By Jamie Banks
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re in the local SEO game, you’ve likely noticed something interesting popping up in the Local Pack lately—snippets from Google Posts. That’s right. Google Posts, those little content blurbs you thought were out of sight at the bottom of your GMB profile, are now flexing their muscles, appearing directly in Local Pack listings. So, what's the deal?
The Local SEO Buzz
Recently, SEO pros across the board have started seeing Google Posts get some spotlight in the Local 3-pack and Local Finder. Dave DiGregorio was the first to catch it, sharing his discovery with the community:
"First time I’m seeing snippets from Google Posts being pulled into the local finder." – @deegs20
At first, it seemed like a fluke. But then, SEO queen Joy Hawkins dove deeper, using BrightLocal's rank tracker to spot this pattern across industries like law and medicine.
In short, Google Posts are no longer just an afterthought. They’re becoming a key part of how businesses can show up in those coveted Local Pack listings.
Can You Control What Shows Up?
Here’s the kicker: you can’t exactly control what elements Google decides to pull into the Local Pack, but you can absolutely influence it by keeping your GMB profile robust and active.
Google’s goal is to show users the best, most relevant information to match their search intent. That means businesses with fresh, relevant Google Posts might have an edge, especially if those posts align with the search terms people are using. So, if you’ve got a post about “bridesmaid dresses” and someone searches for that term in your area, it could be the difference-maker in landing your business in the top 3.
Why Is Google Doing This?
Without an official statement from Google (classic, right?), we’re left to speculate. But here’s a hot take: Google might be using Google Posts to refine its understanding of businesses as entities, boosting their relevance in certain searches. It's another way for Google to make sure they’re serving up the best possible results to searchers.
But let’s face it: this could also be Google ramping up its post-Google+ strategy. They’ve already added a “follow” button to GMB profiles, so maybe this is all part of a bigger plan to position GMB as a sort of “social network for business.”
What This Means for You
So, what does this mean for businesses and digital agencies? While it’s tempting to start spamming posts with keywords (don’t), what you should focus on is the quality and relevance of your content. Keep your Google Posts up to date, relevant, and genuinely helpful for your customers.
And watch this space. If Google is pulling more from your GMB activity, that’s a strong signal that they’re giving these Posts more weight than before. Adapt your strategy, keep testing, and you might just find yourself climbing those local rankings faster than you think.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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