Creating Your First Post
Let's walk through creating your first post step by step. Once you've done it once, it becomes quick and easy.
Accessing the Posts Feature
What to do
Find where to create posts in your Google Business Profile dashboard.
Step by step
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Sign in to business.google.com and go to your listing.
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Look for "Posts" or "Add update" in the menu or on your dashboard. The exact location varies as Google updates their interface.
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You might also see "Create post" or a + button in the posts section.
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If you can't find it, try searching for "posts" in the help/search function within the dashboard. Google occasionally moves things around.
Creating an Update Post
What to do
Update posts are the most common type. Here's how to create one.
Step by step
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Click to create a new post and select "Update" or "What's new" (wording varies).
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Add a photo. Click the photo area and upload an image. Use something relevant to your message — a photo of your business, product, or team.
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Write your update. Keep it concise and engaging. What do you want customers to know? Why should they care?
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Add a button (optional but recommended). Choose a call-to-action: "Learn more", "Book", "Order online", "Call now", "Sign up", or "Get offer". Add the relevant link or let it use your listing's contact info.
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Preview your post. Most interfaces let you see how it will look. Check everything looks right.
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Publish. Click the publish/post button. Your post will go live (sometimes after a brief review).
Creating an Offer Post
What to do
Offer posts are for promotions and deals. They have extra fields for offer details.
Step by step
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Select "Offer" as the post type when creating a new post.
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Add a compelling photo. Show what's on offer if possible. A photo of the product or service being promoted.
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Write the offer title. Something clear and enticing: "20% Off First Visit" or "Free Consultation This Month".
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Set start and end dates. When does the offer start and when does it expire? Be specific.
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Add offer details. Explain the offer, any terms and conditions, how to redeem it.
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Add a coupon code (optional). If customers need a code to get the offer, include it here.
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Add a redemption link (optional). If they need to go somewhere online to claim the offer.
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Publish. The offer will display on your listing with the offer details prominently shown.
Examples by industry
Offer: "£20 Off Any Boiler Service" | Dates: January 1-31 | Details: "Book your annual boiler service this month and save £20. Mention this offer when booking. Valid for domestic boilers only."
Offer: "Free Coffee with Breakfast" | Dates: This week only | Details: "Order any breakfast item and get a regular coffee free. Available Mon-Fri 8am-11am. Just mention this offer when ordering."
Offer: "Free Whitening Consultation" | Dates: This month | Details: "Considering teeth whitening? Book a free consultation to discuss your options. No obligation."
Offer: "Free 30-Minute Initial Consultation" | Details: "Unsure if you have a case? Book a free initial consultation to discuss your situation with no obligation."
Creating an Event Post
What to do
Event posts promote happenings with specific dates and times.
Step by step
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Select "Event" as the post type.
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Add an event photo. Something that represents the event — previous event photos, venue, or relevant imagery.
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Write the event title. Clear and descriptive: "Summer BBQ Party" or "Free Legal Advice Clinic".
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Set the event date and time. Start date/time and end date/time. Be accurate.
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Add event details. What is the event? Who should attend? Is booking required? Any cost?
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Add a button. "Learn more" (link to event page), "Book" (link to booking), "Call now" (to enquire).
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Publish. Event posts remain visible until the event ends, then expire automatically.
Post Photo Requirements
What to do
Get your post photos right for best display.
Step by step
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Minimum size: 400 x 300 pixels. Larger is better for quality.
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Recommended size: 1200 x 900 pixels (4:3 ratio) displays well across devices.
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Format: JPG or PNG.
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No text-heavy images. Google prefers photos over graphics with lots of text. A small logo is fine, but avoid text-heavy marketing graphics.
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Relevant and high-quality. Use clear, well-lit photos that relate to your post content.
**Create posts from your phone too.** The Google Maps app lets you create posts on the go. Useful for quick updates when you're at your business.
After Publishing Your Post
What to do
Know what happens after you hit publish.
Step by step
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Posts may be reviewed. Google sometimes reviews posts before they go live. This usually takes minutes but can take longer.
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Check it's live. Search for your business on Google and look for your post on your listing.
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Posts expire. Update posts disappear after 7 days. Event posts disappear after the event. Offer posts disappear at the end date.
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You can delete posts. If you made a mistake or want to remove a post early, you can delete it from your dashboard.
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View post insights. Google shows how many views and clicks your posts get. Check this to see what's working.
**Posts can be rejected.** If your post violates Google's policies (inappropriate content, phone numbers in text, misleading claims), it may be rejected. You'll be notified and can edit and resubmit.