Why Posting Google Business Profile Photos Is a Must

Hero gbp photos

Google Business Profile photos spark customer curiosity and showcase your business. Without them, Google can’t highlight what you offer effectively.

Author-Joseph-Amparan
Joseph Amparan
Updated 6 minutes read

Imagine you’ve got a leaky pipe and need a plumber fast. You hop on Google and find two options. One has plenty of photos: action shots of the team fixing leaks, installing new fixtures and even a team photo. The other? No photos at all. Which one do you trust with your sink?

That’s the power of strong Google Business Profile photos. They help potential customers instantly connect with your business, giving them a sense of who you are and what you do. And that connection could be the difference between a phone call and them scrolling to the next option!

Why Photos Matter More Than Ever

Google shows photos front and center on Google Maps and in search results, so when someone searches for your business, images are often the first thing they see. Well-chosen photos make your business stand out. With the right Google Business Profile photos, you can tell the story of your business and give people a reason to pick you.

Need proof? According to Google, businesses that add photos to their GBP receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps and 35% more clicks through to their websites than businesses that don’t.

Why Photos Matter More Than Ever

How to Add Photos to Your Google Business Profile

Now, you might be thinking that uploading is tricky, but it’s actually fairly straightforward. 

Directly in Your Google Business Profile

  1. Log in to Your Google Business Profile.
  2. Find the “Photos” section. On the left-hand side, you’ll see a tab labeled “Photos.” Click it to go to the upload section.
  3. Choose your best photos. Snap pictures of completed projects, your team in action, or popular products.
  4. Upload your photos. Hit “Add Photos,” select your favorites from your device and upload them.
How to Add Photos to Your Google Business Profile

Via Google Maps

  1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile account.
  2. Search for your business on Google Maps.
  3. Scroll to the “Photos & Videos” section and click “Add media.
  4. Upload your photos from your computer or device.

Or Use Olly Olly’s Social Media Planner

Find the methods above too tedious? Upload and manage all your GBP images right from your phone. The Olly Olly app’s Social Media Planner lets you:

  • Upload photos directly into a media library.
  • Schedule posts featuring these photos to go live on your GBP at optimal times.
  • Get AI-powered content suggestions tailored to your business—from seasonal updates, behind‑the‑scenes snapshots and customer testimonials—all in one calendar view.

What’s even better? We offer a 60‑day free trial of the Olly Olly app. 

Claim your free trial!

What Kind of Photos Should You Post?

Once you’ve got the hang of uploading photos, it’s time to think about what to share. Your pictures should tell the story of your business. 

What Kind of Photos Should You Post

Here are some types of photos Google recommends adding:

  • Cover photo: This is the first image customers see, so make it a great introduction to your business.
  • Action shots of your team at work: People like to see the faces behind the business.
  • Before-and-after shots: Perfect for showing off your skills if you’re in construction, home improvement or auto repair.
  • Interior and exterior shots: Help customers visualize your place of business.
  • Products or services: Show off completed projects, special offers or best-selling products.

Pro tip: Focus on what your customers love most about your business. If you’re a landscaper and clients love your stone patios, show off those designs through real, unfiltered photos. If you’re a roofer, let people see these solar shingles you’re so proud of! These are powerful trust signals to customers!

How to Remove Photos from Google Business Profile

Need to clean up older or outdated images? Here’s how to remove photos from Google Business Profile:

  • Log in to your Google Business Profile.
  • Navigate to the “Photos” tab.
  • Find the image you want to delete.
  • Click the three‑dot menu (⋮) on the photo and select “Delete”.

The change may take a few minutes to reflect in Search and Maps.

Google Business Photo Size and Other Guidelines

Here’s what you need to know to make sure your photos shine on Google:

  • Format: JPG or PNG.
  • Size: Between 10 KB and 5 MB.
  • Recommended resolution: 720 px tall, 720 px wide.
  • Minimum resolution: 250 px tall, 250 px wide.
  • Quality: The photo should be in focus and well-lit, with no significant alterations or excessive use of filters. The image should represent reality.

Check out Google’s content policy and these handy photo tips for more details.

Why Are My Photos Rejected on Google Business Profile

Sometimes, Google’s algorithms might automatically reject certain photos. If you’re wondering why, that’s likely because your photos are:

  • In the wrong format (must be JPG or PNG).
  • Too small or too large (outside the 10 KB–5 MB range).
  • Low resolution (below 250×250 pixels).
  • Over‑edited to a point where they don’t reflect reality.

Still stuck? We can escalate the issue on your behalf so your best images get posted.

Doing This Helps Your Business Grow

Adding strong Google Business Profile photos isn’t just about making it look nice—it’s about building trust. When potential customers see real images of your work or products, they know what to expect and feel more confident choosing you.

Photos don’t just boost trust, though… they also increase visibility! They catch the eye of potential customers, which can lead to more calls and inquiries. By making your business visually appealing, you’re giving yourself an edge over the competition and making it easier for people to connect with you.

FAQs

How often should I update photos to my GBP?

We recommend uploading new images weekly or bi‑weekly to keep your profile fresh.

Can I schedule seasonal GBP posts in advance?

Yes! Tools like Olly Olly’s Social Media Planner let you batch and schedule weeks (or even months) ahead.

What’s the best time to post Google Business Profile Photos?

This depends on your industry. As a general rule of thumb, aim for mornings or early afternoons on weekdays when local SEO traffic peaks.

Ready to Streamline Your GBP Photo Strategy? 

If you’re short on time, Olly Olly’s Social Media Planner allows you to create weeks’ worth of posts in just a few minutes. 

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Make Your Business Stand Out

Show off your work, attract more customers, and boost visibility with the right Google Business Profile photos.

Enhance Your Profile Now

Author-Joseph-Amparan
Joseph Amparan
Google Business Profile Specialist
Joseph is Olly Olly's Google Business Profile Specialist, based in West Texas. He brings insider expertise from his time at Google, where he worked in Business Profile Support and Maps Triage, giving him unique insights into platform algorithms and optimization strategies. His experience troubleshooting thousands of business profiles gives him an edge in maximizing local search visibility. When not optimizing listings, he enjoys woodworking and chasing his energetic daughter.