Let’s be real for a second: in 2024, people don’t just want businesses to show up online. They expect it. And in the world of Google Local Services Ads (LSAs), you’re playing in a high-stakes game where your online presence can make or break your business.
So, what happens when Google starts showing photos in LSAs? It’s a game-changer, my friends. And here’s why: Images = Trust. People are visual creatures, and when they see your business photos right up front, it’s a credibility boost like no other. They’re not just looking for a service; they want to see who they’re dealing with. Let’s dive in.
Why Photos in Local Service Ads Matter
If you haven’t noticed, Google’s been sneaking photos into LSAs, starting way back in 2018 for photographers and event planners. It’s like Google said, “Hey, let’s give users a little taste of what they’re buying.” And guess what? It worked.
Now, these photos are popping up on desktops and LSAs for various business categories. Sure, it’s still limited in scope, but the trend is clear: Visuals drive action.
Think about it: Would you call a random locksmith without seeing a photo of their van, team, or tools? Probably not. Photos make your business real to potential customers. They’re not just looking at a list of services; they’re connecting with you. And in a world of faceless algorithms, that connection is worth its weight in gold.
How to Manage Photos in Your Local Services Ads
First thing’s first—get your images uploaded. Google doesn’t automatically pull photos from your Google My Business (GMB) profile for LSAs. Nope, you’ve got to manually upload those bad boys. But don’t worry—it’s easy:
Head to the Local Services dashboard.
Look for the “Photos” box in the Profile and Budget section.
Upload your photos. Simple as that.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the specs! The cover photo (yep, that’s the one users will see in the ad) needs to be at least 1440 x 810 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The rest? At least 640 x 640.
Oh, and don’t even think about slapping a phone number on the photo. Google’s not a fan of that—too much potential for users to bypass their call tracking system.
What Kind of Photos Work Best?
This is where the magic happens. Your photos aren’t just placeholders—they’re a direct line to your customers’ brains. High-quality images of your actual services, team, and tools build trust and credibility. Skip the cheesy stock photos. People can spot those from a mile away.
“People don’t want to feel like they’re being sold something; they want to feel like they’re making a connection,” says marketing guru Sam Parr. And he’s right. The more authentic your photos are, the better they’ll perform.
The Takeaway
Here’s the bottom line: Adding photos to your Google Local Services Ads isn’t optional anymore. It’s a must. With LSAs operating on a pay-per-lead model, you’ve got nothing to lose by standing out from the crowd. The more real and trustworthy you appear, the more likely someone’s going to hit that “Call” button.
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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