September 6, 2017

Since its inception in 2014, Google My Business has evolved from being a simple way for businesses to verify their location on Google Maps to being quite the powerful marketing tool. That evolution continued earlier this year when Google opened Google My Business Posts to all small businesses.

Google My Business Posts appear in the right column of most Google searches for a business or company name. The posts are a great way for businesses to engage and interact with customers who are searching for their business by allowing businesses to share updates on various activities. Businesses are using them in a variety of ways including: sharing blog posts, new products, updated store hours, special offers and much more. Businesses can share as many posts as they like however each post expires after 7 days and is removed from public viewing.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. A verified business account on Google My Business
2. A square sized photo
3. Brief information about your Post (100-300 words)
4. A hyperlink (not necessary, but a good idea)

Step 1: Login to Your Account

Go to Google My Business and login to your account by clicking the “Sign In” button in the top right corner of the screen. If you don’t have a Google My Business account you can follow this simple guide to setting one up.

Step 2: Click “Posts” in the Menu

On the left side of the page click the second link titled “Posts”.

Step 3: Write Your Post

A dialogue box will appear with your profile photo and text which says “Write your post”, click the area where it says “Write your post”. Another dialogue box will pop-up that allows you to write your post, add an image and add a button.

Step 4: Fill in Information

Now you’re ready to add your Post information.

• First, click the camera icon and select which photo you’d like to add to the post. The post will allow you to crop any photo you add but the recommended size is roughly 500x500px or a square.
• Once you’ve uploaded your photo, click the area which says “Write your post” and add a description about your post. This description can be no longer than 300 words.
• Is this post an event? A grand opening? A presentation? A sale? If it is, mark it as such and add in the title of the event as well as the start/end time.
• Lastly, add a button. Button options include: Learn More, Reserve, Sign Up, Buy and Get Offer. As you select your button another drop down will appear which allows you to add a hyperlink. This hyperlink should link to a page on your website with more information about the post.

Step 5: Preview and Publish

In order to publish your post, click the blue Preview link in the top-right corner of the dialogue box. Once you’ve proofread your post and confirmed the information is correct, click the Publish link. Your post is now live!