Ultimate Guide to Google Business Photo Optimisation

Last Updated on 7 October 2025 by Dorian Menard

As an SEO consultant, I see a lot of business owners treat their Google Business Profile as a ‘set it and forget it’ task. But the data shows that’s a huge missed opportunity, especially when it comes to photos.

You know how crucial a first impression is. Today, that happens online, and businesses with optimised photos get 35% more clicks to their websites and 42% more direction requests. That’s not just traffic, that’s real customers.

Effective Google Business Profile photo optimisation isn’t just about uploading a few happy snaps. It’s a specific process.

Here’s what we’ll cover to get it right:

• Photo Requirements: The exact sizes and formats Google’s algorithm prefers.
• Must-Have Photos: The essential image types that build trust and drive visits.
• Quality & Authenticity: Simple tips to make your photos look professional without being fake.
• Management Schedule: A straightforward plan for keeping your profile fresh and effective.

Let’s get your profile working harder for your business.

Google Business Profile Photos Not Approved? Here’s Why

It can be frustrating when you upload a photo and it gets rejected. In my experience at Search Scope, this usually comes down to a few common issues that are easy to fix.

First, if your profile is brand new (less than two weeks old) or was recently suspended, Google might delay photo approvals for 10-14 days while it builds trust. It’s a waiting game, so just be patient and try again later.

Another frequent problem is the photo’s content. Google’s Vision AI is surprisingly good at detecting issues. To avoid rejection, make sure your photos don’t have:

• Too much text: Keep text overlays and logos to less than 10% of the image.
• Stock photos: Google wants reality. Using authentic photos of your business is critical for credibility.
• Poor quality: Blurry, dark, or heavily filtered images will likely be flagged.

A pro-tip if you’re stuck: try uploading the photo as a customer from a different Google account via Google Maps. If it gets approved, the issue might be with your profile itself, not the image.

Photo Requirements for Google Business

To give your photos the best chance of being seen, you need to meet Google’s technical guidelines. Getting these details right ensures your images are clear, load quickly, and display correctly across all devices.

File Types and Sizes

Google is specific about what it accepts. Sticking to these requirements prevents upload errors and ensures your profile looks professional.

For most photos, JPG is the ideal choice as it offers a good balance of quality and smaller file size for faster loading. PNG is best for logos or graphics where you need sharp lines and a transparent background.

Image Size and Dimensions

Different photos have different jobs, so they need slightly different dimensions to look their best. Using the wrong size can lead to awkward cropping or blurry images, which looks unprofessional.

It’s important to remember that Google may display these photos differently across mobile and desktop. Always preview your profile on both to ensure your most important visual information is centred and not getting cut off.

A common mistake is uploading a horizontal business card logo as your square profile photo. Google will crop it into a circle, often cutting off key text. Always create a square version of your logo specifically for your profile.

Finally, while the debate on geotagging photos continues, the consensus from multiple SEO studies is that manually adding location data to your image’s EXIF file does not directly impact your Google Business Profile ranking. Google’s John Mueller has also stated it’s unnecessary for SEO. Your time is better spent focusing on image quality and relevance.

Must-Have Photos for Your Profile

A complete visual profile gives customers the confidence to visit. Think of it as a digital tour of your business. There are specific categories of photos you should include to build trust and show people what to expect.

Logo and Brand Images

Your logo is your digital handshake. It’s often the first visual customers associate with your brand, appearing next to your business name in search results and on Google Maps.

A sharp, high-resolution logo is non-negotiable. Alongside your logo, your cover photo serves as the main banner for your profile. This should be a high-quality landscape image (16:9 ratio) that best represents your business, like a wide shot of your storefront or the interior of your restaurant.

Business Exterior Photos

Exterior shots are practical and help customers find you without frustration. They confirm to a potential visitor that they’re in the right place.

You should upload at least three clear exterior photos showing:

• Your storefront from different angles.
• Clear signage with your business name.
• The entrance and any relevant unit numbers.
• Parking areas and the view from the street.

A great tip is to take these photos at different times of the day to show what your business looks like in morning light versus the evening.

Inside Views and Products

Once you’ve shown customers how to find you, interior photos show them why they should visit. These images set the scene and manage expectations about your business’s atmosphere.

According to a 2025 report from BrightLocal, businesses with more than 100 photos get significantly more engagement. While you don’t need to start there, aiming for a robust gallery is a smart goal. A well-rounded Google Business Profile optimisation strategy should include a mix of the following:

As a rule of thumb, we at Search Scope advise our clients to upload at least three photos for each relevant category. This ensures your profile feels comprehensive and gives customers a full picture of what you do.

Photo Quality Tips

The quality of your photos directly reflects the quality of your business in a customer’s mind. You don’t need to be a professional photographer, but a few basic principles can make a significant difference. The data backs this up, businesses with high-quality images see 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks.

Photo Basics

Authenticity is key. Your goal is to represent your business accurately and professionally. Google’s guidelines are clear, photos should be in focus, well-lit, and without excessive alterations or filters.

Here are a few simple rules to follow:

• Use good, natural lighting: Avoid harsh shadows and dark, grainy photos.
• Focus on the subject: Whether it’s a product or your storefront, make sure the main subject is sharp and clear.
• Keep backgrounds simple: A cluttered background can distract from what you’re trying to showcase.
• Maintain high resolution: Ensure all photos are at least 720 x 720 pixels to avoid them appearing blurry or pixelated.

Time-Based and Customer Photos

Keeping your profile’s photos current is a strong signal to both Google and customers that your business is active.

Consider adding photos that reflect what’s happening right now, such as:

• Holiday decorations or seasonal displays.
• New menu items or products.
• Team members at a recent community event.

User-generated content is also incredibly powerful. Encourage happy customers to upload their own photos. This builds social proof and makes your business appear more authentic. You can even feature your favourite customer photos on your profile to show appreciation.

Real Business Photos

Authenticity builds trust. Modern consumers are savvy and can spot a generic stock photo from a mile away. Using real photos of your space, your team, and your products is one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience.

Here’s a simple checklist to keep your photos genuine:

Do’s:

• Share current photos of your business in action.
• Include real staff and customer interactions (with permission).
• Show your space during normal business hours.
• Update your photos every few months.

Don’ts:

• Never use stock photos.
• Avoid heavy filters or edits that misrepresent your business.
• Don’t use images with distracting text overlays.
• Remove old photos that are no longer accurate.

“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

Remember that Google manually reviews uploaded media, a process that typically takes 24-48 hours. By focusing on authentic, high-quality images, you’re building a trustworthy and engaging visual storefront.

Photo Management Guide

Optimising your photos isn’t a one-time task. A consistent approach to updating and managing your images keeps your profile fresh and signals to Google that your business is active and relevant. This directly supports your local SEO performance.

Photo Update Schedule

Regularly adding new photos is one of the simplest ways to keep your profile performing well. I recommend uploading at least one new photo every week. This doesn’t have to be a major photoshoot, it could be a quick snap of a new product, a happy customer, or a behind-the-scenes shot.

Here is a sample monthly schedule to stay on track:

• Week 1: Showcase a popular product or service in action.
• Week 2: Add a new photo of your team or a staff member.
• Week 3: Post something seasonal or related to a current promotion.
• Week 4: Update an interior or exterior shot to keep it fresh.

This routine helps you build towards the 26 photos found on the average verified profile, and ideally surpasses the 100-photo mark where businesses see a dramatic increase in engagement.

Customer Photo Management

User-generated photos are valuable social proof, but they need monitoring. Check your profile daily or weekly for new customer uploads.

You cannot delete a customer’s photo directly. However, if an image violates Google’s content policies, is irrelevant, or is a low-quality selfie, you can flag it for removal.

Flag photos if they are:

• Clearly off-topic or spam.
• Blurry, dark, or otherwise unusable.
• Violate Google’s content policies (e.g., hate speech, illegal content).

When you flag a photo, provide a clear reason for your request. Google’s review can take several days.

Photo Success Metrics

How do you know if your efforts are paying off? Your Google Business Profile’s “Performance” section provides the data you need.

Track these metrics to measure the impact of your photo strategy:

“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

You now have a clear framework for Google Business Profile photo optimisation. By applying these standards for quality, relevance, and consistency, you can lock in your local SEO success.

Key Takeaways

Remember, businesses with complete and optimised photo galleries are seen as more trustworthy and receive significantly more customer actions.

With these steps, your profile will be more effective at converting searchers into customers.

Professional SEO Support Options

If you want to maintain a competitive edge and rank higher on Google in Perth, professional support can ensure your profile is always working at its peak.

“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

At Search Scope, we specialise in turning your Google Business Profile into a powerful customer acquisition tool. Our services include:

• Photo audits and optimisation to ensure every visual meets best practices.
• Consistent content management to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
• Holistic local SEO integration to improve your overall search visibility.
• Performance tracking to measure what matters: leads and revenue.
• Competitor analysis to identify opportunities and stay ahead.

According to Google, complete and active profiles are 2.7 times more likely to be considered reputable. Visitors are also 70% more likely to visit 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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