We’ve all heard it before: first impressions matter. And in the world of online business, that first impression comes in the form of visuals. 50% of the human brain is devoted to processing visual information. So, if your business isn’t putting its best foot forward with solid, high-quality images, you’re probably losing customers. Google gets this, which is why it emphasizes that businesses with photos are far more likely to get clicks and even drive traffic to physical locations.
So, how do you manage your Google Business Profile (GBP) photos to ensure you're making the right impression every time? Let’s dig in.
Why Google Business Profile Photos Matter
Google has made it clear: businesses with photos get more action. Whether it’s more requests for driving directions or clicks to your website, images are essential. They help users get a real feel for your business before they ever step through your doors. So if your GBP photos are outdated, low-quality, or irrelevant, you’re giving potential customers an easy reason to skip over you and head to your competitors.
As Google puts it, “Businesses with photos are more likely to receive requests for driving directions to their location, as well as clicks through to their websites, than businesses that don’t have photos.” Images sell your business as much as your products do.
Google’s Guidelines for Photos
Google’s not playing around when it comes to photo quality. You can’t just throw up any image and expect it to work. Here are the most critical rules to follow:
No stock photos – Google wants authentic images, not generic, staged ones.
No low-res images – Blurry or poorly lit photos are a no-go. Your images should have sufficient resolution to give a clear picture of your business.
Minimal filters – Keep any stylistic edits light. You’re not trying to create an art project here.
No irrelevant content – If the image doesn’t directly represent your business location or product, don’t post it.
Following these guidelines will not only keep you in Google’s good books, but it also ensures that your profile reflects your business accurately and professionally.
User-Generated Images: A Double-Edged Sword
Here’s where it gets interesting. Users can upload their own images to your business profile. Sometimes, this can be great—authentic, real-world photos showing customers enjoying your business. Other times? Not so much. You might get a blurry, irrelevant photo that does more harm than good.
Google encourages user-uploaded photos to boost engagement, but you need to be vigilant. If a user uploads a photo that’s inappropriate or irrelevant, you can report it. However, don’t rely on Google to manage this for you. Keep an eye on what’s being uploaded by checking your GBP dashboard regularly.
How to Encourage Users to Upload Photos
Let’s be real—people love taking photos. So why not turn that to your advantage? Encouraging customers to upload photos to your GBP is a free, easy way to build up your profile. Here are a few tips:
Create photo-worthy moments – Think about how you can make your space or service photo-worthy. A quirky decor piece or an interactive element can prompt customers to snap a picture.
Simply ask – This one’s easy. Whether it’s a sign at your location or a quick mention in an email, just ask customers to share their photos.
Help them get the shot – If you see a group struggling to take a picture, offer to help. Not only is it good customer service, but it also ensures a high-quality image of your location.
Managing Your Own GBP Photos
Now, let’s talk about uploading your photos. When you upload images to your GBP, they’ll be labeled “from the owner” and distinguishable from user-uploaded content. However, just because you upload a photo doesn’t mean Google will prioritize it. To maximize your chances of your photos showing up in the search results, focus on the following:
Exterior photos – Make it easy for customers to recognize your business from the outside.
Interior photos – Give potential customers a feel for what to expect inside.
Product photos – Show off what you sell with high-quality, appealing images.
Team photos – Let customers put a face to your business. It builds trust and makes your brand feel more personable.
Pro Tip: Stick to Google’s recommended image dimensions: 720 px by 720 px. This ensures your photos will display optimally across all devices.
Removing User-Generated Photos
Sometimes, you’ll get a dud of a user-uploaded image that doesn’t represent your business well. If an image violates Google’s terms of service (e.g., inappropriate content or irrelevant imagery), you can report it by selecting “Report a problem”. Be clear about why the image is inappropriate, and with any luck, Google will remove it.
How Often Should You Update Your Photos?
Just like anything in business, consistency is key. Don’t let your GBP photo section collect dust. Regularly update your profile with new, fresh images that reflect any changes to your business, whether it’s a seasonal menu change or new products.
Google also loves new content, and regularly uploading photos can help signal to Google that your business is active and engaged—boosting your chances of appearing in search results.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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