tomorrow; new stylist |
| Contractor or landscaper | Before/after; seasonal checklist; free quote reminder |
| Auto detailer | Interior transformation; ceramic coating explained |
| Gym or studio | Class schedule change; trial week event |
| Clinic or dentist | General tips, new services, hours (no patient details) |
What makes a good post
- A real photo taken in good light. Stock images look like ads.
- One message per post. Don't cram three announcements together.
- Lead with the useful part; the first line shows in the preview.
- One button that matches the goal: Book, Order, Call, Learn more.
- Natural words customers use, not a list of keywords.
Mistakes that get posts rejected or ignored
- Phone numbers in the text.
- Stuffing keywords or city names.
- Links to unrelated websites.
- Content that breaks Google's content policies, like misleading claims.
- Posting ten times in one day and then nothing for months.
Want it done for you?
The Growth plan ($149/month) includes four Google posts a month alongside website care and reviews. Local SEO ($199/month) adds listings and local page work. Setup on its own is covered on the Google Business Profile page.