The ultimate guide to Google posts
James Richardson
Co-Founder & Partnerships
Posted: 24 Mar 2020
Co-Founder & Partnerships
Posted: 24 Mar 2020
You might have started to hear some whispers online about the full rollout of Google Posts (GP) - but what are they and how can you use them properly while you can?
Google is now allowing local businesses to post updates and news about their business within Google Posts, which will now display in Google Search and Google Maps results. Previously, it was limited to only sports teams, celebrities, and museums. Thankfully now all business can take advantage of this new feature to promote their events, products, or services and link to their own website content. GP allow for the use of text and images and will appear in the search results, much like what you would see on social media.
Google has stated that this feature gives businesses the ability to:
Share daily specials or current promotions that encourage new and existing customers to take advantage of your offersPromote events and tell customers about upcoming happenings at your locationShowcase your top products and highlight new arrivalsChoose one of the available options to connect with your customers directly from your Google listing: give them a one-click path to make a reservation, sign up for a newsletter, learn more about latest offers, or even buy a specific product from your website
Although you can literally post anything at the moment (and people are), Google has made the recommendation that Google Posts be used for:
Getting your first GP live literally takes only a few seconds (it will take you longer to come up with the idea for the post than actually making the post)
The most eye catching element of Google Posts is the impact that the image makes from within the search results. It can really make your listing stand out from the crowd so it’s important you get that right.
Once you have the perfect image selected, it's now time to craft the perfect text to accompany it on your Google Post.
Currently you have two options with:
Normal Posts
These can be used for all sorts of reasons from company announcements, or latest blog posts, as well as new product announcements.
The requirements of these posts are:
Event Post
Great for businesses running events, training, or sales. The addition of a title makes these posts really stand out.
Obviously this has only really rolled out in the last few days so we’re only just seeing brands and businesses start to use them and push their potential.
We have noticed this week that these posts now have an expiry date of around 7 days.
Digital Campaign Manager, Linda Dwyer commented:
"The short expiry dates indicates Google doesn’t want posts about evergreen content or standard services. These posts are more intended to be about news, events, announcements, and specials, relating our businesses products and services, that will add something topical or seasonal that may interest the user."
Co-Founder & Partnerships
Working in the SEO industry for many years alongside some of Australia’s biggest brands, James started his online career running online Sports Fan sites, as well as cutting his teeth on several successful eCommerce brands and content sites.
Previously holding various senior roles across the Sales and Marketing teams for ASX listed companies, he went on to found Optimising with Daniel and is proud he has helped mould it into one of Australia's leading SEO agencies.
When he’s not in the office he’s at home having pretend tea parties, or building a cubby house in the lounge room with his three young girls.
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