30 Must-Have Photos to Transform Your Google Business Profile
“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.” — Google
Before you upload ANY photos to your Google Business Profile, make sure you are following the Google Photo and Video guidelines. It’s super important to take this one step first.
Google Photo guidelines
Your photos look best on Google if they meet the following standards:
- Format: JPG or PNG.
- Size: Between 10 KB and 5 MB.
- Recommended resolution: 720 px tall, 720 px wide.
- Minimum resolution: 250 px tall, 250 px wide.
- Quality: The photo should be in focus and well lit, and have no significant alterations or excessive use of filters. In other words, the image should represent reality.
Google Video guidelines
Make sure your videos meet the following requirements:
Duration: Up to 30 seconds long
File size: Up to 75 MB
Resolution: 720p or higher
Enhancing your Google Business Profile with diverse photos can significantly boost your business’s profitability. While technical guidelines and photo topic suggestions are available, they may not fully ignite your creativity. This guide aims to fill that gap, transforming your photo section into a key element of your local business marketing strategy. While hiring a Google-trusted photographer is an option for professional quality, this focus is on do-it-yourself photography using your phone or camera. For more detailed guidelines check the original source.
1. The Perfect Exterior Shot: Capture the essence of your business’s facade. A clear, inviting photo of your exterior, like a charming Italian restaurant, is crucial. It helps customers recognize your location instantly.
This shot of Avecina Medical shows the outside of the location so you know what it looks like and what they are located next to.
For retail and physical storefront businesses, it’s advantageous to use an exterior photo of your establishment as the main cover image for your Google Business Profile. This can be done by accessing the “Add Photo” section in the New Merchant Experience management tool. You’ll find this option when you log into your Google Business account under the “Add Photo” tab.
Service area businesses (SAB) that don’t have physical locations should have cover photos of company vehicles or projects they completed.
2. The Neighborhood Context: Give a street-level snapshot that includes nearby landmarks or unique features, making it easier for customers to locate you.
3. Inside Views – No People: Some customers prefer a neat, people-free look at your space. A wide, well-lit shot lets them visualize themselves in your setting.
4. Inside Views – With a Buzz: Contrast the empty views with lively images showing your business in action, buzzing with happy customers.
5. Common Area Charm: Whether it’s a cozy lounge or a vibrant waiting area, capture these shared spaces to show you care about customer comfort.
6. Rooms that Invite: If you’re in hospitality, clean and well-presented room photos are a must. They give a glimpse of the comfort and style you offer.
The Pendry Hotel Chicago exemplifies the importance of clear and simple room photographs in their presentation. For any accommodation business, whether offering short-term or long-term stays, prioritizing high-quality room images is essential to attract guests.
7. Amenities and Unique Offers: Highlight every little extra you provide, from outdoor dining to special events, showcasing your dedication to customer service.
Wheelchair access
Restrooms
Child-friendly service or amenities
Parking
COVID safety offerings or protocols like masked hours, delivery, or curbside pickup
Outdoor service
Multi-lingual services
Payments accepted
Live entertainment
Special events, such as lectures or workshops
Views
Room service
Late-night service
One-on-one service
Courtesy vehicles
Special hours or discounts for different groups, like 10% off on seniors’ shopping day
Special occasion offers or services, like free birthday cake or private banquet rooms
Pet-friendliness
8. A Legacy in Pictures: Photos that show your business’s history or long-standing presence in the community can be powerful, conveying trust and stability.
Like the Union Oyster House in Boston. Show off how old you are and how long you have been around. Customer love this when deciding where to spend money.
9. Mission-Driven Imagery: If your business has a mission statement or core values, share them through photos of signage or displays.
Here is a great example of the NTBA mission statement. They took a photo and added it to the Google Busines Profile.
10. Proud Attributes: Showcase any special identities your business holds – be it family-owned, eco-friendly, or community-oriented.
Just like the one of World Wide Woman’s members places this image on her store front.
11. Branded Vehicles: For service-oriented businesses, images of branded vehicles add a layer of professionalism and reliability.
12. Uniformed Professionals: Photos of staff in uniform underscore your business’s professionalism and commitment to quality service.
13. Real-World Experiences: Authentic customer experiences, captured in real-time, speak louder than any stock photo ever could.
14. Selfie Hotspots: If your location has a picturesque spot, it’s a perfect opportunity for customer engagement and organic promotion.
15. Operational Transparency: A visual reminder of your business hours, especially if displayed artistically, can be both practical and charming.
16. Shelfies and Inventory: Show off your product range with ‘shelfies’ that invite customers to browse and shop.
17. Standout Products: High-quality images of your best-selling items help customers make informed decisions.
18. Appetizing Presentations: For food-related businesses, irresistible images of your dishes can be a feast for the eyes.
19. Action Shots of Staff: Photos of your team in action, be it in the kitchen or on the job site, highlight your expertise and commitment.
20. The Art of Creation: Photos capturing the creation process, especially for artisan or bespoke products, tell a story of craftsmanship.
21. Before & After Shots: Before-and-after shots are compelling, showcasing the tangible impact of your services or products.
22. Completed Project Pride: Showcase your completed projects, especially those that highlight your skill and creativity.
23. Faces of the Business: Warm, approachable photos of owners and staff create a connection with potential customers. Showcase your staff and the owner. Make yourself REAL to the prospective customers. Remember, people buy from people!
24. The Team Spirit: A group photo of your team can convey a sense of unity and friendliness.
25. Genuine Interactions: Images of staff engaging with customers not only show service quality but also build trust.
26. Customer Satisfaction: Happy customers captured in your business environment can be your best advertisement.
27. Visual Testimonials and Reviews: Combine customer reviews with relevant images for a powerful, trust-building tool. Reviews are SOOO important to your business. That’s whey Thrive Reviews helps you get more reviews then you could ever imagine!
28. Brand Recognition: Ensure your logo is prominently displayed, reinforcing brand identity.
29. Visual Announcements: Use photos to announce new services, special offers, or unique aspects of your business.
30. Seasonal and Special Moments: Capture the uniqueness of different seasons or special events at your business, adding a dynamic feel to your profile.
Conclusion: Elevate your Google Business Profile with these photo ideas. Creative, high-quality images not only enhance your online presence but also build a stronger connection with your audience. Embrace this opportunity to showcase the best of your business visually!
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