Map ranking experts often emphasize the importance of business name, categories, location, and phone number for ranking on Google Maps, but the significance of visual content is frequently overlooked. Here, I am illustrating the importance and effects of visual content in boosting your small business ranking on Google Maps.
You may not be aware of the importance of photos on Google My Business. It’s worth enhancing your business profile with high-resolution, real photos. Uploading exterior photos of your business location helps in consideration by both customers and Google Maps. You can also upload videos of your business location.
Cases
My business, Gungun Solutions was verified on Google Maps but was never visible in any local search queries. I had uploaded one high-resolution staff image in November 24 middle and removed low-quality older images and I saw results within three days after uploading.
Similarly, I have requested my different small business clients mainly locksmiths, salons, and dentists to provide me with visual content for Google My Business. I have created a pattern of publishing new content every week, and surprisingly their business visibility is increased by 40% to 60% within two weeks.
Why visual contents are important for Google Map Ranking?
Improves Engagement – By continuously uploading photos, my GMB profiles attract attention, encourage interaction, and increase engagement time.
Builds Trust and Credibility – Businesses build strong trust and credibility by uploading real, high-quality professional images.
Enhances Rankings – Google algorithms favor profiles with regular updates of images, improving ranking.
Influences Customer Decision Making – Photos of real, existing customers provide social proof. Images with products, services, and real humans are liked by potential customers.
Drives Conversions – Images with calls to action improve conversion ratios, such as “Call Now,” “Book Now,” coupons, and offers.
Stand out from competitors – Businesses that consistently post visuals stand out compared to competitors with incomplete or static profiles. Regularly updated visuals help overshadow any outdated or negative images uploaded by users.
Now that you understand the importance of uploading photos and videos regularly, let’s discuss how to upload images, what to upload, and what not to upload.
How to Upload of photos and videos in GMB
Open https://business.google.com/locations
Log in with the email account from which you’re managing the particular business
Click the business name -> click on “Photo” -> click on “Add Photo/Add Logo.”
To add photos and videos, click on the “Add Photos” button at the top. Here you can upload photos and videos of your business.
Visual contents complete your business profile 100% and make it attractive for users. It improves local ranking, Boost engagement and understanding your business, products & services by users.
What to upload (Acceptable standard of images)
- Ensure your images are high-quality, relevant, and regularly updated.
- Include photos of your team, location, products, and services.
- Use recommended sizes (e.g., 720px by 720px minimum, JPG/PNG format, or higher resolution).
- Add short and engaging videos (under 30 seconds) showcasing services, tours, or testimonials.
- Post fresh visuals frequently to keep your profile dynamic and relevant.
- Ask satisfied customers to upload their photos, increasing engagement and authenticity.
- Post offer and coupon images for different events and festivals.
What Not to Upload (Images Rejected by Google My Business)
Don’t use outdated offers and already used images.
Don’t copy the pattern of your competitors when uploading images.
Avoid nudity, violence, hate speech, or any inappropriate/irrelevant content.
Avoid fake representation of your business, products, services, and location.
Don’t upload blurry, pixelated, or too small images (less than 720px x 720px).
Avoid editing images; try to upload real camera copy photos.
Don’t upload images with cluttered or unclear subjects.
Images with excessive text, promotional messages, or watermarks are often rejected by GMB.
Ensure you have complete rights to use the visual content.
Avoid unsupported formats (e.g., TIFF, GIF).
Ensure the file size is not larger than 5MB for photos or 75MB for videos.
Note: All of the above cases are based on my personal experience. Similar cases may vary for you.