Google Maps is no longer simply a navigation tool—it is now among the most effective local marketing platforms to use today. When someone searches for a nearby product or service, there is a good chance that they are ready to make a purchase. That translates directly to appearing more prominently in Google Maps results automatically meaning greater calls, greater traffic, and greater clients.
While accurate keywording, categorization, and proper information on your Google Business Profile (GBP) is valuable, there is another strong (and underused) tool: Posts. Through Posts, Offers, and Events, you can consistently provide Google with updated signals regarding your business while interacting with potential customers with new, click-through content.
So how do you utilize these tools, and how do they help boost your Google Maps presence? Let us break it down.
What Are Google Posts?
Consider Google Posts as small social media updates that are displayed directly on your Google Business Profile. When a user discovers you are listing on Google Maps or Search, they can view your most recent updates below your business information.
There are various kinds of posts you can post:
- What’s New Posts: Regular news, updates, new product release, or service release.
- Offer Posts: Offers with a beginning date and an end date, such as promotions, sales, or promotions.
- Event Posts: Posts for future events, classes, webinars, or store events.
- Product Posts: Displaying a specific product with description, prices, and pictures.
All these post types have their own advantages but are all contributing to one overriding goal: getting your business noticed and busy in Google’s world.
Why Posts, Offers & Events are Important for Google Maps SEO
1. Freshness Signals
Google prefers to see fresh, recently updated content. Regular posting reminds Google that your business is up and running, a factor that can be beneficial to your business against competitors that leave their profiles static.
2. Engagement Triggers
When individuals click your posts, look at your offers, or interact with events, they send good engagement signals to Google. Engagement typically translates into improved rankings in Maps search.
3. Improved Click-Through Rate (CTR)
A page with interesting posts, engaging offers, or upcoming events is more attractive compared to a skeleton listing. That additional click-through may be the difference between appearing in the 3-pack or falling off.
4. Customer Trust & Authority
Showing that you are active with promotions, updates, or events builds credibility. Customers see you are not just a name on the map, but a business that is alive, engaged, and ready to serve.
How to Use Google Posts Effectively
1. Consistency is Key
Do not post Posts as a standalone event. They are only available for 7 days (excluding Offers and Events which run until their end date). Posting weekly is recommended, it keeps your listing fresh and provides customers with something new to interact with.
2. Use Strong Photos
Use good-quality images. Google Posts with pleasant, decent images receive two times more clicks than text-only posts. Use images for Offers (product or service image), and Events (branded image with date).
3. Make Text Short & Engaging
They are not blog posts. Keep text concise:
- What’s New: 2–3 sentences maximum.
- Offers: Mention value immediately (“20% off all plumbing services through August 30”).
- Events: Mention date, time, place, and why it matters.
- Always have a call to action (CTA)i.e., “Call Now,” “Learn More,” or “Book Online.”
4. Strategically Add Links
Every Post can have a button. Link it to your website, booking page, or product/service page. Not only does it drive traffic but also increases your site’s local SEO.
Using Offers to Win More Local Customers
Offers are one of the most engaged with post types on Google Maps. No one hates a discount, but as it pertains to local SEO, offers are more significant:
- They cause profile engagement, which benefits your placement.
- They cause conversions in a straightforward way—someone searching for “HVAC repair near me” may pick the business with an offer now.
- They help you stand out in saturated markets.
How to Create Effective Offer Posts:
Be clear regarding the discount or benefit offered. (“Save $50 on your first visit” is more effective than “Discount available.”)
- Always give explicit start and end dates. Urgency drives action.
- Add coupon codes if applicable—they provide you with a means of measuring conversions.
- Use natural keywords to the wording of your offer (e.g., “roof repair special in Miami” rather than “summer promotion”).
Events: Leverage Local Events as SEO Fuel
Having even a modest event can launch your visibility on Maps into orbit. Why? Because events pin your business to actual times, dates, and frequently local keywords.
After Party Event Ideas and Examples for Posts:
- Restaurant event: Live music night.
- After party: Free community bootcamp event at a fitness center.
- After party: “Holiday glam makeover weekend” event at a salon.
- After party: Service firm hosting an online seminar for local homeowners.
Best Practices for Event Posts:
- Add exact date and time.
- Add a compelling event title with keywords. (“Free Roof Inspection Workshop – Tampa”)
- Use an eye-catching event banner image.
- Add a link to RSVP or book online.
Events are perfect for showing Google you are actively engaging with the local community, which boosts your local authority.
Advanced Tips for Maximizing Post Impact
Use Keywords Naturally
Do not do keyword stuff but do use keywords intentionally. For instance, rather than “We’re having a sale,” use “My Queens plumbing company is offering a 15% discount this week.”
Monitor Performance
Employ UTM codes on your links to track how much traffic your Posts drive to your site in Google Analytics.
Reuse Content
Share the same promotions on Google Business Listing, Facebook, and Instagram. You maximize one piece of content.
Keep an eye on Competition.
Check out what types of promotions or campaigns your competition is offering. If they are not offering them, then it is your turn to shine. If they are offering them, it will go big.
Traps to Avoid
Sharing once and never again: You will not get anywhere if you do not share regularly.
- Using bland or generic photos: Good pictures count.
- Not having CTAs: No button, no link, nobody knows what to do next.
- TMI or too sales-y: Be helpful and benefits-oriented, not necessarily hard sell.
Final Thoughts
Google Posts, Deals, and Events are not extras-they are a line of sight to Google Maps visibility, local customer foot traffic, and beating competition. By posting consistently, with compelling visuals, and making your posts helpful, you are sending Google the correct signals: your business is live, topical, and deserving of showing to local customers.
Imagine this: each Post you make is a placing a mini billboard in front of engaged individuals who are looking for what you have to offer. And the beauty of it is, it does not need to cost you a thing—just time and commitment.
