Google My Business: End of phone numbers in Google posts
Google announces a new content policy called ‘Phone Stuffing,’ prohibiting businesses from including phone numbers in their Google Posts on Google My Business, offering alternative ways to share contact information.
Introduction
Google announces a new content policy called ‘Phone Stuffing,’ prohibiting businesses from including phone numbers in their Google Posts on Google My Business, offering alternative ways to share contact information.
New content policy
According to Search Engine Roundtable, Google has posted a new content policy regarding Google Posts, specifically prohibiting businesses from including phone numbers in the content of their posts on Google My Business.
Joy Hawkins also highlighted this in her Twitter post:
Google clarifies phone numbers are not allowed in Google My Business posts.https://t.co/3OzvaAc30w via @localuniv #localu
— Joy Hawkins (@JoyanneHawkins) April 7, 2021
Google Posts appear on your local knowledge panel in Google Search, allowing you to share messages with your customers this way.
However, you can no longer share a message and include your phone number in this Google post.
This new policy is called “Phone Stuffing,” and Google stated (translated):
“To avoid the risk of abuse, we do not allow your post content to include a phone number. You can make your phone number available on your Business Profile or website.”
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Prefer a CTA
Google said that instead, you can add a “Call Now” button to your post that uses your verified Business profile phone number.
Source: Search Engine Rountable
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google has implemented a new policy called “Phone Stuffing,” disallowing businesses from including phone numbers in their Google Posts on Google My Business, prompting them to use alternative methods to provide contact information to users.
