Posts keep your profile alive in Google’s eyes — and give searchers a reason to call this week instead of a competitor. Most owners can publish a strong post in 5–10 minutes once the profile is verified.
At a Glance
- Minimum cadence: 1–2 posts per week (4+ per month)
- Best performers for trades: Offer + photo with local proof + seasonal tip
- Always include: City or neighborhood name, real job imagery, clear next step (call or book)
- Prerequisite: Verified profile — see Google Business Profile Mastery if you have not set up yet
Before You Publish
- Business name, hours, phone, and service areas are accurate (optimization checklist)
- You have Manager or Owner access (GBP User Access if someone else needs to post for you)
- One real photo or short video ready (before/after, truck on site, team at work)
- Offer dates and pricing verified — do not post expired specials
Create a Post (Step-by-Step)
01. Sign in at business.google.com → Manage now.
02. Confirm you are on the Google Business Profile Manager page — not personal Google Account settings.
03. Select your verified business.
04. Click Add update (or open the Posts area — labels vary slightly).
05. Choose post type:
| Type | Use when |
|---|---|
| Update | Job photo, tip, hours change, new service, local proof story |
| Offer | Limited-time price, seasonal special, voucher promo |
| Event | Open house, community event, free inspection day with specific date/time |
06. Write a short, specific description — mention city or neighborhood and the service (e.g. “Same-day AC repair in [City]”).
07. Add an optimized image or video. Target 1200×900 px for clarity; phone photos of real jobs are ideal.
08. Add a call-to-action when possible:
- Call — main business line answered live
- Book online — scheduling page or form that works on mobile
- Sign up — lead form or email capture you actually monitor
09. For Offers: add title, start/end dates, optional voucher code, terms, and redeem link if applicable.
10. For Events: set start and end date/time accurately.
11. Click Preview, then Post. Google usually reviews within minutes; you may get an email on approval status.
12. Optional: after approval, use the post’s share icon to push to Facebook or Instagram for extra reach.
- Sign in at business.google.com → Manage now → select your business.
- Click Add update and choose Update, Offer, or Event.
- Write a short description with city/neighborhood and service named.
- Upload a real job photo (aim for 1200×900 px) or short video.
- Add CTA: Call, Book online, or Sign up with a working link or number.
- For offers/events, set accurate dates and any voucher or terms.
- Preview → Post. Share to social after approval if helpful.
Post Ideas by Trade (Copy and Adapt)
Use these with photos from today’s jobs. More copy-ready examples live on the Templates page.
Plumbers — “$89 drain cleaning this week in [City] — same-day slots.” + before/after of cleared line.
HVAC — “Spring AC tune-up $[X] in [County] — book before the first heat wave.” + photo of clean coil.
Roofing — “Free storm damage visual inspection in [City] — limited March slots.” + photo of crew on roof.
Electrical — “EV charger install consults this week — licensed & permitted in [City].” + panel photo.
Landscaping — “Spring cleanup + mulch special — [Neighborhood] bookings open.” + truck loaded with debris.
Universal angles that always work:
- Same-day / emergency availability
- Before-and-after proof
- Seasonal warning post (“3 signs your furnace is failing”)
- New hire or new truck (builds trust)
- Community sponsorship or local event
Image Tips That Win
- Real beats stock — customers and Google both respond to authentic job sites.
- Show signage — truck wraps and uniforms reinforce legitimacy.
- Bright and in focus — wipe the lens; shoot in daylight when possible.
- Name the place — caption or description should say where the job was (with customer permission).
- Skip heavy text on images — put offers in the description; keep the photo visual.
Advanced local SEO: some marketers geotag images with business coordinates. Optional for owners; consistent posting + reviews matter more for most trades.
Common Mistakes
Posting once then stopping — Set a recurring reminder: “GBP post + photo” every Sunday evening (5 minutes).
Expired offers still live — End dates pass; customers call for dead promos. Update or delete stale offers.
No CTA on an Offer post — Add Call or Book online so mobile searchers act in one tap.
Wrong access level — Managers and Owners can post. If you cannot see Add update, check GBP User Access.
Generic nationwide copy — “We serve the area” ranks weakly. Name cities and neighborhoods you actually work in.
Next Best Action
- First post not live yet? Do it within 48 hours of verification (GBP Mastery).
- Pair posts with your Reviews & Referrals system the same week.
- Track what drives calls in GBP Insights.
- Take the Lead Gen Scorecard for channel priorities.
- Read the Ultimate Guide for how GBP fits the full lead system.
Quick win today: Publish one Update with a photo from your last completed job, mention the city, and add a Call button.