Are Photos On Your Google Business Profile Really That Important?

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is essential for any business. One of the key components of a successful online presence is having a Google Business Profile (GBP). GBP is a free tool provided by Google that helps businesses manage their online presence across Google Search and Maps.

Photos play a critical role in enhancing the user experience and providing potential customers with an inside look at what a business has to offer. Let’s explore the relationship between photos and your Google Business Profile.

First and foremost, having high-quality photos on your GBP profile can help attract more customers. According to Google, businesses with photos on their GBP profile receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website than those without. Even more significantly, 90% of customers are more likely to visit a business that has photos on a search results page. This is because photos help to build trust and establish credibility with your audience. By showcasing your products, services, and your facility through photos, you can give customers a better idea of what they can expect when they visit your business.

Secondly, photos can also help businesses rank higher in Google search results. Google takes into account the number and quality of photos when ranking GBP profiles. Similarly, it considers the frequency that new images are added to the profile. Remember this phrase, “Fresh, relevant content.” It’s great to add photos but if you only do it once, you’re not consistently telling the Google algorithm that you’re relevant and active. This one best practice will do amazing things for your overall online presence. Businesses with more high-quality photos posted regularly tend to rank higher in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find them and thus, interact with your brand.

Moreover, businesses can use photos to showcase their unique offerings and stand out from their competitors. For example, a restaurant can display photos of its signature dishes or its beautiful ambiance, while a retail store can show off its latest collections or unique store features. Give the people what they want!

Finally, photos can also be used to communicate important information about a business. For example, a dental clinic can display photos of its clean and sterile environment, or a gym can showcase its state-of-the-art equipment. This can help to build trust with potential customers and give them a better idea of what to expect when they visit.

A word of caution: go easy on stock photography. While it’s convenient to use such services as Canva and Pixabay to snag some royalty-free imagery, Google prioritizes stock photography lower than unique, organic imagery and so does your audience. Consider how trustworthy you view a stock photograph versus one that’s clearly of the facility, the product, or the people at the location. That’s not to say never use them but rather, keep them limited. Save the bulk of the stock images for social media posts.

So, to bring this back into focus (see what I did there?), YES, photos are really that important! They’re an essential component of any successful marketing strategy. By using high-quality photos to showcase products, services, unique offerings, and the facility, businesses can attract more customers and rank higher in search results. Additionally, photos can help to communicate important information about a business, and the facility, and build trust and positive expectations with potential customers.

Drag the image above and click the arrows to navigate through Nada’s Google Virtual Tour.

If you want to take your online performance to the next level, consider a 360° virtual tour or digital twin for your GBP, website, and socials. A beautiful, connected, pick-your-own-adventure experience allows your audience to truly understand what you’re all about, and fall in love with the aesthetic of your business which compels them to want to visit even more. What’s more, you’ll keep them engaged with your brand longer which increases the probability that they’ll do business with you. You’ll also be speaking the younger generation’s language. GenZers aren’t satisfied with a standard 2D photo, they want an experience before you can earn their business. I know because I have two GenZ daughters and if you’re not pushing the boundaries of engagement, they’re moving off and moving on.

If you haven’t already, make sure to add a few high-quality photos to your GBP profile this week! Best practice? Add at least one new photo to your GBP each week. If that all seems a little overwhelming, too techy, or too time-consuming, we’re happy to help. There’s also no shortage of great marketing companies that would gladly manage that part at a reasonable budget. If you already have lots of photos and want to explore a 360° virtual experience to really capture your audience, give us a shout. That’s what we do best!