Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a powerful tool that helps businesses connect with their audience through posts, updates, and events. However, many business owners and marketers often struggle to understand the distinction between Updates and Events on the platform. In this article, we will break down the differences, the best use cases for each, and how to leverage them effectively to boost engagement and visibility.
What Are Google Business Updates?
Google Business Updates are regular posts businesses can publish to share news, promotions, offers, and general information. These updates appear in the business profile on Google Search and Google Maps, allowing customers to stay informed about the latest developments.
Key Features of Updates:
Can include text, images, videos, and links.
Typically used for announcements, promotions, and business news.
Appear in the Updates section of the business profile.
Have a limited lifespan before getting archived.
Can include a call-to-action (CTA) like Learn More ,Call Now ,or Order Online.
When to Use Google Business Updates
Announcing a new product or service.
Sharing limited-time discounts or promotions.
Highlighting changes in business hours or policies.
Posting company news, such as achievements or partnerships.
What Are Google Business Events?
Google Business Events are posts specifically designed to promote time-sensitive happenings, such as workshops, sales, webinars, or in-store events. Unlike regular updates, event posts include a specific date range and appear in a different section of the business profile.
Key Features of Events:
Require a start and end date.
Appear under “Events” in the business profile.
Often used for promotions, seasonal campaigns, and special occasions.
Can include a CTA like Sign Up, Register, Book Now.
More prominent for users searching for upcoming activities.
When to Use Google Business Events
Hosting a webinar or live event.
Running a promotional campaign for a specific period.
Announcing in-store events like product launches or meet-and-greets.
Promoting ticketed events or exclusive sales.
The Difference Between Update and Event on Google Business
The key difference between update and event lies in their purpose and duration. Updates are for general announcements, while events focus on time-sensitive occasions with specific dates. While both types of posts enhance customer engagement, updates are more suitable for ongoing communication, whereas events are best for driving attendance and urgency.
Comparison Table: Updates vs. Event
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Use High-Quality Visuals
- Eye-catching images or videos increase engagement.
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Keep It Short and Clear
- Ensure your message is concise and informative.
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Include a Strong CTA
- Guide users to take action like visiting your website or calling your business.
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Post Consistently
- Frequent updates keep your business relevant in search results.
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Monitor Performance
- Use Google Insights to track engagement and adjust content accordingly.
- Best Practices for Events
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Highlight the Key Details
- Clearly mention the date, time, and purpose of the event.
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Use a Compelling Title
- Make your event title engaging and informative.
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Add a Direct CTA
- Encourage users to sign up, book, or learn more.
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Promote in Advance
- Post your event early to maximize visibility.
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Engage with Attendees
- Respond to questions and interact with potential attendees to build excitement.
- The Impact of Updates and Events on Local SEO
- Both Updates and Events contribute to better local SEO by increasing user engagement and providing fresh content for Google to index. Here’s how they help:
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Higher Visibility
- Frequent updates and events improve rankings in Google Search and Maps.
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Better Customer Engagement
- Encouraging interactions through posts enhances brand trust.
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Increased Click-Through Rates
- CTAs drive more traffic to websites and business listings.
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Stronger Local Authority
- Regular updates and events signal activity and relevance to search engines.
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Conclusion
- Understanding the difference between update and event on Google Business is essential for maximizing your online presence. Updates keep customers informed about ongoing changes, while events drive participation in time-sensitive activities. By strategically using both, businesses can enhance visibility, engagement, and local SEO performance.
- To make the most of Google Business Profile, experiment with different types of posts and monitor performance insights. Whether you are announcing a new product or promoting an exclusive event, leveraging these tools effectively can set your business apart from the competition.
- Now that you know the difference between update, which type of post will you use first? Let us know how you plan to optimize your Google Business strategy!
