What would you say about showcasing your products, services, events, and promotions directly on Google Search and Maps? Isn’t it tempting?
It is, and what’s more – showing up in Google’s search results is at your fingertips!
Today, we will dive deep into the world of Google Business Profile and show you how to use Google My Business posts to ensure your company appears at the top in local searches and beyond.
What is Google My Business?
Do you check the reviews or opening hours on Google before visiting a new place? You can see it thanks to Google My Business solution (renamed Google Business Profile).
When people search for companies like yours, they might see your business listing right at the top of the Google search results. It’s a powerful business tool for both small business owners and global enterprises.
Google Business Profile lets you present your company on Google. You can create a profile with business photos, company descriptions, and also display customer reviews there.
Types of Google My Business posts
There are various types of posts available on Google Business Profile, so all kinds of businesses can choose the ones that align with their strategy:
- Offers – post offers to showcase promotional sales, exclusive offers, and coupons.
- Events – keep everyone in the loop about your upcoming online or offline events.
- Updates – share announcements and the latest business updates. Let your audience know about things like your new seasonal menu or a brand-new feature.
How to schedule Google My Business posts?
You can schedule Google My Business posts with Kontentino. The supported business post types are offers, updates, and events.
To schedule your business posts, you need to connect your Google Business Profile in Kontentino.
Choose your post type (an update post, an offer post, or an event post), and start creating.
Check how the post will look when published thanks to the live post preview feature. Add your call-to-action button, date range, or promo code.
Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile
The first step towards scheduling posts is to set up your Google Business Profile. A well-optimized Google Business Profile can impact your local search ranking, and provide potential customers with essential information about your business.
Steps to Set Up Your Google My Business Profile
- Log into your Google Account or create a business account before setting up your Google Business Profile.
- Go to the Google My Business website and click on “Manage Now.” Follow the prompts to claim your business. You can create a new listing or try and claim an existing one (e.g., if you took over the business or location).
- Google will send a verification code to your business address. Enter this code to verify your business. It is also possible to choose a verification later on.
- Complete your profile. Add all relevant details, including business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. Include a keyword-rich description of your business too. The more complete your profile, the better. You can also add “messaging” here so that your customers can send you messages to your business on Google for free.
- Visual content can make your profile more appealing. Feature high-quality images of your business, products, or services.
- Voila! Now, you can promote your business… if you verified it. Google won’t display your Google Business Profile without completing the verification step.
Google offers several options for verification:
- Phone
- Instant verification for selected sectors.
- Postcard
Depending on the method used, this process may take up to two weeks. Verifying your account is as easy as typing the verification code into your account and clicking the verification link.
Then, you’re all set for your success with Google Business Profile and can focus on activities such as promoting your profile, gathering reviews, of updating it with more info and photos.
For a more detailed guide, you can visit Google’s official support page on how to set up your Google My Business Profile.
How do Google My Business posts appear in search results and on Google Maps?
Google My Business posts typically perform well in search results and influence users’ decisions.
People searching for your business or related keywords might see Google My Business posts right there with your business info.
When users check out your business on Google Maps, they’ll come across your recent posts. It’s a chance to connect with them straight from the map itself.
For example, the restaurant industry is one of those that can benefit most from using Google Business Profile, in combination with other social media platforms.
Google Business Profile (Google My Business) posts: good practices
Want to make your business name stand out on Google? Read the top tips on the posts!
#1 Post regularly
Maintain a consistent posting frequency on your profile. That can be a lot easier when you schedule Google My Business posts in advance.
This way you can make sure that whenever your company Google Business Profile shows up in local searches, you’re potential customers have access to your most recent updates.
#2 Keep your content short
Don’t make the visitors get through the information jungle when describing an offer or an event. Create a concise copy that gets straight to the point. No one has time for long, winding posts. (Need inspiration? Try the AI content generator in Kontentino to get your creative juices flowing).
#3 Use eye-catching visuals
Your Google Business Profile posts can be turned into eye-catching pieces of content by posting stunning images or engaging videos. Let your visuals do the talking! Choose those that are high-quality and easily readable also on mobile devices.
#4 Add relevant keywords
Think about what terms your target audience might use when looking for businesses like yours. Make the relevant keywords blend into your posts to increase your business listings’ chances of being discovered.
#5 Add actionable CTA
Ask your audience to take action! Include a clear and compelling call-to-action in your posts. Whether it’s “Book Now,” “Shop Today,” or “Order Online,” CTAs invite your audience to get involved with your business and might lead to conversions.
In Google Business Profile, adding CTA buttons takes just one click. It is possible to create a custom one or use the pre-made buttons.
Give scheduling Google My Business posts a try
Small or large, local or global – each business can take advantage of Google Business Profile. This isn’t just another social media platform but a powerful way to enhance your brand awareness and attract new clients.
However, as with every social media network, creating a presence on Google My Business takes time. The effort you invest in scheduling and curating your business posts will pay off in the form of increased visibility, higher engagement, and ultimately, business growth.