Last Updated: February 2026
Your Google Business Profile photos do more than look pretty. They influence whether someone clicks on your business or scrolls past. They affect your ranking in local search. They build trust (or destroy it) in seconds.
Businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their website than those without. But it's not just about having photos — it's about having the right photos in the right order with the right strategy.
This guide breaks down exactly how to optimize your GBP photos to convert browsers into customers.
Why GBP Photos Matter More Than You Think
Google's algorithm pays attention to your photos. Here's how:
1. They Signal Activity
Businesses that regularly upload fresh photos are seen as active and engaged. Google rewards that with better visibility.
2. They Drive Engagement
More photos = more engagement. More engagement = better ranking. It's a flywheel.
3. They Build Trust
Customers want to see what they're walking into. No photos? You look sketchy. Bad photos? Same problem.
4. They Differentiate You
Your competitors have photos. If yours are better, you win. Simple.
Google's Photo Categories (And What to Upload to Each)
Google organizes your photos into categories. Understanding these categories is the first step to optimization.
1. Logo
Your brand's visual identity. This shows up in search results, Maps, and your Knowledge Panel.
Requirements:
- Square format (1:1 ratio)
- Minimum 720px × 720px
- Must be your actual logo (not a photo of your storefront with your logo on it)
- PNG with transparent background works best
Pro tip: Use your logo exactly as it appears on your website. Consistency builds brand recognition.
2. Cover Photo
The hero image at the top of your profile. This is prime real estate.
Requirements:
- Landscape format (16:9 ratio recommended)
- Minimum 1024px × 576px
- High-quality, well-lit, visually striking
What works:
- Exterior shot of your business (if you have a storefront)
- Your team in action
- A signature product or service
- A welcoming, inviting scene
What doesn't work:
- Stock photos (Google can detect these and may remove them)
- Text-heavy graphics
- Low-resolution images
- Cluttered or dark photos
Pro tip: Change your cover photo seasonally (holiday decorations, summer outdoor seating, fall colors). Fresh images signal activity.
3. Photos by Business Owner (You)
These are the photos you upload. They appear in the main photo gallery and carry more weight than customer-uploaded photos.
Strategy:
- Upload at least 10-20 high-quality photos to start
- Add 1-5 new photos every month (Google loves fresh content)
- Cover all key categories (more on this below)
4. Photos by Customers
These are photos customers upload when they leave reviews or check in. You can't control them, but you can influence them.
How to get more customer photos:
- Ask satisfied customers to upload photos when they review you
- Make your space Instagram-worthy (good lighting, clean, interesting details)
- Run a photo contest or incentive ("Post a photo and tag us for 10% off")
The 7 Types of Photos Every GBP Needs
Here's your photo checklist. Hit all seven categories for maximum impact.
1. Exterior Photos
Show customers where you are and what your building looks like.
What to include:
- Front of your building with signage visible
- Parking area or entrance
- Surroundings (street view, nearby landmarks)
Tips:
- Shoot during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best lighting
- Make sure your signage is clear and readable
- Keep the frame clean (move trash cans, cars, clutter)
How many: 2-3 exterior shots from different angles
2. Interior Photos
Let customers see what they're walking into.
What to include:
- Main entry/reception area
- Seating or waiting areas
- Key rooms or sections (dining room, treatment rooms, retail floor)
- Details that set you apart (decor, artwork, unique features)
Tips:
- Use natural light when possible (turn off harsh overhead lights)
- Stage the space: clean, organized, inviting
- Avoid clutter, cords, and anything distracting
- Show scale (include people if it makes sense)
How many: 5-10 interior shots covering all key areas
3. Product Photos
If you sell products, show them.
What to include:
- Best-sellers
- Seasonal items
- New arrivals
- Products in use (not just on a white background)
Tips:
- Use natural light or a lightbox
- Style your shots (context > catalog)
- Show scale (include hands, props, or people)
- Keep backgrounds simple and uncluttered
How many: 10+ product photos (rotate seasonally)
4. Service/Work Photos
If you provide services, show the process or results.
What to include:
- Before-and-after shots (landscaping, renovation, detailing, etc.)
- You or your team in action
- Completed projects or transformations
- Customers receiving your service (with permission)
Tips:
- Focus on results (the "after" is more powerful than the "during")
- Keep faces visible (humans connect with humans)
- Avoid overly staged or stock-looking shots
How many: 5-10 service shots showcasing your work
5. Team Photos
People buy from people. Show your team.
What to include:
- Headshots of key team members
- Candid shots of your team working
- Group photo (if you have a small team)
- Action shots (helping customers, collaborating, doing what you do)
Tips:
- Smile. Seriously. Approachable > professional headshot vibes.
- Use good lighting (natural light or professional setup)
- Keep backgrounds consistent and uncluttered
- Update these annually (or when someone leaves/joins)
How many: 3-5 team photos
6. Customer/Atmosphere Photos
Show the vibe. Let people imagine themselves there.
What to include:
- Customers enjoying your space (with permission)
- Events or gatherings
- Seasonal decorations or setups
- Ambiance shots (lighting, details, mood)
Tips:
- Get photo release forms if you're using identifiable customer photos
- Focus on the feeling — not just the facts
- Show diversity (different ages, groups, occasions)
How many: 3-5 atmosphere shots
7. Food/Menu Photos (If Applicable)
Restaurants, cafes, and bars: this is critical.
What to include:
- Signature dishes
- Best-sellers
- Seasonal specials
- Drinks (cocktails, coffee, etc.)
- Plated food (not ingredients or prep)
Tips:
- Use natural light (never flash)
- Style your shots (garnish, props, context)
- Shoot from a 45-degree angle (most flattering for food)
- Avoid overly edited or filtered photos (real > Instagram)
How many: 10-20 food photos (update seasonally)
Photo Optimization Checklist
Before you upload, run through this checklist:
✅ Resolution & Quality
- Minimum 720px on the shortest side
- Ideally 1080px or higher
- No pixelation, blur, or compression artifacts
✅ Lighting
- Well-lit (natural light is best)
- No harsh shadows or blown-out highlights
- Avoid dim, dark, or grainy photos
✅ Framing & Composition
- Subject is clear and centered
- No clutter or distractions in the background
- Straight horizons and level shots
✅ File Format
- JPG or PNG
- No text overlays or watermarks (Google may remove these)
- No promotional graphics or sale announcements
✅ No Forbidden Content
Google will remove photos that include:
- Promotional text or graphics (like "50% OFF")
- Contact info (phone numbers, URLs, QR codes)
- Stock photos or images you don't own
- Offensive, violent, or inappropriate content
- Trademarked content (unless you own it)
How to Upload Photos to Your GBP
It's simple, but here's the step-by-step:
- Log into your GBP dashboard at business.google.com
- Click Photos in the left menu
- Click Add Photos (or the camera icon)
- Select Logo, Cover, or Photos depending on what you're uploading
- Choose your files
- Upload and wait for processing (usually instant)
Pro tip: Upload in batches. If you upload 20 photos at once, Google sees it as a sign of activity. If you upload 1 photo every few months, you're invisible.
How Often Should You Add New Photos?
Minimum: Once a month
Ideal: 1-2 photos per week
Aggressive: Daily (if you're in a competitive market)
Google rewards fresh content. Businesses that upload photos regularly rank higher than those that don't.
Here's a simple schedule:
- Weekly: Add 1-2 photos (new products, events, seasonal updates)
- Monthly: Refresh your cover photo
- Quarterly: Update team photos or interior shots (if things have changed)
- Annually: Audit your entire photo library and remove outdated images
Common GBP Photo Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
❌ Uploading Stock Photos
Google knows. They'll remove them. Use real photos of your actual business.
❌ Using Low-Quality or Blurry Photos
Blurry = untrustworthy. Invest in a decent phone camera or hire a photographer.
❌ Ignoring Customer Photos
Customers upload photos when they review you. Monitor these and respond to reviews. If someone uploads a bad photo, you can flag it (but can't remove it unless it violates Google's policies).
❌ Not Updating Your Photos
Stale photos = stale business. Keep your gallery fresh.
❌ Uploading Too Many Similar Shots
Don't upload 10 photos of the same angle. Variety matters.
❌ Adding Text Overlays or Watermarks
Google will remove these. Keep photos clean.
Advanced Photo Strategy: Seasonal Rotation
Smart businesses rotate their photos with the seasons. Here's how:
Spring
- Fresh flowers, outdoor seating, spring cleaning
- Light, bright, airy vibes
- Pastel colors and greenery
Summer
- Outdoor events, patios, bright sunshine
- Customers enjoying your space
- Warm, energetic tones
Fall
- Cozy interiors, warm lighting, fall colors
- Pumpkins, leaves, seasonal products
- Earthy, inviting vibes
Winter/Holidays
- Holiday decorations, winter specials
- Warm, festive atmosphere
- Snow, lights, seasonal offerings
Rotate your cover photo and add 3-5 seasonal photos every quarter. It signals to Google (and customers) that you're active and engaged.
What If You Don't Have Professional Photos?
You don't need a $2,000 camera. Here's how to take great photos with your phone:
- Use natural light — Shoot near windows or outdoors during golden hour
- Clean your lens — Seriously. Wipe it off.
- Use portrait mode — Blurs the background and focuses on your subject
- Hold your phone steady — Or use a tripod (cheap ones exist)
- Edit lightly — Adjust brightness and contrast, but don't over-filter
- Shoot in landscape mode — Horizontal photos look better on most screens
If you want professional photos, hire a local photographer for a half-day shoot. Budget $300-$800 depending on your market. It's worth it.
Track Your Photo Performance
Google gives you insights on how your photos perform:
- Go to your GBP dashboard
- Click Performance
- Scroll to Photo Insights
- See how many views each photo gets
Photos with high views = working. Photos with low views = not resonating. Swap out the underperformers.
Final Takeaway
Your GBP photos are free advertising. Use them strategically. Upload regularly. Keep them fresh. Show your best side.
If you're not optimizing your photos, your competitors are.
Need a Professional GBP Photo Shoot?
We work with local photographers and can coordinate a full GBP photo package for your business. Or we can audit your existing photos and tell you what's working (and what's not).
Get in touch — let's make your profile shine.
