Google's automated systems have gotten stricter, and promotional GBP posts are now a liability. Here's what changed, why it matters, and what to do instead.
If you've been using Google Business Profile (GBP) posts to promote special offers, new patient events, or seasonal deals, it's time to pause that strategy. Our team has been closely monitoring how Google's automated content systems are flagging and removing GBP posts.
We want to make sure you're ahead of this shift, not caught off guard by it.
What's Changed with Google Business Profile Posts?
Google has always had content policies governing what can appear on a Business Profile. But recently, its automated enforcement systems have become significantly more sensitive and more aggressive.
The key issue: GBP posts are now being evaluated under the same prohibited and restricted content policies that apply to reviews. That means posts can be flagged and removed for content that looks promotional, advertorial, or like a solicitation, even when the intent was purely informational.
In practice, this means posts that include special offers, new patient promotions, calls to action like "Book Now" or "Call Today", pricing, or even marketing-style images (including AI-generated graphics) are at risk of being flagged.
What Happens When a Post Gets Flagged?
When Google's system detects a potential policy violation, it can restrict posting on your entire Business Profile, not just remove the offending post. This is typically an automated restriction, not a permanent ban, but it can be disruptive.
Based on guidance from Google experts, here's what commonly triggers a flag:
- Posts with promotional wording, special offers, or calls to action
- AI-generated images, especially those with text overlays, logos, or pricing
- Screenshots of websites or marketing graphics
- Deleting and reposting similar content in a short timeframe can trigger spam filters
- Excessive capitalization, phone numbers, or links embedded in the post text
If posting does get restricted, Google typically lifts the restriction automatically after 5–10 days, provided no further violations occur. If it persists beyond that window, you'll need to contact Google support directly for a manual review.
Do Google Business Profile Posts Help Your Rankings?
The short answer: no. GBP posts have never been a direct ranking signal for local SEO, and our specialists confirm this hasn't changed.
Posts can help with conversion, giving a potential patient who lands on your profile something timely and relevant to engage with. But since there's no SEO upside to posting, there's also no SEO downside to pausing it while the landscape settles.
Our Updated Recommendation: Pause Promotional Google Business Profile Posts
We previously recommended using GBP posts to advertise events, seasonal specials, and new patient offers. Given what we're seeing with Google's enforcement, we're updating that guidance.
For now, we recommend:
- Do not use GBP posts to promote offers, events, or specials
- Treat even "informational" posts with caution; they may still be flagged if they read as marketing content
- If you do post, keep it simple: plain text, real photos taken at your practice, no CTAs, no links, no pricing
What to Do Instead: Where to Put Your Promotional Energy
The good news: you have better channels for promotions, ones that are built for it and won't put your GBP at risk.
Your Website
Add a banner or create a dedicated landing page for your offer. This is the highest-converting place to promote new patient specials, and unlike a GBP post, it won't disappear or get flagged.
Email Marketing
Email is built specifically for promotional campaigns. Your list is full of people who already trust you; a well-timed offer can re-engage lapsed patients or introduce a new service.
Social Media
Facebook and Instagram are designed for promotional content. Boost your best posts with a modest ad spend to reach motivated patients in your local area. This is where your new patient specials belong.
What to Focus on for Your Google Business Profile Instead
Your Google Business Profile still matters enormously for local visibility; the focus just needs to shift to the elements that are safe, stable, and genuinely impactful:
- Photos: Regularly add real, high-quality photos of your office, team, and patient experience. Authentic photos build trust and make your profile stand out.
- Business Information Accuracy: Keep your address, phone number, hours, and website current. Inconsistencies hurt your local ranking.
- Services and Products: Make sure your services list is complete and accurate. This helps Google match your profile to the right searches.
- Review Strategy: Reviews are one of the most powerful local ranking and trust signals you have. Consistently asking satisfied patients for reviews, and responding to every one, is one of the best things you can do for your GBP.
We Can Help
Google's policies are evolving, and staying ahead of those changes is part of what we do. Right now, the safest approach is to redirect your promotional energy to your website, email, and social media, and use your GBP for what it does best: accurate information, great photos, and a steady stream of patient reviews.
If you have questions about how these changes affect your specific digital strategy, or if your GBP posting has been restricted and you're not sure what to do next, reach out to us. We're here to help you navigate this and make sure your practice keeps growing.
Have questions about your online strategy? Book a Discovery Call today, and let's review what's working and what's changed.