In 2020, successful small businesses will be optimizing their Google My Business listing to increase their visibility, attract more customers, and push aside local competitors.

In recent years, Google has optimized its search page to help its searchers find what they need without clicking to a website. Today, more than 64% of customers have used Google My Business listings to find a business address, phone number, information, and directions.

Businesses that have optimized their online presence for Google’s Zero-click searches are well-positioned to get more customers.

One way to stand out with your Google My Business listing is simply to add more photos.

We’ll share details about this optimization tactic below.

However, if you’re thinking “wow, another task I’ve got to add to my busy day!” we’d like to come to your rescue.

Delegate That Task to Business Solutions Unlimited

Business Solutions Unlimited can help you to optimize your Google My Business listing plus make sure your online presence truly reflects the benefits customers gain by choosing your business.

Give us a call at (904) 429-4588 and let us get started helping you today.

How More Google My Business Photos May Make a Difference in Your Business

In the last half of 2019, research conducted by BrightLocal uncovered compelling data that the quantity of photos on a Google My Business listing may make a significant difference in the behaviors of online searchers and Google’s search results.

When compared with average business listings, the research found that businesses with more than 100 images got:

  • 520% more calls
  • 2,717% more direction requests
  • 1,065% more website clicks

The research also found correlating data that a business listing with more than 100 images gets 713% more discovery searches in Google than the average business listing.

According to Google, a discovery search occurs when a customer searches a category, product, or service that you offer and your listing appears.

How in the World Do You Get More than 100 Photos for Your Google My Business Listing?

While adding 100 photos to your Google My Business listing may seem like a herculean task, the research shows it may have a significant impact on your business.

Google already suggests that businesses add the following photos to their Google My Business listing:

  • 3 exterior photos
  • 3 interior photos
  • 3 product photos
  • 3 work-related photos
  • 3 food & drink photos if relevant
  • 1 common area photo
  • 3 room photos if a hotel or vacation rental
  • 3 team photos

With a little effort, you can add the number of photos to that list:

  • Restaurants can add food and drink photos from their entire menu
  • Vacation rentals can add more rooms, unique views, special room features, etc.
  • Service-oriented businesses can add photos of projects completed at a customer’s home
  • Attorneys could hold monthly educational events and take photos of attending participants (with their permission)

Also, encourage customers to take and post photos for you. Offer a free appetizer on a return visit if a customer posts photos of their dinner at a restaurant. Consider creating a picturesque spot where customers can take selfies.

From adding photos to adding FAQs, Google is making Google My Business a comprehensive and robust business center for local searches.

For 2020, we recommend that businesses make optimizing their Google My Business listing a priority.

Do You Have Time to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing?

If you don’t, we do.

That’s why we’re here.

Give Business Solutions Unlimited a call at (904) 429-4588 to explore ways we can help your business today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Google My Business Photos

What are the requirements for photos uploaded to Google My Business listings?

Google requires the following standards for your photos to look their best in your Google My Business listing:

  • Format: JPG or PNG
  • Size: Between 10 KB to 5 MB
  • Minimum Resolution: 720 px tall x 720 px wide
  • Quality: Photos should represent the reality of your business and be focused and well lit. Photos should have no significant alterations or excessive use of filters.

What criteria does Google have for photos uploaded to Google My Business listings?

Google asks that photos uploaded to Google My Business listings be relevant to the business and its location. Basically, they want actual photos of your products, services, staff, and locations to help searchers have a realistic view of your business. They state that the use of stock imagery is not relevant and may be removed.

Can you have text or a logo on photos uploaded to Google My Business listings?

Google states that text or graphics superimposed on photos uploaded to Google My Business listing be relevant to the business. Text and graphics cannot take up more than 10% of the image.