# How to Create Google My Business Posts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Think of your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) as your digital shopfront. Posting regular updates is like putting a fresh sandwich board on the pavement outside your Brisbane cafe or office—it tells potential customers that you are open for business, active, and ready to help.
Regular posting doesn't just look good; it signals to Google that your business is active, which can help improve your local search rankings. Whether you’re announcing a flash sale in Fortitude Valley or sharing a project update in Chermside, Google Posts are a free and powerful way to capture attention directly in search results.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:- Owner or Manager access: You must be logged into the Google Account associated with your business.
- A Verified Profile: Your business must be verified by Google (usually via a postcard to your Australian address or phone verification).
- High-Quality Images: Photos should be clear, well-lit, and at least 720x540 pixels.
- A Clear Call to Action (CTA): Decide where you want to send people (e.g., your website, a booking page, or a phone call).
---
Step 1: Sign in to Google
Open your preferred browser and sign in to the Google Account you use to manage your business. Go to Google Search and type your business name exactly as it appears on your profile. Alternatively, you can type "my business" into the search bar. What you should see: If you are logged in correctly, you will see a management dashboard directly above the search results that says "Your business on Google."Step 2: Access the 'Add Update' Tool
In the management menu (the row of icons like 'Edit profile', 'Reviews', and 'Messages'), look for the icon labelled 'Add update'. It usually looks like a small megaphone or a plus sign inside a square.Step 3: Choose Your Post Type
Google offers three main types of posts. Selecting the right one is crucial for tracking your success:- Add update: Best for general news, blog posts, or "behind the scenes" content.
- Add offer: Specifically for discounts or sales. These allow you to add a coupon code and a start/end date.
- Add event: Perfect for workshops, grand openings, or local community events. These require a title and specific dates.
Step 4: Write Your Caption
Click into the description box. You have up to 1,500 characters, but brevity is your friend. In the Australian market, customers appreciate a direct, "no-nonsense" approach.- The Hook: Put the most important information in the first 80 characters. This is what users see before they have to click "More."
- The Value: Explain why they should care. Are you offering a free quote? Do you have new stock?
- Keywords: Naturally include your service and location (e.g., "Best plumbing services in Brisbane Northside").
Step 5: Upload High-Quality Media
Click the photo icon to upload your image or video. Screenshot description: You will see a drag-and-drop window. You can select photos from your computer or mobile device. Tip: Avoid using stock photos. Real photos of your Brisbane team, your office, or your actual work perform significantly better and build trust with local customers.Step 6: Add a Call to Action (CTA) Button
This is the most important step for conversion. Click the dropdown menu labelled "Add a button (optional)."Options usually include:
- Book: Link to your Calendly or booking engine.
- Order online: Perfect for local takeaway shops.
- Buy: Link directly to a product page.
- Learn more: Link to a specific blog post or service page.
- Sign up: For newsletters or memberships.
- Call now: This will automatically use your business phone number.
Step 7: Link to Your Website
If you chose a button like "Learn more," a field will appear asking for the link. Pro Tip: Use a UTM tracking code at the end of your URL (e.g.,?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic_gbp). This allows you to see exactly how many website visits came from your Google Posts inside your Google Analytics dashboard.
Step 8: Preview Your Post
Before hitting publish, click the 'Preview' button. What you should see: A pop-up window showing exactly how the post will look on both mobile and desktop. Check that your image isn't awkwardly cropped and that there are no spelling mistakes. Ensure your ABN or contact details are correct if you've included them in the text.Step 9: Publish
Once you are happy with the preview, click the 'Post' button in the bottom right corner.Step 10: Review and Share
Google will provide a confirmation message saying "Your post is live." You will often see an option to share the post via a direct link or on social media platforms. It’s a good idea to share the link to your Facebook or LinkedIn page to get extra mileage out of the content.---
Pro Tips for Success
- Frequency is Key: Aim to post at least once a week. While posts no longer "expire" after seven days like they used to, fresh content shows Google your business is active.
- Use Video: You can upload videos up to 30 seconds long. A quick walkthrough of your showroom or a "tip of the week" video can see 2x the engagement of a static image.
- The 80/20 Rule: 80% of your posts should provide value (tips, news, local community info), and 20% should be direct sales offers.
- Localise Your Content: Mention local Brisbane landmarks or events. For example, "Heading to the Gabba this weekend? Stop by for a coffee on your way!"
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Phone Numbers in Text: Google sometimes rejects posts that include a phone number in the text description because they want you to use the "Call Now" button. Stick to the button.
- Too Much Text on Images: Google's AI scans images. If your image is 90% text, it might be suppressed or rejected.
- Irrelevant Links: Ensure the link goes to a page that matches the post content. Don't send someone to your homepage if the post is about a specific 'End of Financial Year' sale.
Troubleshooting
My post was rejected. Why? Google has strict content policies. Common reasons for rejection include:- Including a phone number in the post body.
- Using "gimmicky" punctuation (e.g., BUY NOW!!!!).
- The image resolution is too low.
- The content contains prohibited keywords related to regulated industries (common in medical or financial services).
---
Next Steps
Now that you've mastered the art of Google Posts, it's time to look at the bigger picture of your local SEO. Regular posting works best when combined with a steady stream of reviews and an optimised profile.- Monitor your insights: Check the "Performance" tab in your Google Business Profile to see how many people viewed and clicked your posts.
- Set a schedule: Block out 15 minutes every Monday morning to create your post for the week.
- Need help with your local strategy? If you want to dominate the local search results in Brisbane and beyond, the team at Local Marketing Group can help. Contact us today to discuss a tailored local marketing plan.