How to Use Google Posts to Drive More Foot Traffic

Most local businesses set up their Google Business Profile and then forget about it. They fill in the basics — name, address, hours — and consider it done. But there's a powerful feature sitting right there in the dashboard that almost nobody uses effectively: Google Posts.

Google Posts are short, social-media-style updates that appear directly on your Google Business Profile in search results. They're free, they're visible to anyone who finds your business on Google, and they can drive real, measurable results.

Here's how to use them like a pro.

Google Posts are updates that appear on your Google Business Profile listing in Google Search and Google Maps. They can include:

• Text (up to 1,500 characters)
• Images or videos
• A call-to-action button (Book, Order, Buy, Learn More, Sign Up, Call Now, Get Offer)
• Event dates and times
• Offer details and coupon codes

Posts appear prominently on your profile and typically stay visible for 7 days (event posts stay until the event ends).

Google Posts do more than just inform customers — they send signals to Google that your business is active and engaged. Businesses that post regularly tend to rank higher in local search results because:

• Regular posting signals an active, legitimate business
• Posts increase time-on-profile (an engagement signal)
• Posts with strong CTAs drive more clicks (another engagement signal)
• Posts keep your profile fresh and relevant

Use for: General updates, tips, news, and announcements

Best for:

• Sharing a helpful tip related to your industry
• Announcing a new team member
• Sharing a recent achievement or award
• Posting a customer success story

Example:

Use for: Promotions, discounts, and special deals

Offer posts display a special badge on your profile and include a start/end date, making them ideal for time-sensitive promotions.

Best for:

• Seasonal promotions
• New customer discounts
• Holiday specials
• Flash sales

Example:

Use for: Upcoming events, workshops, webinars, or appearances

Event posts include a title, start/end date, and description. They stay visible until the event ends.

Best for:

• Grand openings
• Community events you're hosting or sponsoring
• Workshops or classes
• Charity events

Use for: Showcasing specific products or services

Product posts let you highlight individual offerings with a photo, description, and price.

Best for:

• Featured menu items (restaurants)
• Seasonal products
• New service offerings
• Best-selling products

Use for: Important business information

These posts are for critical updates like changes to hours, new safety protocols, or important announcements.

Aim to publish at least 1–2 posts per week. Consistency matters more than volume. A steady stream of posts signals ongoing activity to Google.

1. Hook (first line — make it compelling)

2. Value (the main content)

3. Call to Action (tell them exactly what to do)

4. CTA Button (always include one)

• Daily specials or featured dishes
• Happy hour promotions
• New menu items
• Upcoming events (live music, trivia nights)
• Behind-the-scenes kitchen content

• Seasonal maintenance tips
• Before/after project photos
• Special offers for new customers
• Emergency service availability
• Safety tips for homeowners

• New product arrivals
• Weekly sales and promotions
• Gift guides
• Customer favorites
• Store events

• Industry tips and insights
• Free consultation offers
• Recent wins or achievements
• FAQ answers
• Community involvement

Track these metrics in your Google Business Profile Insights:

Use this data to identify which types of posts perform best and double down on what works.

• Posting and forgetting: Old, expired posts make your profile look neglected
• No call to action: Every post should tell people what to do next
• Poor quality images: Blurry or irrelevant images reduce engagement
• Too much text: Keep it concise — people skim
• Inconsistent posting: Sporadic posting is worse than a steady cadence
• Keyword stuffing: Write naturally for humans, not for algorithms

Google Posts are a free, underused tool that can drive real foot traffic and engagement for your local business. The businesses that use them consistently have a measurable advantage over those that don't.

Start with one post per week, track your results, and build from there.

Book a Free Consultation with AJ Gabriele Marketing and let us build a complete Google Business Profile strategy — including a Google Posts calendar — for your business.