Google just dropped a new feature for Google Business Profiles called “What’s Happening”, and spoiler alert: it looks a lot like a social media feed. This section pulls in your posts (from GBP and other social media), offers, and events and puts them front and center so customers can see what’s new at your business. Potential customers will easily be able to see that you have live music tonight and what today’s special is. In other words, Google is handing you free marketing real estate that will bring you more customers... but only if you use it. If your last post was from 2024, it’s officially time to dust things off. The feature is only currently available for restaurants, but we expect it to be rolled out for many other business types.
How to Optimize Your GBP for “What’s Happening”:
- Add Social Links: Google pays attention to your business's social media and uses it to learn about your business. Make sure you add your social links to your GBP, and Google will automatically show your recent posts.
- Publish Events & Offers: Everybody publishes normal posts, but have you been posting offers and events on Google? These posts let users know if you have a promo going on or an upcoming event, which is exactly what Google wants to show in the “What’s Happening" section. (Our Paige AI Agent can tell you when your offers expire so you always have one running!)
- Keep Your Posts Up to Date: Regularly publishing posts to your GBP and social media accounts is crucial. Google wants to see that you’re consistently updating your customers with the latest about your business.
Google has clearly been putting an emphasis on making Google Business Profiles more helpful and engaging for its users, which makes it easier than ever for you to convert searchers into customers.
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