Google Business Profile posts put your news, offers and events right on your listing in Google Search and Maps. Google does not list posts as a local ranking factor. Treat posts as a way to inform and convert people who already found your business.
What Google Business Profile posts do
Posts show up in two places, depending on the device. On mobile, customers find them in the Updates or Overview tabs in Search and Maps. On a computer, the same content appears in the "From the owner" section. You can post to several profiles at once. You can edit a post after it goes live. You can also delete it after it goes live. This is according to the page on creating and managing posts from Google Business Profile Help.
The three types of posts, and what each includes
There are three post types. An Update includes a description, a photo or video, and an action button with a link. An Offer requires a title and dates and a time. Google adds a "View Offer" button automatically. You can also add a coupon code and terms. An Event requires a title along with start and end dates and times. If an event has no start or end time, it shows as lasting 24 hours on its dates.
A few content rules apply. Regulated industries include alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, gambling, weapons and financial services. These businesses should leave content about those products out of their posts. Hotels cannot create offer posts or mention deals, promotions or discounts. These rules come from the content policy for posts published by Google Business Profile Help. Separately, some single-location food and drink businesses in the US can show featured posts pulled from Facebook and Instagram.
Do posts affect your local ranking?
Google's own ranking advice names three factors: relevance, distance and prominence. Prominence includes links to your business and your review count. Posts do not appear on that list. According to the tips to improve local ranking from Google Business Profile Help, several steps matter. These include verifying your business and keeping your address, hours, category and attributes complete and current. Responding to reviews and adding photos and videos also matter.
Google states plainly, "If your business info isn't accurate, your Business Profile might not show up for relevant searches in your area." Google also says, "There's no way to request or pay for a better local ranking on Google." Our guide to how your Google Business Profile affects local search ranking walks through each of these factors in more detail.
How long posts stay live, and why some get rejected
Posts follow a clear timeline. Google states that "posts older than 6 months are archived unless a date range is set." That means an Offer or Event with a date range stays visible for its full run. A standard Update without a date range eventually gets archived.
Each post also carries a status. Live means the post is public on Search and Maps. Pending means it is still processing, or your profile is not yet verified. Not approved means the post broke a content policy. One reason for rejection is a phone number Google cannot verify as yours. Google suggests using a "Call now" button that pulls from your verified number. This guidance comes from the content policy from Google Business Profile Help.
What Google can change on your profile
Google can update your profile information using user reports, licensed data and public information, including your website. This comes from the page on understanding Google updates to your Business Profile. Owners get four days to accept or reject a suggested edit before it takes effect. Separately, Google's guidance on AI features, published by Google Search Central, tells website owners to keep their Business Profile information current.
What this means for your posting strategy
Use Offers and Events with date ranges so they stay up for their full run. Post Updates whenever your hours, services or seasonal details change, and update the matching profile fields at the same time. Use the Call now button, and skip typing a phone number into a post. Check your profile regularly for Google-suggested edits and respond within the four-day window. Most of all, put your effort into verification, accurate information, reviews and photos, since those are the items Google names directly. Our guide to responding to Google reviews covers what Google says about reviews and local ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Google Business Profile posts last?
Posts last six months before Google archives them, unless you set a date range for an Offer or Event. A date range keeps that specific post live for its entire run.
Do posts help my Google Maps ranking?
Google's ranking advice names relevance, distance and prominence as the key factors, and posts are not part of that list. Posts still help by keeping your listing current for people who find you.
Why was my post rejected?
A post can get rejected if it breaks a content policy. One example is mentioning a product from a regulated industry when it should not. A phone number Google cannot verify as yours can also lead to rejection.
Where do customers see my posts?
On mobile devices, posts appear in the Updates or Overview tabs within Search and Maps. On a computer, the same posts show up in the "From the owner" section of your profile.
Can I pay Google for a better local ranking?
No. Google states, "There's no way to request or pay for a better local ranking on Google." Google's tips focus on accurate information, reviews and photos.
Google Business Profile posts give customers a quick look at your offers, events and updates. Keeping your profile accurate and current remains the step tied to your local ranking.
If you want help managing your Google Business Profile, our SEO services team can help.
