Google updated two of its Google Posts help documents to allow phone numbers in Google Posts only if they are verified contact information, but if it is unverified, it is not allowed.
Google now writes 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." Previously, it said, "To avoid the risk of abuse, we do not allow your post content to include a phone number."
Here is a screenshot:
Hiroko Imai spotted this and another change and posted about it on LinkedIn - the other change is in this document that 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.
I bolded the additional text added to that document.
Hiroko Imai said, "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."
Forum discussion at LinkedIn.
