Ultimate Guide to Google Business Photo Optimisation
Last Updated on 26 September 2025 by Dorian Menard
Adding photos to your Google Business Profile can drive more customers to your business. Businesses with quality photos see 35% more clicks to their websites and 42% more direction requests. Here’s a quick guide to help you optimise your photos and boost your local search rankings:
- Photo Basics: Use clear, high-resolution images (min. 720 x 720 px). Stick to JPG or PNG formats, with sizes between 10 KB and 5 MB.
- Essential Photos: Include your logo, exterior shots, interior views, and product displays to showcase your business.
- Regular Updates: Add new photos weekly or monthly to stay active and improve your local SEO.
- Customer Photos: Encourage user-generated content but monitor and flag inappropriate uploads.
- Photo Quality Tips: Avoid heavy filters, misleading images, and outdated photos. Focus on natural lighting and authenticity.
Key Impact: Businesses with optimised photos are 2.7 times more likely to be trusted and drive 70% more in-person visits. Start uploading today to improve visibility and attract more customers!
Google Business Profile Photos Not Approved – SOLVED
Photo Requirements for Google Business
To boost your local SEO, make sure your photos meet Google’s technical guidelines.
File Types and Sizes
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File Formats | JPG or PNG |
| File Size | 10 KB to 5 MB |
JPG files are ideal because they are smaller and load faster. PNGs work better for logos or graphics that need sharp details and text clarity.
Stick to a file size between 10 KB and 5 MB to balance image quality and loading speed.
Image Size and Dimensions
Each photo type has specific size recommendations for the best display:
| Photo Type | Recommended Size | Minimum Size | Maximum Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover Photo | 1,024 x 576 px | 480 x 270 px | 2,120 x 1,192 px |
| Logo | 250 x 250 px | 120 x 120 px | 5,200 x 5,300 px |
| Standard Business Photos | 720 x 720 px | 250 x 250 px | N/A |
For cover photos, aim for a 16:9 aspect ratio to ensure compatibility across devices. Logos should be square to appear clean and professional in all formats.
If your cover photo doesn’t meet Google’s quality standards, it might be replaced automatically. Uploading high-quality images that meet or exceed the recommended dimensions ensures better control over how your profile looks.
Make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and truly represent your business. Avoid excessive filters to keep them authentic and professional.
Must-Have Photos for Your Profile
Logo and Brand Images
Your logo acts as your digital introduction on your Google Business Profile. It’s prominently displayed in search results, reviews, and Google Maps, making it essential for recognition and trust.
Upload a clear, high-quality logo that looks sharp across all screen sizes. As Semrush contributor Joshua Saxon puts it, "Optimising your GBP logo gives you the best chance of appearing in local search results and attracting paying customers".
Include other brand visuals, like a cover photo, to highlight what sets your business apart. Don’t forget to include exterior photos to help customers easily find your location.
Business Exterior Photos
Exterior photos are key to helping customers locate your business. Focus on capturing:
- Clear images of your storefront signage
- The main entrance with your business name visible
- Suite or unit numbers, if applicable
- Parking areas or unique architectural features
- Street-level views
Studies show that regularly updating exterior photos increases clicks and search visibility. These images not only guide customers but can also improve your ranking in local search results.
Inside Views and Products
Once you’ve showcased the exterior, use interior photos to build trust and give customers a feel for your space. Interior shots provide a preview of your atmosphere.
As noted by Birdeye, "Photos of your business’ interior, exterior, products, and your team can build immediate trust with prospective customers".
| Photo Category | Purpose | Key Elements to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Space | Highlight atmosphere | Seating areas, décor, layout |
| Team Photos | Build connection | Staff in action, team meetings |
| Product Displays | Showcase offerings | Current inventory, featured items |
A well-rounded Google Business Profile optimisation strategy typically includes about 26 photos. Businesses with over 100 photos see much higher engagement and visibility.
Make sure to capture:
- Clean, well-lit interiors
- Team members interacting with customers
- Products or services in action
- Special features or amenities
- Customer-facing areas
Search Scope, an SEO agency based in Western Australia, advises uploading at least three photos for each business category to optimise your profile’s performance. Regularly adding fresh, high-quality photos helps keep your profile engaging and boosts your local search visibility.
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Photo Quality Tips
Photo Basics
Good photos can make a big difference. Businesses with high-quality images see 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks compared to those without.
To achieve this, use natural, even lighting, keep the subject centred, and choose a simple background. Make sure your photos are clear, sharp, and at least 720 x 720 px.
In addition to meeting these basics, regularly updating your visuals and including user-contributed photos can further improve your profile’s performance.
Time-Based and Customer Photos
Keeping your photos updated helps improve local rankings and ensures your profile stays relevant to current trends. Consider capturing:
- Holiday decorations
- Seasonal menu items or products
- Current promotions or events
- Staff celebrations
Customer-generated content is powerful – it influences purchasing decisions 8.7 times more effectively than influencer content. To maintain quality:
- Highlight customer photos that align with your brand
- Encourage submissions with a branded hashtag
Real Business Photos
Photos that reflect your actual business help build trust. In fact, 51% of consumers trust user-generated content more than company websites. Pair technical quality with authentic, up-to-date images to connect with your audience.
Do’s:
- Share current, unedited photos of your business
- Include real staff and genuine customer interactions
- Show your space during normal business hours
- Update photos regularly
Don’ts:
- Avoid heavy filters or over-editing
- Skip stock photos or misleading images
- Don’t use text overlays that might confuse viewers
- Refrain from posting outdated or inaccurate pictures
"Businesses that add photos to their Business Profiles receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps, and 35% more clicks through to their websites than businesses that don’t." – Google
Keep in mind that Google reviews all uploaded media before it goes live, a process that usually takes 24–48 hours. Focus on creating a visual story that reflects your business honestly and encourages customer engagement.
Photo Management Guide
Photo Update Schedule
Adding new photos regularly can increase your profile clicks by up to 70%. Keeping your profile updated also strengthens its local SEO performance.
Here’s how to keep things on track:
- Upload new photos every week to show activity to Google.
- Refresh your gallery monthly to highlight different aspects of your business.
- Aim for at least 26 photos, which is the average number for verified profiles.
Suggested monthly schedule:
- Week 1: Update product images.
- Week 2: Add or refresh staff photos.
- Week 3: Post seasonal or promotional content.
- Week 4: Update interior and exterior shots.
Once your routine is in place, keep an eye on customer uploads to maintain a polished profile.
Customer Photo Management
Check your profile daily for any inappropriate customer-uploaded photos. While you can’t directly delete these images, you can flag them if they breach Google’s guidelines.
Flag photos if they:
- Feature competitors.
- Misrepresent your business.
- Violate Google’s content rules.
When flagging, provide a clear explanation, as it may take several days for Google to review.
Photo Success Metrics
To see how your photo updates are working, track these key metrics:
| Metric Type | What to Monitor | Target Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Direction Requests | Navigation clicks in Maps | 42% increase |
| Website Visits | Click-through rate | 35% increase |
| Search Visibility | Direct and discovery searches | Monitor monthly trends |
| Customer Actions | Calls and enquiries | Track daily activity |
"Google Business Profile listings are a content goldmine for sharing everything from photos to news and even testimonials. They also provide the rare opportunity to share key messages even before customers reach your website." – Valerie Jennings, CEO of Jennings Social Media & MarTech (JSMM)
Next Steps
Once you’ve applied the photo tips and quality standards we’ve covered, a final review and expert input can help you lock in your local SEO success.
Key Takeaways
Businesses with optimised photos see 42% more direction requests and 35% more website visits. To get the most out of your profile:
| Focus Area | Key Requirements | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Quality | High-resolution, well-lit images | 84% of consumers trust visual content |
| Regular Updates | Consistent content updates | 40% more customer enquiries |
Armed with these insights, consider expert support to keep your profile polished and effective.
Professional SEO Support Options
If you’re looking to build on these results and rank higher on Google in Perth, professional services can take the hassle out of maintaining your profile. A well-managed Google Business Profile (GBP) can boost your local search rankings.
"The free Google Business listings in the ‘map 3 pack’ is currently the most prominent feature at the top of the Google search results. Combined with positive customer reviews, it is vital for local visibility." – Kira Krostag, CEO/Founder of Site Smart Marketing
Search Scope, a Western Australian SEO agency, offers services like:
- Photo audits and optimisation to ensure your visuals meet high standards.
- Content updates and management to keep your profile fresh.
- Local SEO integration for better search visibility.
- Performance tracking and analytics to monitor results.
- Competitor audit and monitoring.
Google reports that businesses with complete profiles are 2.7 times more likely to be seen as trustworthy. Visitors are 70% more likely to stop by and 50% more likely to make a purchase.
"Next to a business’s website, the GMB profile is the next most valuable piece of digital real estate." – Robert Messinger, Director of SEO at Dentalfone
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Dorian Menard
https://searchscope.com.auI’m Dorian, founder of Search Scope and an SEO obsessed with ROI and lead generation. After a decade in the trenches, I’ve built and ranked digital assets for businesses across the world. I cut through the noise with data, automation, and strategies that actually convert. When I’m not scaling rankings, you’ll find me on a motorbike or setting chess traps — always planning three moves ahead.