Schedule and automate Google Business Profile posts with Zernio API - Updates, CTAs, location management, reviews, and local SEO

Quick Reference

Property	Value
Character limit	1,500
Images per post	1
Videos per post	Not supported
Image formats	JPEG, PNG only (WebP auto-converted)
Image max size	5 MB
Image min dimensions	400 x 300 px
Post types	Text, Text+Image, Text+CTA
Scheduling	Yes
Inbox (Reviews)	Yes (add-on)
Inbox (DMs/Comments)	No
Analytics	Yes

Google Business Profile is not social media -- it's local SEO. Posts appear on Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Knowledge Panel. They contribute to local search ranking. Posts are visible for about 7 days before being archived. Post weekly minimum.

Requires a verified Google Business Profile
Posts appear in Google Search + Maps (not a social feed)
Videos are not supported
No text-only posts via API (media or CTA recommended for visibility)

Quick Start

Create a Google Business Profile post with an image:

const { post } = await zernio.posts.createPost({
  content: 'We are open this holiday weekend! Stop by for our special seasonal menu.',
  mediaItems: [
    { type: 'image', url: 'https://example.com/holiday-special.jpg' }
  ],
  platforms: [
    { platform: 'googlebusiness', accountId: 'YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID' }
  ],
  publishNow: true
});
console.log('Posted to Google Business!', post._id);

result = client.posts.create(
    content="We are open this holiday weekend! Stop by for our special seasonal menu.",
    media_items=[
        {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/holiday-special.jpg"}
    ],
    platforms=[
        {"platform": "googlebusiness", "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID"}
    ],
    publish_now=True
)
post = result.post
print(f"Posted to Google Business! {post['_id']}")

curl -X POST https://zernio.com/api/v1/posts \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "We are open this holiday weekend! Stop by for our special seasonal menu.",
    "mediaItems": [
      {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/holiday-special.jpg"}
    ],
    "platforms": [
      {"platform": "googlebusiness", "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID"}
    ],
    "publishNow": true
  }'

Content Types

Text + Image Post

The most common and recommended post type. A single image with text. No contentType field is needed -- this is the default when media is included.

const { post } = await zernio.posts.createPost({
  content: 'Fresh seasonal menu available now! Visit us to try our new dishes.',
  mediaItems: [
    { type: 'image', url: 'https://example.com/seasonal-menu.jpg' }
  ],
  platforms: [
    { platform: 'googlebusiness', accountId: 'YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID' }
  ],
  publishNow: true
});

result = client.posts.create(
    content="Fresh seasonal menu available now! Visit us to try our new dishes.",
    media_items=[
        {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/seasonal-menu.jpg"}
    ],
    platforms=[
        {"platform": "googlebusiness", "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID"}
    ],
    publish_now=True
)

curl -X POST https://zernio.com/api/v1/posts \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "Fresh seasonal menu available now! Visit us to try our new dishes.",
    "mediaItems": [
      {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/seasonal-menu.jpg"}
    ],
    "platforms": [
      {"platform": "googlebusiness", "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID"}
    ],
    "publishNow": true
  }'

Text-Only Post

Text-only posts are supported but have lower visibility on Google Search and Maps. Adding an image or CTA is recommended.

const { post } = await zernio.posts.createPost({
  content: 'Happy Friday! We are offering 20% off all services this weekend. Mention this post when you visit!',
  platforms: [
    { platform: 'googlebusiness', accountId: 'YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID' }
  ],
  publishNow: true
});

result = client.posts.create(
    content="Happy Friday! We are offering 20% off all services this weekend. Mention this post when you visit!",
    platforms=[
        {"platform": "googlebusiness", "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID"}
    ],
    publish_now=True
)

curl -X POST https://zernio.com/api/v1/posts \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "Happy Friday! We are offering 20% off all services this weekend. Mention this post when you visit!",
    "platforms": [
      {"platform": "googlebusiness", "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID"}
    ],
    "publishNow": true
  }'

Post with CTA Button

Add a call-to-action button to drive traffic. The CTA appears as a prominent button below the post content.

const { post } = await zernio.posts.createPost({
  content: 'Book your appointment today! Limited spots available this week.',
  mediaItems: [
    { type: 'image', url: 'https://example.com/booking.jpg' }
  ],
  platforms: [{
    platform: 'googlebusiness',
    accountId: 'YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID',
    platformSpecificData: {
      callToAction: {
        type: 'BOOK',
        url: 'https://mybusiness.com/book'
      }
    }
  }],
  publishNow: true
});

result = client.posts.create(
    content="Book your appointment today! Limited spots available this week.",
    media_items=[
        {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/booking.jpg"}
    ],
    platforms=[{
        "platform": "googlebusiness",
        "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
        "platformSpecificData": {
            "callToAction": {
                "type": "BOOK",
                "url": "https://mybusiness.com/book"
            }
        }
    }],
    publish_now=True
)

curl -X POST https://zernio.com/api/v1/posts \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "Book your appointment today! Limited spots available this week.",
    "mediaItems": [
      {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/booking.jpg"}
    ],
    "platforms": [{
      "platform": "googlebusiness",
      "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
      "platformSpecificData": {
        "callToAction": {
          "type": "BOOK",
          "url": "https://mybusiness.com/book"
        }
      }
    }],
    "publishNow": true
  }'

Available CTA Types:

Type	Description	Best For
`LEARN_MORE`	Link to more information	Articles, about pages
`BOOK`	Booking/reservation link	Services, appointments
`ORDER`	Online ordering link	Restaurants, food
`SHOP`	E-commerce link	Retail, products
`SIGN_UP`	Registration link	Events, newsletters
`CALL`	Phone call action	Contact, inquiries

Media Requirements

Property	Requirement
Max images	1 per post
Formats	JPEG, PNG (WebP auto-converted)
Max file size	5 MB
Min dimensions	400 x 300 px
Recommended	1200 x 900 px (4:3)

Google may crop images. Use 4:3 aspect ratio for best results.

Platform-Specific Fields

All fields are set inside platformSpecificData on the platform entry.

Field	Type	Description
`locationId`	string	For multi-location businesses. Format: `locations/111111111`. Get locations via `GET /v1/accounts/{accountId}/gmb-locations`. If omitted, posts to default location.
`languageCode`	string	BCP 47 language code (e.g., `en`, `de`). Sets metadata only -- does not translate content.
`callToAction`	`{ type, url }`	CTA button. `type`: `LEARN_MORE`, `BOOK`, `ORDER`, `SHOP`, `SIGN_UP`, `CALL`. `url`: valid HTTPS URL.

Language Code Example

By default, post language is auto-detected from text. If auto-detection may be inaccurate (very short posts, mixed-language content, transliterated text), set languageCode explicitly.

const { post } = await zernio.posts.createPost({
  content: 'Diese Woche: 20% Rabatt auf alle Services.',
  mediaItems: [
    { type: 'image', url: 'https://example.com/promo.jpg' }
  ],
  platforms: [{
    platform: 'googlebusiness',
    accountId: 'YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID',
    platformSpecificData: {
      languageCode: 'de'
    }
  }],
  publishNow: true
});

result = client.posts.create(
    content="Diese Woche: 20% Rabatt auf alle Services.",
    media_items=[
        {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/promo.jpg"}
    ],
    platforms=[{
        "platform": "googlebusiness",
        "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
        "platformSpecificData": {
            "languageCode": "de"
        }
    }],
    publish_now=True
)

curl -X POST https://zernio.com/api/v1/posts \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "Diese Woche: 20% Rabatt auf alle Services.",
    "mediaItems": [
      {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/promo.jpg"}
    ],
    "platforms": [{
      "platform": "googlebusiness",
      "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
      "platformSpecificData": {
        "languageCode": "de"
      }
    }],
    "publishNow": true
  }'

Multi-Location Posting

If your connected Google Business account manages multiple locations, you can post to different locations from the same account connection.

List Available Locations

First, retrieve the list of locations you can post to:

const locations = await zernio.googleBusiness.getLocations('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID');
console.log('Available locations:', locations);

locations = client.google_business.get_locations("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID")
print("Available locations:", locations)

curl -X GET https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-locations \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

Post to Multiple Locations

Use the same accountId multiple times with different locationId values:

const { post } = await zernio.posts.createPost({
  content: 'Now open at all locations! Visit us today.',
  mediaItems: [
    { type: 'image', url: 'https://example.com/store.jpg' }
  ],
  platforms: [
    {
      platform: 'googlebusiness',
      accountId: 'YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID',
      platformSpecificData: { locationId: 'locations/111111111' }
    },
    {
      platform: 'googlebusiness',
      accountId: 'YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID',
      platformSpecificData: { locationId: 'locations/222222222' }
    }
  ],
  publishNow: true
});

result = client.posts.create(
    content="Now open at all locations! Visit us today.",
    media_items=[
        {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/store.jpg"}
    ],
    platforms=[
        {
            "platform": "googlebusiness",
            "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
            "platformSpecificData": {"locationId": "locations/111111111"}
        },
        {
            "platform": "googlebusiness",
            "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
            "platformSpecificData": {"locationId": "locations/222222222"}
        }
    ],
    publish_now=True
)

curl -X POST https://zernio.com/api/v1/posts \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "content": "Now open at all locations! Visit us today.",
    "mediaItems": [
      {"type": "image", "url": "https://example.com/store.jpg"}
    ],
    "platforms": [
      {
        "platform": "googlebusiness",
        "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
        "platformSpecificData": {
          "locationId": "locations/111111111"
        }
      },
      {
        "platform": "googlebusiness",
        "accountId": "YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
        "platformSpecificData": {
          "locationId": "locations/222222222"
        }
      }
    ],
    "publishNow": true
  }'

The locationId format is locations/ followed by the location ID number.

Media URL Requirements

Requirement	Details
Public URL	Must be publicly accessible
HTTPS	Secure URLs only
No redirects	Direct link to image
No auth required	Cannot require login

https://mybucket.s3.amazonaws.com/image.jpg       (valid)
https://example.com/images/post.png                (valid)
https://example.com/image?token=abc                (invalid - auth required)
http://example.com/image.jpg                       (invalid - not HTTPS)

Business Profile Management

Beyond posting, you can manage your Google Business Profile listing directly through the API. Each subsection below covers a specific management feature.

Food Menus

Manage food menus for locations that support them (restaurants, cafes, etc.). Menu items support price (with currency code), dietaryRestriction (VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, GLUTEN_FREE), allergen (DAIRY, GLUTEN, SHELLFISH), spiciness, servesNumPeople, and preparationMethods.

// Get menus
const menus = await zernio.googleBusiness.getFoodMenus('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID');
console.log('Food menus:', menus);

// Update menus
await zernio.googleBusiness.updateFoodMenus('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID', {
  menus: [{
    labels: [{ displayName: 'Lunch Menu', languageCode: 'en' }],
    sections: [{
      labels: [{ displayName: 'Appetizers' }],
      items: [{
        labels: [{ displayName: 'Caesar Salad', description: 'Romaine, parmesan, croutons' }],
        attributes: {
          price: { currencyCode: 'USD', units: '12' },
          dietaryRestriction: ['VEGETARIAN']
        }
      }]
    }]
  }],
  updateMask: 'menus'
});

# Get menus
menus = client.google_business.get_food_menus("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID")
print("Food menus:", menus)

# Update menus
client.google_business.update_food_menus("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
    menus=[{
        "labels": [{"displayName": "Lunch Menu", "languageCode": "en"}],
        "sections": [{
            "labels": [{"displayName": "Appetizers"}],
            "items": [{
                "labels": [{"displayName": "Caesar Salad", "description": "Romaine, parmesan, croutons"}],
                "attributes": {
                    "price": {"currencyCode": "USD", "units": "12"},
                    "dietaryRestriction": ["VEGETARIAN"]
                }
            }]
        }]
    }],
    update_mask="menus"
)

# Get menus
curl -X GET https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-food-menus \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

# Update menus
curl -X PUT https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-food-menus \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "menus": [{
      "labels": [{"displayName": "Lunch Menu", "languageCode": "en"}],
      "sections": [{
        "labels": [{"displayName": "Appetizers"}],
        "items": [{
          "labels": [{"displayName": "Caesar Salad", "description": "Romaine, parmesan, croutons"}],
          "attributes": {
            "price": {"currencyCode": "USD", "units": "12"},
            "dietaryRestriction": ["VEGETARIAN"]
          }
        }]
      }]
    }],
    "updateMask": "menus"
  }'

See the GMB Food Menus API Reference for full schema details.

Location Details

Read and update your business information including hours, special hours, description, phone numbers, and website. Use readMask to request specific fields and updateMask to update them. Available fields include regularHours, specialHours, profile.description, websiteUri, and phoneNumbers.

// Get location details
const details = await zernio.googleBusiness.getLocationDetails('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID', {
  readMask: 'regularHours,specialHours,profile,websiteUri'
});

// Update business hours
await zernio.googleBusiness.updateLocationDetails('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID', {
  updateMask: 'regularHours',
  regularHours: {
    periods: [
      { openDay: 'MONDAY', openTime: '09:00', closeDay: 'MONDAY', closeTime: '17:00' },
      { openDay: 'TUESDAY', openTime: '09:00', closeDay: 'TUESDAY', closeTime: '17:00' }
    ]
  }
});

# Get location details
details = client.google_business.get_location_details("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
    read_mask="regularHours,specialHours,profile,websiteUri"
)

# Update business hours
client.google_business.update_location_details("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
    update_mask="regularHours",
    regular_hours={
        "periods": [
            {"openDay": "MONDAY", "openTime": "09:00", "closeDay": "MONDAY", "closeTime": "17:00"},
            {"openDay": "TUESDAY", "openTime": "09:00", "closeDay": "TUESDAY", "closeTime": "17:00"}
        ]
    }
)

# Get location details
curl -X GET "https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-location-details?readMask=regularHours,specialHours,profile,websiteUri" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

# Update business hours
curl -X PUT https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-location-details \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "updateMask": "regularHours",
    "regularHours": {
      "periods": [
        {"openDay": "MONDAY", "openTime": "09:00", "closeDay": "MONDAY", "closeTime": "17:00"},
        {"openDay": "TUESDAY", "openTime": "09:00", "closeDay": "TUESDAY", "closeTime": "17:00"}
      ]
    }
  }'

See the GMB Location Details API Reference for the full schema.

Media (Photos)

Upload, list, and delete photos for your Google Business Profile listing. Photo categories: COVER, PROFILE, LOGO, EXTERIOR, INTERIOR, FOOD_AND_DRINK, MENU, PRODUCT, TEAMS, ADDITIONAL.

// List photos
const media = await zernio.googleBusiness.listMedia('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID');

// Upload a photo
await zernio.googleBusiness.uploadMedia('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID', {
  sourceUrl: 'https://example.com/photos/interior.jpg',
  description: 'Dining area with outdoor seating',
  category: 'INTERIOR'
});

# List photos
media = client.google_business.list_media("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID")

# Upload a photo
client.google_business.upload_media("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
    source_url="https://example.com/photos/interior.jpg",
    description="Dining area with outdoor seating",
    category="INTERIOR"
)

# List photos
curl -X GET https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-media \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

# Upload a photo
curl -X POST https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-media \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "sourceUrl": "https://example.com/photos/interior.jpg",
    "description": "Dining area with outdoor seating",
    "category": "INTERIOR"
  }'

See the GMB Media API Reference for full details.

Attributes

Manage amenities and services like delivery, Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, and payment types. Available attributes vary by business category. Common ones include has_dine_in, has_takeout, has_delivery, has_wifi, has_outdoor_seating, and pay_credit_card_types_accepted.

// Get attributes
const attrs = await zernio.googleBusiness.getAttributes('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID');

// Update attributes
await zernio.googleBusiness.updateAttributes('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID', {
  attributes: [
    { name: 'has_delivery', values: [true] },
    { name: 'has_outdoor_seating', values: [true] }
  ],
  attributeMask: 'has_delivery,has_outdoor_seating'
});

# Get attributes
attrs = client.google_business.get_attributes("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID")

# Update attributes
client.google_business.update_attributes("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
    attributes=[
        {"name": "has_delivery", "values": [True]},
        {"name": "has_outdoor_seating", "values": [True]}
    ],
    attribute_mask="has_delivery,has_outdoor_seating"
)

# Get attributes
curl -X GET https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-attributes \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

# Update attributes
curl -X PUT https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-attributes \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "attributes": [
      {"name": "has_delivery", "values": [true]},
      {"name": "has_outdoor_seating", "values": [true]}
    ],
    "attributeMask": "has_delivery,has_outdoor_seating"
  }'

See the GMB Attributes API Reference for full details.

Place Actions

Manage booking, ordering, and reservation buttons that appear on your listing. Action types: APPOINTMENT, ONLINE_APPOINTMENT, DINING_RESERVATION, FOOD_ORDERING, FOOD_DELIVERY, FOOD_TAKEOUT, SHOP_ONLINE.

// List place actions
const actions = await zernio.googleBusiness.listPlaceActions('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID');

// Create a place action
await zernio.googleBusiness.createPlaceAction('YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID', {
  uri: 'https://order.ubereats.com/mybusiness',
  placeActionType: 'FOOD_ORDERING'
});

# List place actions
actions = client.google_business.list_place_actions("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID")

# Create a place action
client.google_business.create_place_action("YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID",
    uri="https://order.ubereats.com/mybusiness",
    place_action_type="FOOD_ORDERING"
)

# List place actions
curl -X GET https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-place-actions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

# Create a place action
curl -X POST https://zernio.com/api/v1/accounts/YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID/gmb-place-actions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "uri": "https://order.ubereats.com/mybusiness",
    "placeActionType": "FOOD_ORDERING"
  }'

See the GMB Place Actions API Reference for full details.

Analytics

Requires Analytics add-on

Available metrics via the Analytics API:

Metric	Available
Impressions	✅
Clicks	✅
Views	✅

const analytics = await zernio.analytics.getAnalytics({
  platform: 'google-business',
  fromDate: '2024-01-01',
  toDate: '2024-01-31'
});
console.log(analytics.posts);

analytics = client.analytics.get(
    platform="google-business",
    from_date="2024-01-01",
    to_date="2024-01-31"
)
print(analytics["posts"])

curl "https://zernio.com/api/v1/analytics?platform=google-business&fromDate=2024-01-01&toDate=2024-01-31" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

What You Can't Do

These features are not available through Google Business Profile's API:

Post videos
Create offers or events (special post types)
Respond to Q&A
Manage service areas
Manage business categories

Common Errors

Google Business has a 6.5% failure rate across Zernio's platform (557 failures out of 8,529 attempts). Here are the most frequent errors and how to fix them:

Error	Meaning	Fix
"Image not found"	Image URL is inaccessible or requires authentication	Verify URL is publicly accessible. Ensure HTTPS. Test URL in an incognito browser.
"Invalid image format"	Unsupported file format or corrupted file	Use JPEG or PNG only. GIF is not supported. Re-export the image if corrupted.
"Image too small"	Image dimensions below minimum	Use at least 400 x 300 px. Recommended: 1200 x 900 px.
Post not appearing	Post may be pending review or account not verified	Posts may take 24-48 hours to appear. Check Google Business Console for approval status. Ensure account is verified.
CTA not working	Invalid or inaccessible URL	Verify URL is valid and accessible. Use HTTPS. Avoid shortened URLs.

Inbox

Requires Inbox add-on — Build: +$10/mo · Accelerate: +$50/unit · Unlimited: +$1,000/mo

Google Business supports reviews management only.

Reviews

Feature	Supported
List reviews	✅
Reply to reviews	✅
Delete reply	✅

Limitations

No DMs - Google Business does not have a messaging system accessible via API
No comments - Posts on Google Business do not support comments

See Reviews API Reference for endpoint details.

Connect Google Business Account - OAuth flow
Create Post - Post creation and scheduling
Upload Media - Image uploads
GMB Reviews - Manage reviews
GMB Food Menus - Manage food menus
GMB Location Details - Hours, description, contact info
GMB Media - Photos management
GMB Attributes - Amenities and services
GMB Place Actions - Booking and ordering links
Reviews