Google has presented a new round of updates for the Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) posts feature, including a carousel for multiple images and videos as well as a new feature for Product Posts. These are new and exciting features that are sure to drive actions on the Google Business Profile platform, as the ability to influence conversion continues to grow with the Google Business Profile platform itself (see our article on “Zero Clicks”). In addition to this, we’ve started to discover something quite a bit more exciting.
Related to your search
Google Business Profile posts have been a part of our Local SEO content strategy since the first release in June of 2017. We knew that this feature was significant and that it would be pivotal in our efforts to rank your business in Google Maps. We were not disappointed with the results. What we are now finding in the last week, is that Google Business Profile posts are being featured in the knowledge panel of search results for related content! What this means is that posts are now incorporated into the algorithm and will display when relevant to keyword search terms.
Our first example was displayed while performing the following search from the desktop:
“best local seo in Phoenix”
In the outlined section, the words from a recent post are displayed with bolden type for the relevant keyword that was used.
When the listing is selected, the resulting page displays the knowledge panel result, with the corresponding post that contains the keyword used.
Now, although we like to toot our own horn and perhaps maybe Google was just flattering us, we ran further testing on different verticals & zip codes just to be sure. The results were the same.
Here is an example of an Auto Repair Shop. The search phrase was “Japanese makes and models Puyallup Washington,” and the result included a post that contained the keywords “We only work on Japanese makes and models.”
Another test using the search terms “drug testing your employees Greenville SC” provided a result with a post that contained the keywords “Do you need help navigating the state-to-state guidelines concerning drug testing your employees?”
This is a new result, and we will continue to test to see if the rank position or and other visibility factors are affected by this update. We can only assume that actions will increase as this is directly relevant information as it relates to what an individual searcher is looking for.
New Feature | Image Carousel
The new update includes the ability to upload multiple photos for each post. This is great for promoting recurring events when photo availability is good, or it can be used for numerous products used in a promotion such as a sale or discount. Adding multiple images to a post can enrich the experience and provide for increased conversion in a landscape that can be difficult to influence.
Optimal Image Size and Scale
The Post photo requirements for Google Business Profile state the minimum and maximum file sizes and pixel dimensions as follows:
- Minimum: 400×300 pixels and 10 KB size limit.
- Maximum: 10000×10000 pixels and 25 MB size limit.
This means that the best aspect ratio for post photos is 4:3. Create or edit post photos for this dimension and your finished post will look great!
A note about Restricted Businesses and Prohibited Content
Google disables the post option in the dashboard for some business types, according to category. These industries include but are not limited to:
- Firearms
- Tobacco/Vape/Smoke Shops
- Adult Oriented
- Gambling
- Financial Services
- Pharmaceuticals and unapproved supplements
- Cannabis
- Health/Medical Devices
- Hotels
Google is not always clear on which categories are “post-disabling”. We recently learned that the category “Self-catering accommodation” disables posting and this is not something that would be intuitive, so always use caution when selecting categories.
Google states that prohibited content includes:
“Content related to the sale of dangerous and illegal products, services, or activities that cause damage, harm, or injury is not permitted. Examples include recreational drugs, weapons, fireworks and instructions for making explosives, and detailed instructions for or that otherwise encourage criminal activity that would lead to real-world harm.”
How we use all of this
V Digital Services has witnessed the evolution of the post feature from inception through the current updates. We know that Google is pushing this feature and is looking for users and business owners to make use of this vital tool.
We see this in the endless updates provided by Google reminding business owners that it’s been a while since their last post and that it’s important to post to be recognized. As you can see, if you have the My Business APP on your mobile device, Google is putting posting front and center.
We believe this to be an essential piece of any local strategy, and that’s why V Digital Services have specific packages to accommodate posting to your Google Business Profile page (formerly Google My Business) on a regular basis, we look forward to demonstrating these results to you.
Reach out today and we can explain how this benefits your business.
digital marketing, Google Business Profile, Local SEO