GOOGLE MY BUSINESS OPTIMIZATION 101
GMB 101: Why Update Google Business Photos?
If you’re looking to enhance your local search presence, one of the best things you can do is improve your Google business profile. And a great way to do that is by adding high-quality photos to your profile.
The importance of quality photos to your Google Business Profile is that they are no longer just a nice addition. They are becoming an imperative. For local businesses, higher quality photos on their Google Business Profile leads to increased customer actions which results in higher placement and rankings on Google local searches.
Here are some reasons why you should make sure your Google Business Profile has high quality photos:
3 Pack Display Changes
If you’re a business owner who is concerned about your company’s online presence, you undoubtedly are familiar with the coveted 3 Pack Ranking on Google Searches.
The 3 Pack Display – which is the display of three businesses that are most relevant to search terms typed into Google – has been updated to include more space for photos and less for text. This is good news for local businesses who want to ensure they are represented in the 3 Pack Display by regularly updating their profiles with many high quality photos and helps local businesses communicate their brand with potential customers.
However, many local business owners aren’t taking advantage of this free marketing opportunity by updating the photos on their Google Business Page.
Google makes it easy for business owners to upload images to their Business Profiles, and even has several photo categories that they use to show your customers the most relevant photos of your business.
Google Photo Categories
Exterior Photos
Photos of the exterior of your business make it easier for your customers to find you when they are visiting your physical location.
You can make it even easier for your customers to locate your business by uploading a variety of photos of the exterior, from different angles and even times of day.
Interior Photos
Potential customers will likely want to see the inside of your business before they decide to visit, so it is important that you have high quality photos on your Google Business Profile.
If you’re taking pictures of the interior of your business, make sure to take some time and clean up the space before you start snapping away. You don’t have to go overboard, but a little sprucing up can make an incredible difference in your picture’s quality and professionalism.
Product Photos
Help your customers get an idea of the types of products that you offer at your business by uploading a variety of product photos! That way if a customer is looking for a specific item, they can confirm that you have it at your business which can result in increased sales!
Photos At Work
Showing photos of you and your team at work helps make it easier for customers to understand exactly what your business provides and how they can benefit from it.
Food & Drink Photos
Similarly to product photos, Having a wide selection of photos of the various foods and beverages that your establishment provides can help make it easier for potential customers to decide to come try a bite. These photos are extremely important to restaurants as having the right photos of your delicious meals can convince a hungry customer to stop by.
Team Photos
Include plenty of photos of your team onto your Google Business Profile to help personalize your business and foster a welcoming environment that will have customers more comfortable visiting for the first time.
Tips for Higher Quality Business Photos
When you’re taking photos for your business, it’s a good idea to follow a few simple guidelines in order to avoid making mistakes. Here are some tips for taking higher quality photos.
Use The Right Camera
For many people, it can be tempting to simply use their smartphone camera when they need to take a business photo. However, if possible, you should invest in a professional camera instead so that you can ensure that your photos are as high quality as possible.
When taking pictures for your business, use high quality equipment such as professional cameras and lighting equipment. This ensures that your pictures are clear and professional looking. A DSLR camera will provide you with much better quality than a camera phone or point and shoot camera. A DSLR camera will cost more than other types of cameras, but it is well worth the investment because you will get higher quality images.
Make Sure You Get Enough Light
In addition to making sure the background is plain and in focus, try to make sure that there’s enough light in the room when you’re taking photos. If you’re taking photos at night or in a dark room, it’s likely that you won’t be able to get an image that’s very high quality because there won’t be enough light coming into the camera while you’re taking the photo
One of the easiest ways to improve your business photography is to use natural lighting. Natural light gives you a few advantages. First, it’s free! So if you’re just getting started and don’t have a big budget, it’s a great option for you. Just open up your windows so that light can permeate your space and brighten up your photos.
One more thing: Remember that natural light comes in many different shades. You’ll need to adjust your white balance when shooting in sunlight compared with fluorescent light.
Mind Your Background
It’s not just about the subject of your photo, but also about the background of your photo. If you’re taking a photo of your product or any other subject, try to take it against a plain background. This will help the focus of the image go to what you’re trying to show off.
Make sure there is nothing in the background of your picture that is distracting from what you are trying to show in the photo. It’s best to avoid busy patterns and colors, as they can distract from the subject of your photo.
If you are taking a picture outdoors, try to use a plain background such as a fence or building that will not detract from your image. If you want to take the picture indoors, try using a solid colored wall, or even an off-white wall with no texture.
Better Photos Mean MORE Customer Actions
More than ever, people are relying on the internet to help them find the business they need. Great photos can catch a potential customer’s attention and make them want to click through to your website or to request directions to your business.
The worst thing that could possibly happen to your business is to rank highly in the 3 pack but still miss out on customers due to the quality of the photos. You may have a great product/service, but if your photos do not reflect that, you’re not getting any sales.
Whether you decide to hire a professional photographer to assist you with creating content for your business, or you would prefer to handle the photographer yourself, regularly uploading high quality, relevant photos can make a massive difference in your Google rankings!
Conclusion
Gone are the days where you can simply show up on Google and expect people to come to your website. In today’s world, you’re going to need more help getting in front of local customers.
Trying to rank well in search engines like Google is a long and hard process, but it’s an essential part of the digital marketing strategy for any business. If you want your business to be found by your ideal customers, you must have a strong presence in search engines — particularly Google. But you’re not alone in this quest for visibility — many other businesses are competing for attention from your potential customers.
Many companies will use local SEO services as part of their digital strategy because they want to gain that competitive edge over their competition. They know that having an established presence on Google is extremely important, and entrust a team of professionals to make that happen.
Map Ranks understands the importance of relevant photos and makes it easy for our customers to regularly update their Business Profile images. We also use EXIF tagging on all uploading photos to increase your listing’s relevance in prominent keywords.
With Map Ranks’ local SEO services you don’t have to worry about keeping up with new features or updates from Google, we’ll make sure that your business is always at the top of the search engines, increasing your number of leads and revenue. Whether you’re just starting out and need help getting started on Google or you’re already established and want to stay at the top of the search engines, Map Ranks will get you where you want to be.
Leave the Work to Us!
Map Ranks is an all-in-one Google Profile management service that keeps your business profile up-to-date, optimized, and ranking higher on Google Maps. Leave the small details to us:
- Perform keyword research for your industry
- Setup products/services/descriptions with the proper keywords
- Manage your customer reviews
- Create weekly posts for your listing
- Setup the integrated GMB website builder
- Create and manage citations/directory listings
- Send weekly performance reports
Businesses large and small are finding success with Mapranks. Call us today and learn more about how we can help you grow your business.
Read Our Google Reviews
Real reviews from our actual clients on Google
- Map Ranks is awesome!! They have helped my company grow immensely. Extremely professional and ontop of every detail. Every small business should seek their help!! Thank you guys for everything!!Joseph Gelo12/03/2023I have used many services and platforms and finally found the one that works. After a short period that I have connected and used Map Ranks, I've already witnessed an increase in calls and patients. I'm glad my friend introduced me to them and look forward to a brighter future for our practice.Vahe Gyulnazaryan, MD11/14/2023Look no further! If you are looking for a service to help grow traffic to your business Shaun and Map Ranks are who you need to call!!! They guarantee their work without a contract and we have gotten AMAZING results since hiring them! We will never use anyone else and appreciate all the work they've done for us!!! Thank you... read moreLook no further! If you are looking for a service to help grow traffic to your business Shaun and Map Ranks are who you need to call!!! They guarantee their work without a contract and we have gotten AMAZING results since hiring them! We will never use anyone else and appreciate all the work they've done for us!!! Thank you Map Ranks!!! read lessTalia Reyes10/19/2023
- I have been using MapRanks for multiple businesses and Shaun and the MapRanks team have done a great job at helping increase traffic to our locations. Additionally, the services they provide are done with a high level of attention to detail and communication. We are looking forward to continue working with themOsama Shabaik9/19/2023
- I almost ignored Map Ranks' service, lucky that I didn't. After I used their service for 1 month, what I can see quite obviously is the search result. It's getting better which I satisfied pretty much. And the way they respond to customer's Google review is awesome. They are very knowledgeable in what they are doing. Thank you so much.... read moreI almost ignored Map Ranks' service, lucky that I didn't. After I used their service for 1 month, what I can see quite obviously is the search result. It's getting better which I satisfied pretty much. And the way they respond to customer's Google review is awesome. They are very knowledgeable in what they are doing. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your service. read lessASP Suanpan8/20/2023The team at Map Ranks has been incredible to work with. Alex walked us through the entire process and on-boarded our company quickly and professionally. She has been a constant person of support answering all questions. We have seen an immediate impact in our visibility and rankings across the board. So happy we went with them, definitely recommend.Kristy Rumsey8/11/2023
- An absolute pleasure to work with Shaun and the rest of the team. It’s only been a couple of weeks and I’m already seeing lots of dramatic changes in our presence and awareness. Use these guys if you want to grow your business.Lyle DeColyse8/05/2023My name is Christibell Alphonso and I am the Founder of Lite Touch Mobile Phlebotomy Services. I have been trying to find a company to merge and optimize my Google profiles. I came across Map Ranks. I spoke to Shaun Salehyan and he assured me he could get the job done. speaking to Shaun I felt a... read moreMy name is Christibell Alphonso and I am the Founder of Lite Touch Mobile Phlebotomy Services. I have been trying to find a company to merge and optimize my Google profiles. I came across Map Ranks. I spoke to Shaun Salehyan and he assured me he could get the job done. speaking to Shaun I felt a sense of ease and comfort and I gave him the green light. I asked when will the project be completed and he gave me a time frame of one week. I am giving Map Ranks 5 stars on the basis of Shaun being a professional and honest businessman that kept his word and making me extremely happy on the results that I have seen this far. This has been a positive experience and I plan to do more business and definitely send more referrals Map Ranks way. if you are hesitant or skeptical about spending time and money with no results. look no further contact Map Ranks they are the way to go. read lessLite Touch MPS8/05/2023Map Ranks has successfully optimized our local footprint just as they said they would. Clients are finding us more easily and quickly. In just a few months we’ve had a double digit percentage increase in direct calls as a result. Their service is personalized and professional. We can’t recommend Sean and company enough!CoolVu View7/25/2023
- Shaun and his team have been incredible to work with! Map Ranks possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in managing our multi-location, franchise-based business, CoolVu Glass and Surface Solutions. Their personalized approach to each of our locations is impressive, ensuring that every franchisee feels supported and valued. We highly recommend Map Ranks to any business.FutureVu Brands7/24/2023The Map Ranks is the only advertising company I had been work really delivered what they promised to me. My Google business got better view and reviews. They organized the photos and content on my profile. My profile got more traffic and leads. Thank you Map Ranks.Madeira Construction7/14/2023I have been using WestWind for a few years now. They are awesome. The are quick and efficient and very reasonably priced. They even have caught typos and errors on my requested product, and then even fixed for me with out charging a ridiculous fee. They are my ' Go To' for all my printing.Kandee Alix7/08/2023
- We just started working with Map Ranks. So far everything has been great! The account optimization process was easy and smooth. They are awesome to work with so far. We are excited to see the progress the account makes.Isabeau Kennedy7/05/2023Mapranks is an amazing company, I had tried it for more than 3 months and wrote this review. They take care of my business profile, and do a great job. I had a new business, but still got around 3 calls a week from new patients. Jonathan is great, and I trust him, and sometimes I ask him for advice,... read moreMapranks is an amazing company, I had tried it for more than 3 months and wrote this review. They take care of my business profile, and do a great job. I had a new business, but still got around 3 calls a week from new patients. Jonathan is great, and I trust him, and sometimes I ask him for advice, I am never disappointed. I highly recommend Mapranks as your marketing company. read lessRachel Shu6/27/2023
- Map Ranks has been an great find and a great addition to our business. Besides the fact that they know their stuff, they are thorough, follow through and deliver. As a small business owner with multiple priorities, what more can you ask for!Lynette Vallecillo5/31/2023I love this company. I was losing money on other services that really didn't help. Ever since I started to use Mapranks I actually get calls from google searchers. They send me my weekly reports very Monday on the dot. I love their serivces. I have already recomended them to others!Kary Ortiz5/31/2023
- Highly knowledgeable in their work, I’ve been using them for a month and already have noticed a big jump in traffic to the business! Thank you Shaun!Araz Amedy4/14/2023
- This team knowing their responsibilities and their speciality is on google promo, I have been use multi company take care my google account, they’re the only one make me satisfied with no issue so far.Kenny Chen4/01/2023
- Map Ranks and the entire crew are absolutely amazing. I recently started with Map Ranks, and their onboarding is not only thorough; they want you to understand how they will help you increase traffic, how to look at metrics, and what they plan to do moving forward to have Google rankings be a success. They also immediately removed several... read moreMap Ranks and the entire crew are absolutely amazing. I recently started with Map Ranks, and their onboarding is not only thorough; they want you to understand how they will help you increase traffic, how to look at metrics, and what they plan to do moving forward to have Google rankings be a success. They also immediately removed several negative reviews that were clearly incorrect about our business which I know is very frustrating for us business owners who get reviews that don't truly reflect our business. Map ranks and my business are going to have a long-standing relationship. I can't wait to discuss how we rank in the next couple of months. So far, they are deserve 10 stars if I could give it to them! It's so refreshing to work with an ethical company in the online ranking world that delivers on its promises. read lessamir karkouti3/13/2023We highly recommend working with Map Ranks! We have worked with a few similar companies with minimal success. Not only is Map Rank very reasonably priced but we saw a major increase in our calls within a week or two of them beginning to clean up our business listing on Google!Painting Plus Co., Inc.3/04/2023