When individuals are looking for local businesses, they’re not looking for names and numbers anymore. They want to know what they’re getting before they go. Google Maps photos fill that gap — and they’re not for show. They can make your business rank higher and get more clicks.
Why Google Maps Photos Matter
Google would like to provide searchers with the best, most relevant results. That isn’t necessarily keyword matching, it provides solid, high-quality listings. Pictures provide your business with the appearance of being active, welcoming, and worth a visit.
Think about it: if you’re searching for a coffee shop and one has lots of bright, friendly photos and the other has none, which one are you going to click through? Google knows this, and it affects rankings.
Why photos are important:
- First impressions are everything – Photos can make someone choose your business over one of your competitors before they even see reviews.
- Engagement signals – The more clicks you receive on your listing; the more important Google will treat it.
- Credibility and trust – Fresh, high-quality images tell Google (and customers) that you’re a real business and up and running.
How Google Uses Images in Local Searches
While Google’s ranking algorithm is an existential enigma, local SEO practitioners do concur that images do play a role in your Google Business Profile (GBP) ranking.
Here’s how:
- Relevance – Pictures that belong to your business category help to confirm what you offer.
- Activity – Constant addition of new photos shows your company is updated and in operation.
- Engagement – When your photos are clicked by shoppers, Google considers that as a positive experience.
- User-generated content – Customers taking their own photos makes it even more authentic.
In short, photos not only make your listing look nice — they actually can impact how frequently it appears in search listings.
Stats That Support That Images Improve Rankings
Based on a survey by Bright Local, businesses with more than 100 photos on Google Business Profile get an average of:
- 520% higher calls than the average
- 2,717% greater directional requests
- 1,065% more internet clicks
That’s a wide gap, and it indicates that images are not “visual fluff” at all. They’re an actionable component of local SEO success.
Google Maps Best Practices for Photos
1. Add High-Quality Images
Low-quality, dark, or outdated photos can hurt your listing. Use clean, crisp, and well-positioned photos.
2. Show Variety
Add exterior, interior, staff, and product/service photos. The more detailed your profile is, the better.
3. Keep It Fresh
Posting fresh pictures on a consistent basis — weekly is ideal. Google likes to notice activity.
4. Optimize and Name Your Files
Give files descriptive names such as “oastreck-office-front.jpg” rather than “IMG_1234.jpg.” This makes SEO easier.
5. Use Geo-Tagging
Adding location data to your image files can assist in authenticating your company’s local significance.
What Types of Photos Are Best for Local SEO?
If you’re not sure what to write, here are some tried-and-true ideas:
- Storefront photos – Assist people in recognizing your business at street level.
- Interior shots – That reveal the atmosphere and layout.
- Team photos – Make your business more personal.
- Product photography – especially for consumer retail, restaurants, and service companies.
- Event photos – If you have community events, showcase them.
Customer. Photos: The Hidden Ranking Boost
Getting your customers to share photos on your Google Business Profile is a game-changer. Their photos are viewed as objective, genuine, and credible.
You can promote this by:
- Directly interviewing happy customers
- Providing limited rewards (e.g., reductions)
- Running photo competitions on social media
Google likes user-generated content because it is more difficult to duplicate and represent actual interactions.
How to Track the Impact of Images on Rankings
It’s easy to post photos — to be sure that they work is another matter. You can track their impact by:
- Tracking your Google Business Profile Insights for photo views and conversations.
- Tracking your local rankings over the long-term using an SEO tool.
- Tracking for spikes in calls, website traffic, and direction requests following the addition of photos.
Myths About Photos and Rankings
- Myth #1: Professional photos only matter – While quality is important, even camera photos can increase engagement if they’re readable and relevant.
- Myth 2: Taking more photos right away ranks you higher – Volume works, but quality and engagement are more important.
- Myth 3: Posting pictures that are eternally-old is okay – Google likes newer content, so keep on posting.
Last Thoughts:
Photos Are an SEO Power Move If you’re not leveraging Google Maps pictures, you’re losing visibility and business. Photos drive your listing, get more clicks, and send good signals to Google’s algorithm.
It’s one of the easiest, cheapest things you can do to improve your local SEO. So, pick up your camera, start snapping, and see your rankings rise. As for your positioning and ranking on google and other platforms, leave that to Oastreck!
