If you post updates on your Google Business Profile, you may have typed your phone number into a post, or put "20% off this week" in your business description. Google has now spelled out that both of those go against its rules. Here is what changed and what to clean up.
What happened
Google recently updated the advertising and solicitation section of its Maps and Business Profile content policy. Search Engine Roundtable reported the change on October 6. The page now lists what business owners can't post. In your listing, that means no time-bound promotions, no pricing and no direct calls to action. In posts, it means no email addresses, phone numbers, social media links, or links to unrelated websites. Google's reasoning is that your listing should describe what your business is, not run ads. Offers and updates that are about your business are still allowed in posts.
What it means for a local business
For many owners nothing changes. But a few common habits now clearly go against the written rules, and content that breaks them can be removed.
Think of a plumber in Waukesha who writes "Call 262-555-0100 for $49 drain cleaning this month!" in the business description. Under Google's guidelines, the description shouldn't focus on sales, prices or promotions, and it can't contain links. That line is exactly what Google is telling owners to leave out.
Or picture a bakery in Brookfield whose weekly post ends with "Email us at orders@… or follow us on Instagram." The post itself is fine. The email address and social link are the problem. Google's post guidelines say posts with unverified phone numbers, email addresses or social handles may be removed.
None of this means posts are a waste of time. Google still lets you share offers, events and news through posts. It just wants the contact part handled by the profile's own buttons and fields, which use details Google has already verified.
Three things to do this week
Read your business description out loud. Take out any prices, sale wording, "call now" lines and links. Replace them with what you do, who you serve and the areas you cover. That is what helps a customer decide whether to call you.
Check your last few posts. Look for phone numbers, email addresses, Facebook or Instagram handles, and links to other websites typed into the text. Edit them out. If you want people to call, use the Call now button when you create the post. Google says it uses the verified phone number on your profile.
Make sure your contact details live in the right fields. Your phone number, website and hours belong in the profile's info section, not in posts or the description. While you're there, confirm they match what's on your website exactly. If you want a refresher on the basics, our Google Business Profile setup guide walks through each field.
Why it's worth ten minutes
Your Business Profile is often the first thing someone in Waukesha County sees when they search for what you do. A clean profile with the right details in the right places is easier for customers to use and less likely to have content pulled. It is also one of the basics we look at in local SEO work, because it costs nothing and is easy to get wrong.
If you're not sure whether something on your profile crosses the line, a simple test helps. Ask whether it describes your business, or whether it is trying to sell this week's deal. Descriptions stay in the listing. Deals and news go in posts, without contact details typed in.
Related: Local SEO services. Want us to look at your site? Get a free audit and we will tell you exactly what we would change, whether or not you hire us.
