Types of Photos You Should Add to Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

You likely have already setup a Google Business Profile (GBP) for your small business. As a result, you are eligible to show within Google’s “Local Pack” and within Google Maps.

However, an additional optimization step is to add high quality photos to your Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business (GMB). Photos help your Google listing standout amongst competitors and grab searchers’ attention through engaging visuals.

We’ve compiled this article based on our experience working with hundreds of small businesses across the US, as well as engaging with Google support agents and designated Product Experts within the Google Business Profile community. We hope this aids you in figuring out what types of photos you should (and should not!) upload to your listing.

Important Photos to Add to Your Google Business Profile Listing

For nearly a decade, Google provided a list of photo categories for which you should upload photos. These photo categories of the past included Interior, Exterior, At Work, Team, Menu (for restaurants), and Product (if applicable). While these categories are no longer present, the previous existence of those categories plus our own experience working with hundreds of small businesses guides our master list of photos to include.

Branding Photos

The very first images you should add are a logo and cover photo. These are critical to identify your brand withing Google search result pages.

Logo Graphic

You are allowed to add your logo to your Google Business Profile. In the past, this logo was displayed prominently on your brand’s knowledge panel. However, Google removed that feature not too long ago. However, Google may use this logo elsewhere in the future.

As such, it’s critical to upload a logo file. Keep in mind though that the logo file will be cropped to a square format. As such, we typically recommend uploading your logomark only (just the icon that represents your brand vs. the logomark with your brand name.

Cover Photo

Additionally, you should upload an engaging Cover Photo. This photo is eligible to be the first image that displays for your company when featured in the Local Map Pack or your company’s knowledge panel. Keep in mind, Google reserves the right to show a different image instead of your self-selected cover photo.

To get Google to use your desired Cover Photo, your best bet is to follow these separate guidelines for Google Business Profile cover photos.

Example of Custom Cover Photo on Google Business Profile

Interior Photos

Google encourages you to upload videos of your business’ interior so that potential visitors can get a feel for your environment. Interior photos should feature common entry areas like reception, waiting areas, as well as other typical customer-focused spaces (e.g. conference rooms, training rooms, etc.).

Note that you can also show your individual offices, treatment rooms, and more. Just be sure you do not post photos containing any private information.

Note that you do have the ability to upload a 360 virtual tour which allows searchers to virtually “walkthrough” your facility. There are specific requirements and technology needed to capture and upload the virtual tours, so this isn’t practical for all small businesses, nor is it fully necessary. If you’re a high traffic retail outlet, restaurant, or event venue, a virtual tour may make more sense for your business.

Exterior Photos

Exterior photos are critical for your Google Business Profile. Since many individuals use Google Search and Google Maps to navigate to your location, Google expects you to have excellent exterior photos that help identify your location and make it easier to ultimately show up at the right place.

Include plenty of images of the exterior of your building from both near and far. Take a moment to imagine what would be helpful for a potential customer to find your location quickly and easily.

Signage

It is critical to take photos of your business’ exterior signage. This can include any monument signs, signs on the physical building, and more.

Note that signage is used as a way to verify your business listing, so having this info pre-uploaded to your Google Business profile can make it easier to re-verify your listing if needed in the future.

Entry Door

Additionally, you should take a photo that shows your entry door. Ideally the photo should also include your business name with the entry door. This is especially important for multi-tenant buildings as it helps ensure visitors are entering the correct part of the building.

Additionally, Google can use this data to validate that you are a legitimate business.

Suite Number

If your business’ address includes a suite number, be sure to take a photo of the suite number beside the door, or on the main lobby’s directory signage. While this might not be quite as helpful for individuals, Google can use this information to verify your business in the future.

Photos of Key Team Members

If you have common team members that work with your customers (e.g. receptionist, business developers, front-facing leaders, it can be helpful to include photos of those individuals as well. Note that headshots are certainly appropriate, but it’s also just as good, if not better, to include photos of those individuals at your business location or participating in community events.

Products and Services in Action

Arguably, most importantly, it’s critical to include photos of your products or services in action. No one wants to see a restaurant’s interior and exterior, but never see what the food looks like. As such, include engaging photos of your products and services on a day-to-day basis.

Note that these photos do not have to be perfect, or expertly staged.

For example, if you’re a local painter, show your painting crew painting a building.

If you sell products from your location, show high quality photos of the products. Note that you can even show team members re-stocking shelves for a more authentic feel.

If you’re a professional service company like an accountant, attorney, or even a digital marketer like us, showcasing your services can be difficult. This may require some creativity to capture some photos that show the behind-the-scenes aspects of your business. Note that you can even get your clients involved and showcase a typical meeting with your clients/presenting information.

Graphics of Your Reviews

You’re likely already collecting reviews on Google to boost your reputation and SEO. However, those are self-contained within the reviews section.

You can re-purpose these reviews by creating a custom graphic that showcases your brand and the review text. Be sure that the review text is readable!

Tips for Making Selecting and Formatting Images Easier

If you want some more examples, Google “Igniting Business” to see some of the images we use on our own Google listing. We practice what we preach.

Additionally, if you’re ready to upload your photos, make sure you abide by Google’s photo and content guidelines. If your images need to be compressed, cropped, or have text/logos added, consider using a free tool like Adobe Express which can make managing photo edits easy without breaking the bank or learning a complex program.

Common Questions About Google Business Profile Photos

The following are questions about GBP profile photos that we often hear from our customers and subscribers alike.

Does Having Photos Impact My SEO?

The short answer is definitely. Google sees a listing as being “more complete” if photos are added showcasing the business. Additionally, having engaging photos can increase clickthrough rates and thus send signals to Google that your listing is quality and should be rewarded.

What Happens If My Images Are Marked Not Approved?

If the images you upload are rejected by Google, or marked “Not Approved,” they may either be in the wrong format or violate one of Google’s content policies.

View our comprehensive guide on fixing images that are not approved.

Can I Use Stock Photos for Google?

No, Google specifically states that stock photos cannot be used for your Google Business Profile.

Are There Specific Image Size and Format Requirements for Google?

Yes, you must have images in a certain size and format to upload to your Google Business Profile. Otherwise, your images may be marked as not approved or simply not uploaded. Check out our guide for image requirements. If you need some extra help meeting these requirements, consider using a free photo editing tool like Adobe Express.

Google Won’t Show My Google Business Profile Cover Photo

It’s exceptionally frustrating when you take the time to carefully craft and upload a GBP cover photo, but Google won’t use it. We’ve even had that issue happen to us at Igniting Business! Note that we have compiled tips and tricks on how to get Google to use your cover photo instead of them selecting an alternate.

How Do I Delete a Photo from My Google Business Profile?

Inevitably, an old photo becomes outdated, or a bad photo is uploaded to your profile. If you want to remove a photo, you can follow our guidelines on deleting Google Business Profile photos.

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