Benefits of a Google Business Profile - Getting your photos approved

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile and Get Your Photos Approved

Getting your business noticed online is a huge deal these days, and one of the best (and free) tools to help with that is your Google Business Profile (GBP). By setting up your profile, you’re making it easier for customers in your area to find you—whether they’re searching for a service you offer or just checking out what’s nearby on Google Maps. Plus, Google loves to push local business profiles to the top of search results, so why not take advantage?

With a GBP, your business will show up in local search results giving potential customers quick access to key info like your hours, location, and even your latest updates.

If someone’s looking for what you offer, you want them to find you easily. A GBP helps you:

• Be visible when people search for businesses like yours.

• Share updates (like events or special promotions) quickly.

• Interact with customers through reviews and messages.

For instance, I typed in "sandwich shop, Bend Oregon," and got this at the top of my Google search results.

Searching for a sandwich shop in Bend, Oregon

Your business can pop up in a similar way, making it super easy for people to find you.

Steps to Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Setting up your GBP is straightforward:

1. Claim your business by signing up or verifying it on Google.

2. Fill in the important info like your business name, address, phone number (NAP), website, and hours of operation.

3. Choose the right categories that describe what your business does. This helps you show up in relevant searches. You can pick up to 10 categories, but make sure your primary category is spot-on.

4. Write a great business description that includes keywords people might use when searching for you.

5. Add photos that show off your business (we’ll dig into this below).

After getting your basics set up, you’ll want to keep your profile active and optimized to boost your chances of appearing higher in local search results.

Important Areas to Focus On

• Keep Info Consistent: Make sure your NAP (name, address, phone) matches across all online platforms. Consistency builds trust with Google.

• Use Local Keywords: Incorporate location-based keywords (like your city or neighborhood) in your description and posts to help you rank in local searches.

• Ask for Reviews: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and always respond to feedback. You can create a custom link for reviews through your GBP dashboard. Check out our post on asking for reviews here

• Post Regularly: Share events, promotions, and updates. Keeping your profile fresh will help you stay visible and engaging.

Tips for Getting Your Photos Approved

Now let’s talk photos. They’re a big part of your profile, but getting them approved can be tricky. Google’s approval system is automated, so you’ll want to follow their guidelines to avoid rejections.

Here’s how to make sure your photos make the cut:

1. Stay Relevant: Upload photos that actually represent your business. If you’re a bakery, post pictures of your pastries, your shop, or even your team in action.

2. Avoid Stock Images: Google prefers real, original photos over stock images. Authenticity matters, and original photos are more likely to get approved.

3. Showcase Your Location: Make sure your photos reflect your actual business location. Google can tell if your photos are legit or taken elsewhere.

4. Keep It Clean: While your photos don’t need to be professional, they should be clear, well-lit, and free of excessive filters or edits.

5. Skip the Text: Avoid adding promotional text, logos, or watermarks on your photos. Google doesn’t like overly promotional images and may reject them.

6. Mix It Up: Upload a variety of photos—exterior shots, interior shots, products, and team members. The more comprehensive your gallery, the better!

Photo Specs and Tips for Success

• Resolution: Aim for at least 1024 x 768 pixels to avoid pixelation.

• File Size: Stick to JPEG or PNG files, under 10 MB in size.

• No Duplicates: Don’t upload the same image multiple times.

Following these steps will help ensure your photos get approved by Google, and your business stands out. If your photos aren’t getting through, it could be that they look too stock-like or they include things like logos or heavy editing—just keep it real!

Your Google Business Profile is a powerful (and free!) tool to help your business stand out in local search results. Make sure it’s complete, ask for customer reviews, and keep those photos authentic and high-quality. With a little regular upkeep, your profile will become a major asset for driving new customers to your door.