In this guide, we will go over what types of images you should upload, sizing and formatting, best practices, and some frequently asked questions to help ensure the images you upload to your GBP listing get the engagement you need.
Listing Images Guide
When taking your business online and/or refining your digital presence, it’s important to have a strategic dedication towards imagery. This guide is designed to support your usage of imagery by allowing it to act as a mechanism for improving performance.
Adding the right photos to your GBP listing is essential for generating more engagement, reach, and clicks. However, not all photos are created equal. When consumers are looking through your business profile on Google, you want to make sure that the images you upload make a good first impression.
“…Businesses with photos receive more requests for driving directions to their location from users on Google, and more clicks through to their websites than businesses that don’t have photos.”
Why should I add images to my GBP listing?
MORE ENGAGEMENT
Photos allow potential customers to visualize their experience with your business and determine whether it’s a good fit for their needs.
TRUST
When potential customers can see the outside and inside of your business, the products you provide, and the team behind it all, they are able to begin trusting your business and will feel more confident in choosing you.
What types of images should I upload?
When uploading images to your GBP listing, the goal is to present an authentic showcase of your business, the products and services you provide, and your team.
Google encourages businesses to upload several different types of images* such as:
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Interior and exterior photos taken from multiple angles or at different times of day
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Product images. Depending on the type of business, you will want to showcase popular products:
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Menu items
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Featured areas (pool, gym, spa, etc)
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Services
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Service-based businesses need to showcase the services they offer
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Eg. if you are a carpet cleaning business, you might add photos of a technician cleaning the carpet in a client's house, a before and after of stain removal, or even specialty products you use.
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Images that display quality and customer experience:
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Before/after photos (this could apply to businesses like hair salons, jewelry repair, auto body shops, etc.
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Pictures with happy customers
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Photos of your team hard at work
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Behind every business is a team of people, so make sure to highlight the faces that help your business operate.
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* Note - Trademark, copyright, counterfeit: All images provided for local SEO optimizations must clearly comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to trademark, copyright, and counterfeit goods for your business. Please make us aware of any restrictions you may have pertaining to images used for your business.
Getting Started
Your first step will be to assign a profile logo photo and a cover photo.
For your profile photo, you’ll want to use a square company logo or a photo that best exemplifies your business. The profile photo should be 500 x 500 pixels. Hotels and chains are not eligible for logo photos.
For your cover photo, you’ll want to choose a high-quality image that catches the eye and has the potential to attract customers—as this is often used as your default image in search results. The cover photo should be 1080 x 608 pixels.
Uploading Photos
Uploading photos is a simple process that can be done on your desktop or mobile device (only JPG and PNG files are acceptable).
DESKTOP USERS
- Visit your Google Business Profile dashboard. You may have to log in
- Click “Photos” in the left corner to access the photo upload form
- Click the blue “+” button to start adding photos from your hard drive
- Select a photo from your hard drive
MOBILE USERS
- Open the Google Business Profile app and log in if necessary
- Tap the “+” in the lower right corner, followed by “Add Photos"
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select an image from your photo gallery
*Note – the only image formats that are supported by Google are JPG and PNG. We recommend uploading images that are at least 720x720 pixels.
Uploading Videos
Along with photos, videos can also be a great way to showcase your business. Make sure your videos meet the following requirements:
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Duration: Up to 30 seconds long
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File size: Up to 75 MB
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Resolution: 720p or higher
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why can’t I upload photos to GBP?
Before you can start curating your photo gallery, your listing must be verified. Click here to learn how to verify your listing and gain full access to Google Business Profile features. - Is there a limit to how many photos I can add to GBP?
Yes, you can add up to 2,000 photos to your listing. - How many photos should I start out with?
There’s no definitive number, but you want to give people a few images to get a feel for your business. Aim for at least 4 - 5 photos that highlight different aspects of your business. - How can I get more photos?
You don’t have to be the sole person taking photos for your business. Encourage your staff to take photos while they work, before they open, when new products come in, etc. - Can end-users upload photos?
Yes, end-users can add photos. - Can we delete photos that are uploaded by end-users?
We can flag the photos that end-users upload if they violate content guidelines or the law, but we can't delete them. - Can I use stock images?
Whenever possible, it is best to have real photos; however, for certain businesses/situations, you can use stock-relevant stock imagery. - Is an iPhone photo sufficient?
A. Yes! Newer smartphones like the iPhone 11, 12, and Google Pixel 3 are capable of taking great photos that are sufficient for your GBP listing. You don’t have to be a professional to take a great photo; just be mindful of your angles, framing, and lighting. - What cadence should I be posting imagery
Ideally, you should try to add a new photo every week. This can signal to Google that your business is active and committed to providing useful content to customers. - Can I choose which photos show up first on the list?
No. You can choose your profile photo and cover photo, but you have no control over the order in which submitted photos appear. - Will GBP photos help my general website rankings?
Your GBP listing is ranked separately from your business website however, a strong listing may help impact your website as well. If your photos are increasing user engagement, which in turn increases users visiting your website to learn more about your products or services, this can signal value to Google and improve your site’s rankings.