Google My Business (GMB) is an essential tool for businesses to enhance their online visibility. One of the key features of this platform is the ability to upload images that showcase a business’s products, services and ambiance in Google maps. However, not all images are accepted by Google. Images that fail to meet Google’s strict guidelines may be rejected, which can harm a business’s presence online. Understanding the types of images that can be rejected is crucial to ensuring that your business profile is professional and compliant with Google’s rules.

There is policy made by Google for images, video and post. But they are not in details. In this article, we will explore the various types of images that can be rejected by Google My Business and how to avoid common pitfalls. The images uploading are practically tested.

1. Offensive Content

One of the most significant reasons an image might be rejected by Google My Business is if it contains offensive content. Google has clear guidelines prohibiting images that feature inappropriate, controversial, or violent content.

Violence and Harm: Images that depict violent acts, dangerous situations, or harm to individuals are strictly prohibited.

Nudity and Adult Content: Any image with explicit or adult content, including nudity, sexual content, or suggestive imagery, will be rejected.

Hate Speech or Discrimination: Images containing hate speech, discriminatory symbols, or offensive ideologies will also be flagged and removed.

Illegal Content: Any image that depicts or promotes illegal activities will be promptly rejected by Google.

Google’s goal is to maintain a safe and professional environment for both businesses and consumers, so images that violate these principles will not be tolerated.

2. Spam Content

Google’s algorithms are designed to detect spammy content, including irrelevant or misleading images. Here are some examples of images that might fall into this category:

Irrelevant Images: An image that does not showcase your business, products, or services, or is unrelated to what your business does, may be rejected.

Duplicate Images: Uploading the same image multiple times will be considered spammy and could lead to a rejection.

Misrepresentation: Images that misrepresent your business, like stock photos used to portray your services inaccurately, will not be accepted.

To avoid rejection, ensure that the images you upload are directly relevant to your business and provide a clear and accurate representation of your offerings.

3. Low-Quality Images

Quality matters when it comes to images on Google My Business. Low-quality images can make your business appear unprofessional and may be rejected by Google’s automated system. Here are common characteristics of low-quality images:

Blurry Images: Images that are out of focus or poorly taken will be rejected.

Low resolution Pixel Images: Low-resolution images that appear pixelated when zoomed in will not meet Google’s quality standards.

Poor Lighting: Images that are too dark or overly bright can negatively impact the quality and may be flagged for rejection.

Excessive Editing: While minor edits are acceptable, images that have been excessively edited, overly filtered, or altered may trigger a rejection. This includes collages or images with unnatural color effects.

To avoid these issues, ensure that your images are well-lit, in focus, and have a high resolution (at least 720×720 pixels).

4. Copyright Infringement

Google takes copyright laws seriously. If you upload an image that you do not have the rights to, it will likely be rejected. Here are the main copyright-related issues to avoid:

Unauthorized Use: Using images that you do not own or have permission to use, such as copyrighted stock photos, is against Google’s guidelines.

Watermarks: Images containing watermarks, logos, or any other identifying marks that suggest the image is copyrighted will be rejected.

Stock Photos: Although using stock photos is common, Google discourages businesses from using them on their Google My Business profiles, especially when they do not accurately reflect the business.

To stay compliant, only upload images you have the legal right to use and ensure they are authentic representations of your business.

5. Excessive Text in Images

Text-heavy images are another reason why Google may reject your photos. Google prefers images with minimal or no text, as it can detract from the quality of the photo and make it appear promotional or spammy. Here are the key text-related guidelines:

Text Overlay: If more than 10% of the image is covered with text, such as promotional messages, phone numbers, or large logos, Google may reject the image.

Phone Numbers in Images: Including phone numbers or email addresses in the image itself is discouraged. Google encourages businesses to include this type of information in their profile details, rather than in images.

To avoid rejection, try to keep text overlay to a minimum, if any at all, and avoid placing promotional content directly in the image.

6. Screenshots

Screenshots are explicitly prohibited to rank in GMB. These images are generally considered unprofessional and do not showcase your business in the best light. For example, uploading a screenshot of a webpage or a software interface can detract from the professionalism of your business profile.

Google encourages businesses to upload high-quality photos of their products, services, or environment rather than screenshots.

7. Personal Information

Images that contain personal information, such as personal phone numbers, home addresses, or email addresses, will be rejected by Google. This is to protect the privacy of individuals and avoid the misuse of sensitive data.

Conclusion

Google My Business is a powerful tool for improving your business’s visibility online, but ensuring that your images adhere to Google’s guidelines is crucial for success. Images that contain offensive content, are of poor quality, infringe on copyright, or include excessive text are likely to be rejected. By uploading high-quality, relevant, and properly formatted images, you can create a professional and appealing Google Business Profile that helps potential customers find and trust your business.