Boosting Local SEO with Google Business Profile Posts and Updates

Introduction

Posting regularly on your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most underused yet powerful tactics for boosting local SEO. GBP Posts act like micro-updates that appear directly in your business listing on Google Search and Maps. These posts allow you to engage potential customers, highlight offers, and provide timely updates—all while signaling to Google that your business is active and relevant.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to effectively use Google Posts and updates to improve visibility, attract more clicks, and build local authority.

1. Understand the Value of Google Posts

Google Posts are snippets of content (similar to social media posts) that appear on your profile when someone searches your business.

Types of posts include:

• What’s New: General business updates
• Offers: Promotions with start and end dates
• Events: Announcements tied to specific dates
• Products: Highlights of individual items with descriptions and pricing
• COVID-19 updates: Important safety or operational updates

Each post can include text, images, videos, and a CTA button, making them an ideal tool for engaging local audiences.

2. Consistency Is Key to Engagement and Ranking

Regular posting not only keeps your audience informed but also reinforces activity signals to Google’s local algorithm.

Best practices:

• Post at least once per week to maintain visibility
• Use a content calendar to align GBP posts with your other marketing initiatives
• Expired posts (especially events and offers) are removed after 7 days—keep them fresh

Google favors active business listings, and regular posting shows your business is operational and involved.

3. Optimize Post Content for Local SEO

Well-written GBP posts can boost your rankings for local intent keywords, especially when tied to your services or location.

Tips to optimize content:

• Use relevant keywords naturally in your post body (e.g., “pool cleaning in Miami”)
• Mention your city or neighborhood when possible
• Include service terms related to your business
• Use clear, concise language (150–300 characters is ideal)
• Avoid overstuffing with keywords—focus on helpful, action-oriented content

4. Use Strong Visuals to Increase Engagement

Photos and graphics are critical to grabbing attention in the search results. A compelling image can drastically improve click-through rates.

Image guidelines:

• Minimum resolution: 720 x 540 pixels
• File size: 10 KB to 5 MB
• Format: JPG or PNG

Pro tips:

• Include branded imagery or real photos of your team
• Add text overlays for promos (but keep them readable)
• Make sure visuals look good on mobile
• Videos under 30 seconds can also be uploaded to make your post more dynamic

5. Add Compelling Calls to Action

Every post should include a CTA button to drive user interaction.

CTA options:

• Learn more
• Call now
• Sign up
• Buy
• Book
• Visit

Match the CTA to the purpose of your post. For example, a service highlight might use “Learn more,” while a limited-time offer might use “Buy” or “Call now.”

6. Monitor Post Performance Through Insights

Google provides performance metrics for each post, including:

• Views (impressions)
• Clicks (engagements)
• Phone calls (if CTA was “Call Now”)

Review these insights monthly to understand which content resonates most and refine your strategy accordingly.

7. Integrate GBP Posts into Your Local Content Strategy

GBP Posts should complement your blog, email, and social content. Repurpose highlights from blog posts, customer testimonials, or seasonal offers into GBP updates.

Content ideas:

• Behind-the-scenes photos
• Community involvement
• Limited-time coupons or flash sales
• New service announcements
• Local partnerships or events

This builds a cohesive local presence and reinforces your brand story across touchpoints.

Conclusion

Google Business Profile Posts are a direct line of communication with local customers searching for what you offer. When done strategically, these posts enhance your visibility, boost user engagement, and contribute positively to local SEO signals.

By regularly posting optimized content, using visuals and CTAs effectively, and tracking performance, you can turn your GBP into a powerful marketing asset in 2025 and beyond.

To see how we help businesses in Northern VA and Abilene build dominant, high-speed digital foundations: CLICK HERE

Strategic FAQ: Google Posts & Updates

Do hashtags work in Google Posts? No. Unlike Instagram or LinkedIn, GBP does not support hashtags. They provide zero SEO benefit and can make your posts look cluttered. Focus on keyword-rich, conversational sentences instead.

Can I include a phone number in the post text? It is highly discouraged. Google’s automated filters often reject posts containing phone numbers in the body. Instead, always use the “Call Now” CTA button, which ensures accurate tracking in your Performance dashboard.

How does “AI Search” use my posts? In 2026, Google’s AI Overviews often pull answers directly from your “What’s New” and “Product” posts. If someone asks, “Which cafe in Abilene has a quiet area for meetings?”, and you’ve posted a photo of your new “Quiet Zone,” you are significantly more likely to be the featured recommendation.

Can I schedule posts for the future? Yes. As of 2026, Google has introduced native post scheduling directly within the Business Profile management panel, allowing you to plan your entire month of local content in one sitting.