In a significant development for local businesses and marketers, Google has announced a crucial update regarding the visibility of posts on Google My Business (GMB) pages. Starting now, posts made by businesses will no longer be highlighted on GMB pages after a period of six months. This change has implications for Google Ads, GMB, and local SEO strategies. Let’s delve into the details and explore the impact this update will have on businesses.
Understanding the Google My Business (GMB) Platform: Google My Business is a free and powerful tool that enables businesses to manage their online presence. It allows business owners to create and update their business information, interact with customers, and showcase important updates through posts. These posts, which often include offers, events, or product updates, have been a valuable feature to engage with potential customers. However, with this recent update, businesses need to be aware of the revised visibility timeline for their posts.
Google’s Update on Post Visibility: Previously, posts made on GMB pages remained visible for an indefinite period, providing a valuable opportunity for businesses to promote their offerings. However, Google has now announced that posts will no longer be highlighted on GMB pages after six months. While the posts will still exist on the page, they will no longer be prominently displayed. This change aims to ensure that users accessing a GMB page receive the most up-to-date and relevant information, as older posts may not accurately reflect a business’s current status or offerings.
Implications for Google Ads: For businesses running Google Ads campaigns, this update emphasizes the importance of regularly updating their GMB posts. With posts no longer being highlighted after six months, businesses need to ensure that their Google Ads campaigns align with the most recent posts to provide consistent and accurate information. Neglecting to update posts may result in conflicting messaging, leading to confusion and potential customer loss. Advertisers should consider integrating their Google Ads strategy with their GMB posting schedule to maintain consistency and maximize campaign effectiveness.
Impact on Local SEO: Local SEO plays a critical role in helping businesses improve their visibility in local search results. The update regarding post visibility on GMB pages further emphasizes the importance of consistent and timely updates. Businesses should pay close attention to their GMB posting frequency and ensure that they regularly refresh their posts to stay relevant. Engaging content, offers, and events can help businesses attract potential customers and maintain a competitive edge in local search. Consistent monitoring and optimization of GMB profiles, including the timely creation and refreshment of posts, will remain crucial for local businesses striving to improve their visibility in the search results.
Google’s latest update on post visibility for GMB pages after six months highlights the significance of maintaining updated and relevant information for businesses. Adapting Google Ads strategies and staying vigilant with local SEO efforts will help businesses remain competitive and provide accurate information to their potential customers. Embracing these changes will undoubtedly contribute to a successful online presence and improved visibility in local search results.