Google has updated two of its Google Posts help documents to clarify how contact information can be used in posts.
Previously, Google did not allow phone numbers to be included directly in Google Post content. Now, phone numbers may be allowed if Google can verify that they are connected to the business.
However, posts containing unverified contact details may still be removed or rejected.
Google Updates Its Google Posts Policy
Google now says in this help document:
“To avoid fraud or abuse, we may remove posts with unverified contact information. This includes phone numbers, email addresses, and social media handles.”
This is different from the previous wording in the archived version, which said:
“To avoid the risk of abuse, we do not allow your post content to include a phone number.”
The new wording suggests that Google is no longer completely blocking phone numbers in Google Posts. Instead, the focus is now on whether the contact information can be verified.
Here is a screenshot:
Phone Numbers May Be Rejected If Google Cannot Verify Them
Hiroko Imai spotted the policy update and shared details on LinkedIn.
She also noticed another update in this Google help document.
Google now says:
Important: Posts that include a phone number in the post description might get rejected if they cannot be verified as being connected to the business on which they are posted. To add additional phone numbers to your profile, learn more about edits to your Business Profile.
The newly added wording makes Google’s position clearer.
Businesses can potentially include a phone number in their Google Post, but Google may reject the post if it cannot confirm that the number belongs to or is associated with the business.
Other Contact Details May Also Be Affected
The updated policy does not only mention phone numbers.
Google also says it may remove posts containing unverified:
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Social media handles
This means businesses should be more careful when adding contact information directly inside Google Post descriptions.
If Google cannot connect that information with the Business Profile or other trusted business sources, the post could be rejected or removed.
Using CTA Buttons May Be a Safer Option
Hiroko Imai suggested that businesses may want to avoid placing contact information or social media IDs directly inside their Google Post content.
She wrote:
“From now on, it’s advisable to avoid directly including contact information or social media IDs in post content. Instead, we recommend strictly enforcing the practice of using website links (CTA buttons) for directing users to the official website or social media pages under the “Details” or “Book Now” options.”
Using Google Post call-to-action buttons may therefore be a safer way to send users to a website, booking page, contact page, or social media profile.
What This Means for Businesses?
The change gives businesses slightly more flexibility compared with Google’s previous policy.
Phone numbers are no longer described as completely prohibited inside Google Posts. However, Google still wants to reduce fraud and abuse by checking whether contact details are genuinely connected to the business.
Business owners and local SEO teams should make sure that any phone number, email address, or other contact information used in a Google Post matches information associated with the business.
If the information cannot be verified, the post may be rejected or removed.
For important contact actions, using official website links and Google Post CTA buttons may still be the safest approach.
The discussion about the update can be found on LinkedIn.
