If you run a local business, you understand how crucial it is to be online. Google Business Profile (GBP) formally referred to as Google My Business is a key player in helping clients locate you. But there’s a catch- keeping your Google Business Profile page lively with new posts can take plenty of your precious time. To counter this you can schedule posts on Google Business Profile.
Instead of scrambling to update your Google Business Profile every day, you could plan all your posts ahead of time. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s possible with tools like RecurPost. These tools will let you post on Google Business Profile whenever it’s suitable for you so that you can stay connected with your clients without it taking over your life.
In this guide, we will explore some best practices for scheduling Google Business Profile posts and guide you through the process using a social media scheduler.
Why Schedule Google Business Profile Posts?
Maintaining an active Google Business Profile is similar to having a bright, appealing sign outside your shop. It informs clients, “Hey, we’re right here, and we’ve got what you need!”. This active presence is crucial for catching eyes in local searches and building a strong connection with your community.
Now, you might wonder, “Why Schedule Google Business Profile Posts?” The answer is pretty straightforward. By planning your posts, you are not simply spreading the word about your latest offers or events but also freeing up your schedule. This way, you can put your energy into other parts of your business that need your attention.
The benefits of scheduling Google Business Profile posts extend beyond mere convenience. According to statistics from Gitnux.org, businesses that consistently post on their GBP listings experience a remarkable 35% increase in customer engagement. Moreover, scheduling posts can lead to a 70% increase in requests for directions and a staggering 80% rise in calls from potential customers.
[ Source: Gitnux ]
So, scheduling your Google Business Profile posts isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a smart strategy to boost your local visibility and engage more effectively with your customers.
So, scheduling your Google Business Profile posts is not only a time-saver; it’s a smart approach to enhance your local visibility and engage more with your clients.
How to Schedule Posts on Google Business Profile Using Third-Party Tools
RecurPost emerges as a powerful tool for effortlessly scheduling Google Business Profile posts, saving your time while optimizing your online engagement. By leveraging this user-friendly tool, you can streamline your GBP posting process and maintain a consistent and appealing online presence.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Google Business Profile Account
- Sign up for RecurPost: It’s easy! Go to the website to create an account.
- Connect your GBP account: RecurPost will securely link your Google Business Profile account, allowing you to manage multiple posts directly through the platform.
Step 2: Creating Your Google Business Profile Post
RecurPost offers various features to enhance your GBP posts:
- Craft compelling text: Write informative and engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
- Add visuals: Upload eye-catching images and videos to grab attention and make your posts stand out.
- Boost action: Utilize call-to-action (CTA) buttons to encourage viewers to visit your website, call you, or make a purchase.
- Offer enticing deals: Offer special promotions or discounts using the “Offers” feature with coupon codes.
Step 3: Scheduling Your Google Business Profile Post
Once your post is ready, schedule it for an appropriate time to reach your target audience:
- Pick the date and time: Choose the best day and time for your post based on your audience’s online behavior.
- Schedule recurring posts: Save extra time by setting up recurring schedules for specific types of content, like weekly promotions or daily product highlights.
Step 4: Managing and Editing Scheduled Google Business Profile Posts
Stay organized and in control with RecurPost’s management features:
- View your content calendar: See all your scheduled posts in one place, ensuring a consistent flow of fresh content.
- Edit or reschedule as needed: Did something change? Simply edit or reschedule your posts with just a few clicks.
By following these simple steps and leveraging the powerful capabilities of RecurPost, you could streamline your Google Business Profile posting process, save valuable time, and ensure an engaging and consistent online presence for your business.
Best Practices to Schedule Posts on Google Business Profile
Now that you know how to schedule posts on Google Business Profile, let’s explore some best practices to maximize their effect:
1. Post at the right time: Research suggests the best time to post on Google Business Profile are weekdays between 10 AM and 3 PM and during peak business hours (e.g., lunchtime for restaurants).
2. Keep your content fresh and varied: Don’t just post the identical type of content again and again. Mix it up with
- Informative updates: Share valuable information relevant to your industry and target audience.
- Promotional offers: Highlight special deals, discounts, or seasonal promotions.
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses: Offer a sneak peek into your business lifestyle, team, or special services.
- Community engagement: Ask questions, reply to comments, and bring up a conversation with your target audience.
3. Aim for concise and impactful content: While Google Business Profile allows for longer posts, shorter messages with around 150-300 characters tend to perform better. Concentrate on presenting the main message quickly and accurately.
4. Leverage local events and promotions: Is there a local festival or community event happening? Tie your posts to these events to connect with your local audience and showcase your involvement.
5. Utilize RecurPost’s features: Take advantage of RecurPost’s functionalities to streamline your content posting:
- Schedule recurring posts: Save time by scheduling daily content in advance.
- Utilize post templates: Create and store templates for common content types, such as weekly promotions or product highlights.
- Preview your posts: Before uploading your post, preview it to check that it is visually appealing and effectively conveys your intended message.
By following these practices and leveraging the power of scheduling tools, you can build a strong GBP presence, connect to your audience, and ultimately attract more clients to your local business.
Monitoring Your Post-Performance
So you’ve scheduled engaging Google Business Profile posts, but how do you know if they’re reaching the target audience and driving engagement? Here’s where Google Business Profile Insights come in.
Tapping into Google Business Profile Insights
Google Business Profile Insights provides valuable data on how your posts are performing. Within the GBP dashboard, you’ll find metrics including:
- Views: Track how many times your posts have been viewed, giving you a clear understanding of their reach and visibility.
- Engagement: Gain insight into the number of clicks, calls, and direction requests originating from your posts, which indicate audience interest and likely conversions.
- Audience Metrics: Analyze valuable demographic data, such as locations and cities where your audience is engaging with your content.
By often tracking these insights, you can identify which type of posts resonate best with your target audience, as well as pinpoint any gaps or areas for development.
Refining Your Strategy
With an in-depth knowledge of your post-performance, you can make informed choices to improve your content and scheduling strategies. For example, if you observe that posts with pictures or videos receive greater engagement, you might prioritize including more multimedia elements in your upcoming scheduled content.
Likewise, if you notice surges in engagement during specific periods, you may alter your scheduling to publish your content when your audience is most engaged and receptive.
Furthermore, by examining the locations and cities that generate the highest engagement, you can customize your content and promotion to those areas, increasing your local appeal and relevancy.
Continuous Improvement
The benefit of tracking your post-performance is the ability to iterate and enhance your strategy continuously. As you collect additional data and insights, you may experiment with various content forms, messaging, and scheduling strategies to find the ideal formula that connects with your local audience.
Conclusion
The key to success with Google Business Profile posts lies in strategic scheduling, content variety, and a keen focus on performance insights. As previously discussed, these factors work together to increase your visibility, engage your audience, and eventually develop a closer relationship with your community.
So, whether you’re just getting started or want to improve your GBP approach, remember that consistency, innovation, and insight-driven tweaks are your biggest allies. With these strategies in your toolkit, you’ll be well on your way to promoting your local business online.
So what are you waiting for? Start scheduling your GBP updates today and witness your online visibility and client engagement grow!
Frequently Asked Questions
First, sign up on third-party scheduling tools like RecurPost and link your Google Business Profile. Then, navigate to the dashboard, where you can create and schedule your posts directly.
It’s effective to schedule posts that highlight special discounts, local events, offers on new products and services, and customer testimonials. Engaging and relevant content connects with your audience and can increase foot traffic to your business.
Yes, with RecurPost, you can schedule your posts for different times and days. This flexibility allows you to plan your content strategy, ensuring your Google Business listing remains active and engages your audience at the most effective times.
Yes, you can edit a scheduled post in RecurPost before it is published. Simply navigate to your content calendar in RecurPost, locate the post you want to update, and make your changes. This guarantees that your content is correct and relevant.
Initially, try different posting times to determine what works best. RecurPost also provides analytics, allowing you to observe when your posts receive the highest engagement. RecurPost also has an AI-powered tool called Best Time to Post.
Yes, actively posting on your Google Business Profile listing can improve your local SEO. Regular posts indicate to Google that your company is active, which can boost your exposure in local search results and attract more clients.
Saurabh Chaturvedi is a content writer at RecurPost. Specializing in social media management and marketing, Saurabh is dedicated to crafting engaging and informative articles. His passion for clear, exciting content keeps readers eager for more.