According to Google My Business Partners, Why are Pics Important for Your GMB?

You know your Google My Business profile needs well-written descriptions, accurate contact details, reviews, and more. However, don’t ignore pictures. Pictures can help your profile and your business, yes, when they’re the right pictures. As Google My Business partners, we’ve helped our clients to use their pictures to take their GMB profile to new heights. 

Why Do Pics Matter on a GMB Profile? 

Photos on a GMB listing serve multiple purposes. They allow potential customers to see your business and its products/services. This visual connection helps shape their first impression and can influence whether they choose to engage with your business. 

Remember: the photos you choose for your GMB listing act as a visual introduction, offering an authentic glimpse into your products, services, and overall environment. They can make (or break) the first impression. 

If someone goes to your GMB and sees blurry, poor photos, they’re less likely to want to do business with you. The same goes for if they don’t see any or many photos on your GMB. No matter how good you are at your job, you’re going to come out on the short end of a comparison with a competitor who does have plenty of quality pictures. 

How Photos Enhance Your Online Visibility

Regularly updated and visually appealing photos reinforce your credibility. They show that your business is active, professional, and trustworthy. Whether it’s a picture of a welcoming storefront, satisfied customers, or detailed shots of your offerings, each image contributes to the narrative of reliability and quality.

You work hard day in and day out at your business. Pics make sure that your GMB reflects that. 

Google My Business also provides insights into how users interact with your photos. This data allows you to refine your visual strategy, ensuring your images continue to resonate with your audience. Over time, adjusting your approach based on these insights can deepen your connection with potential customers and boost your overall performance on the platform.

Meeting Google’s Photo Guidelines

Photos should be well-lit, focused, and relevant to your business. Avoid blurry or pixelated images, as they can detract from the quality of your listing. Likewise, refrain from using watermarked or text-overlaid images, as these may be disapproved by Google. Obviously, offensive or inappropriate content is strictly prohibited and can lead to the suspension of your account.

Showcasing a Variety of Photos

Diversity in your photo gallery helps potential customers get a well-rounded view of your business. Include images of your exterior to help visitors identify your location, interior shots to showcase the atmosphere, and pictures of your team to humanize your brand. Highlight your products or services with high-quality images that focus on what you do best. 

Or, since you should update these pictures regularly, highlight what it is that you want potential customers/clients to know about your business right now. 

For service-based businesses, “before and after” photos are particularly effective. They demonstrate the quality of your work and help build trust. Similarly, if your business serves food or beverages, visually appealing photos of your menu items can draw in hungry customers. 

Seasonal updates or images of limited-time specials can keep your gallery fresh and engaging. For example, as of this writing, the holidays are nearly here. That’s a great time to update your GMB, showcasing everything you’re doing/offering for the season. 

Team photos add a personal touch, helping potential customers feel a connection to your business. Group shots or individual portraits of key staff members provide a face to the name, fostering a sense of approachability.

GMB Photo Mistakes We See Far Too Often 

As Google My Business partners, many of our clients come to us after having tried to get the most from their GMB previously. We take pride in elevating their GMB, making it what both Google as well as their prospective customers want it to be. 

One common mistake is including phone numbers in photo captions or overlays. Instead, use the “Call now” button feature, which integrates with your verified business phone number. This approach ensures compliance with Google’s guidelines and prevents potential abuse.

Another overlooked aspect is the use of stock or AI photos. While they may seem convenient, they lack the authenticity that real photos provide. Genuine images of your business resonate more with customers, making your profile feel relatable and trustworthy.

Regularly updating your photo gallery also plays a role in SEO. Removing outdated or irrelevant photos ensures your listing remains current and appealing. Additionally, monitor user-uploaded content to ensure it accurately represents your business. If necessary, use Google’s reporting tools to flag inappropriate or unrelated images.

Do Your Customers/Clients Take Pics of Your Business? Use Them! 

Customers often trust photos shared by other users more than those uploaded by the business itself. Encourage customers to share their experiences by posting photos of your products or services on social media or directly on your GMB. W

With their permission, you can feature these images on your profile to add authenticity and build trust.

For example, if a customer posts a picture of your latest product on Instagram, ask if you can use it. 

What’s great about these photos (well, one thing that’s great about these photos) is that you can use them in more than just your GMB. 

Google My Business Partners to Work for Your Business 

An optimized and visually engaging Google Business Profile listing can significantly impact your business’s success. 

Quality photos showcase what makes your business unique, building trust and attracting customers. By staying proactive in managing your photo strategy, you can take one more step towards casual browsers into loyal patrons.

Maintaining an updated gallery signals that your business is active and engaged. A vibrant and visually appealing profile encourages customers to visit, helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Here at Website Depot, we understand the importance of photos in creating an impactful online presence. By following best practices and continually refining your approach, you can ensure your GMB listing remains a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and growing your business.

Over the years, we’ve helped businesses from a wide range of businesses to not just grow their GMB, but to grow, period. To see how we can help you, schedule a free consultation.