The short versionGoogle's Maps content policy has a For merchants section that rules out time-bound promotions, pricing and direct calls-to-action in a business listing, while offers and updates are still permitted in Business Profile posts. Google also says it may remove posts with unverified contact information such as typed phone numbers, emails and social handles. Move deals into Offer posts and use the Call now button instead.
If your Google Business Profile description says "20% off this week" or "Book today!", Google has now made it clear that doesn't belong there.
What happened
Google's Maps content policy has a "For merchants" section under advertising and solicitation. Search Engine Roundtable reported the update on October 6, after it was spotted by Hiroko Imai. Google hasn't published the exact date it edited the page.
The details
The policy separates your listing from your posts.
In the listing, Google rules out: "Promotional or commercial content that contains any of the following: Time-bound promotions, pricing, or direct calls-to-action."
In posts, offers are fine: "Offers and updates that may be seen as promotional or commercial content are otherwise permitted in posts." But the policy also lists "Email addresses, phone numbers, social media links, or links to other websites in your posts that are not related to your business" as not allowed.
This lines up with Google's existing business description guidelines, which say a description must not focus on special promotions, prices and offer sales. Google's own example of what not to write: "Best bagels in town for $5!"
On contact details, Google's posts content policy says: "To avoid fraud or abuse, we may remove posts with unverified contact information. This includes phone numbers, email addresses, and social media handles." Instead, it suggests attaching a Call now button, which uses your verified Business Profile phone number.
For deals, Google's Offer posts require a title, dates and time, and automatically include a "View Offer" button.
Why brands should care
For local businesses, the Google listing is often the first thing a customer sees. Content that breaks the rules can be removed, and a removed post is a missed customer. The good news is that nothing is being taken away. Deals still have a home; it's just a different one.
Think of it this way: your listing is your sign, your posts are your flyer.
What to do
- Reread your business description. Cut prices, deals and "Book today!" lines.
- Move deals into Offer posts. Add a title and dates, and Google adds the View Offer button.
- Delete typed phone numbers from posts. Attach the Call now button instead.
- Drop social handles and emails from posts. Keep contact details in the profile fields where Google verifies them.
- Check monthly. Policies change quietly; a quick review keeps your profile clean.
Sources
- Google Maps Help: Prohibited and restricted content
- Google Business Profile Help: Business description guidelines
- Google Business Profile Help: Posts content policy
- Google Business Profile Help: Create posts
- Search Engine Roundtable: Google Maps policy on listings and posts
- SEO Madman: Google Maps policy for merchants
FAQ
Can I put a promotion in my Google Business Profile description?
No. Google's Maps policy rules out time-bound promotions, pricing and direct calls-to-action in the listing, and its description guidelines say descriptions must not focus on special promotions, prices and offer sales.
Where should I post deals on Google Business Profile?
In posts. Google's policy says offers and updates that may be seen as promotional are permitted in posts, and Offer posts automatically include a View Offer button.
Can I put my phone number in a Google Business Profile post?
Google says it may remove posts with unverified contact information, including phone numbers, emails and social handles, and suggests attaching a Call now button instead.
