By: Paul, VP of Digital Strategy & Co-Founder
Key Takeaways
Are you ready to turn your Google Business Profile into a Local SEO powerhouse? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into six game-changing strategies that will skyrocket your local visibility and leave your competitors wondering if you’ve hired a team of digital wizards.
Introduction: The Power of Google Posts
Did you know that 46% of all Google searches have local intent? That’s right – nearly half of all searchers are looking for businesses just like yours. But here’s the kicker: only 17% of businesses are using Google Posts to their full potential. Are you missing out on this golden opportunity to shine brighter than a disco ball at a ’70s party?
To illustrate the power of Google Posts, let’s look at a real-world example. Sarah’s Scrumptious Scones, a local bakery, started using Google Posts consistently and saw a 35% increase in foot traffic within just two months. Customers were literally following the digital breadcrumbs right to her door!
Joy Hawkins, a Google My Business Product Expert, emphasizes: “Businesses that post weekly see a 35% increase in clicks to their website from their Google Business Profile.”
Key benefits of Google Posts:
- Increased visibility on Google
- Enhanced credibility through reviews
- Ability to share timely business information
Building a Consistent Posting Strategy
Consistency is key in the world of digital marketing, and Google Posts are no exception. But how consistent is consistent enough? Let’s break it down.
Sarah from the scone shop (yes, we’re sticking with Sarah – she makes great scones!) found her sweet spot by posting three times a week. She alternated between:
- Mouthwatering photos of her latest creations
- Special offers and promotions
- Fun facts about the history of scones
Key points:
- Aim for at least one post per week, but three is the charm
- Use a content calendar to plan your posts in advance
- Mix up your content types to keep things interesting
Q: What types of content should I post?
A: Mix it up with offers, events, products, and general updates about your business. Think of it as a digital potluck – variety is the spice of life!
Q: How long should my Google Posts be?
A: Keep it concise – aim for 150-300 characters. It’s not War and Peace; it’s more like “War and Peas” – short, sweet, and potentially about vegetables.
Leveraging Promotions and Offers
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Your customers certainly do, and Google Posts are the perfect platform to showcase your latest promotions.
BrightLocal reports: “Posts with offer details receive 87% more clicks than those without.”
Sarah’s Scone Strategy:
- Monday Madness: Buy one scone, get one free
- Midweek Mix-up: Try our new flavor of the week
- Weekend Warrior: 10% off when you buy a dozen
Key points:
- Use eye-catching visuals to make your offers stand out
- Include clear call-to-actions (CTAs) in your promotional posts
- Refresh your offers regularly to keep customers coming back
Q: How long can my promotional posts stay active?
A: Promotional posts expire after 7 days, so make sure to refresh them regularly.
Q: Can I include prices in my Google Posts?
A: Absolutely! In fact, including specific pricing can increase engagement.
Showcasing Community Involvement
Your business is more than just a service provider – it’s a vital part of your local community. Show it off with Google Posts!
Sarah’s Community Connection:
- Sponsored a local Little League team
- Hosted a bake sale for the animal shelter
- Participated in the town’s annual food festival
Key points:
- Highlight your participation in local events and initiatives
- Share stories of how your business gives back to the community
- Use Google Posts to promote upcoming community events
According to Moz, “Businesses that demonstrate strong community involvement in their Google Posts see a 23% increase in positive reviews.”
Q: Can I post about events I’m not directly involved in?
A: Yes, as long as it’s relevant to your business and local community.
Q: How can I measure the impact of my community-focused posts?
A: Keep an eye on engagement metrics like views, clicks, and calls from these posts.
Announcing New Products and Services
Got something new and exciting to offer? Google Posts are your megaphone to the local market!
Sarah’s New Scone Sensations:
- Introduced a gluten-free line of scones
- Launched a scone-of-the-month club
- Added a coffee pairing suggestion for each scone flavor
Key points:
- Use high-quality images or videos to showcase your new offerings
- Create a sense of urgency with limited-time introductory offers
- Follow up with customer testimonials about new products
SEMrush states: “Posts announcing new products or services receive 52% more engagement than standard posts.”
Q: How far in advance should I announce new products or services?
A: Start teasing 1-2 weeks before launch, then follow up with a main announcement post.
Q: Can I use Google Posts to gather feedback on new offerings?
A: Absolutely! Encourage customers to try your new products and leave reviews.
Maximizing Visual Impact
In the scrolling world of digital content, eye-catching visuals are your secret weapon for stopping thumbs in their tracks.
Sarah’s Visual Victories:
- Before-and-after shots of plain scones vs. decorated ones
- Short video clips of the baking process
- Colorful flat lays featuring scone and tea pairings
Key points:
- Use high-quality, relevant images or videos in every post
- Experiment with different visual formats
- Ensure your visuals are consistent with your brand aesthetic
Google’s own research shows: “Posts with images or videos receive twice as many clicks as text-only posts.”
Q: What are the ideal image dimensions for Google Posts?
A: Aim for 1200 x 900 pixels for optimal display across devices.
Q: Can I use GIFs in my Google Posts?
A: Currently, Google Posts don’t support GIFs, but you can use short videos instead.
Supercharge Your Local SEO with Google Posts
Now that you’re armed with these six powerful strategies, it’s time to put them into action. Remember, consistency is key, and don’t be afraid to let your business’s personality shine through in your posts. Who knows? With a little creativity and these tips, your Google Business Profile might just become the talk of the town – both online and off!
Paul
VP of Digital Strategy & Co-Founder
Paul Gonzalez has over a decade experience in the world of Search Engine Optimization, Lead Generation, and business development. As the VP of SEO Strategy, Paul helps develop cutting edge SEO strategies and techniques to help business grow in an ever expanding technical world.
