In today’s digital world, having strong online visibility is crucial for the success of any business. And one of the most effective ways to enhance your online presence is by optimising your Google Business Profile. While many factors contribute to a well-optimised profile, one aspect that often gets overlooked is image optimisation. In this article, I will delve into the various aspects of image optimisation for your Google Business Profile and explore how you can leverage this technique to attract more customers. Beforehand, it is important to know who the author is: Nick Holmes.
The Author
Managing Director, Nick Holmes, has over 8 years of experience in Local SEO. A significant part of his role involves enabling businesses that operate on a local scale, whether a town or city, to achieve more leads and sales from high website rankings. While most people tend to attempt it themselves, SEO is time-consuming, and if done incorrectly, won’t have any positive results. Thus, be a waste of time. However, with this article, hopefully, you can start implementing some effective tactics today, which is exactly what I do as part of my Local SEO Packages.
Image File Name
Starting with the basics, let’s discuss the importance of naming your image files appropriately. When uploading images to your Google Business Profile, it’s crucial to use descriptive and relevant file names. Avoid generic names like “img1.jpg” or “photo.png” as they provide no context to search engines or potential customers. Instead, opt for file names that accurately describe the image and its purpose, such as “outdoor-seating-area.jpg” or “product-display.png”. By using descriptive file names, you make it easier for search engines to understand your content and improve the overall visibility of your profile.
When it comes to naming your image files, it’s important to consider the impact it can have on your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) efforts. Search engines rely on various factors to determine the relevance and quality of a webpage, and image file names are one of those factors. By using descriptive file names, you provide additional information to search engines about the content of your images, making it easier for them to index and rank your website.
Furthermore, descriptive file names can also enhance the user experience. When potential customers come across your Google Business Profile, they may be looking for specific information or visual cues that align with their needs. By using descriptive file names, you ensure that your images are easily recognisable and provide valuable context to users. This can help increase engagement and encourage visitors to spend more time exploring your profile.
Consider the example of a restaurant owner uploading images of their outdoor seating area. Instead of using a generic file name like “img1.jpg,” they could use a descriptive file name like “outdoor-seating-area.jpg.” This file name not only provides search engines with relevant information but also gives potential customers a clear idea of what to expect when they visit the restaurant. It sets the right expectations and helps create a positive first impression.
Another benefit of using descriptive file names is that they can improve the accessibility of your website. People with visual impairments often rely on screen readers to navigate the web. These screen readers rely on alternative text (alt text) to describe images to the user. By using descriptive file names, you can ensure that the alt text accurately represents the image, making it more accessible to all users.
In conclusion, naming your image files appropriately is crucial for optimising your Google Business Profile and improving your overall online visibility. By using descriptive and relevant file names, you provide valuable context to search engines, potential customers, and users with visual impairments. Take the time to choose file names that accurately describe the content and purpose of your images, and you’ll reap the benefits of improved SEO, enhanced user experience, and increased accessibility.
Image Geotags
Geotagging your images is another powerful technique to optimise your Google Business Profile. Geotags are metadata embedded within the image file that provides location information. By adding geotags to your images, you enable search engines to associate your business with a specific location. This is particularly beneficial if you have multiple branches or if your business operates in a specific area. Geotagging your images helps search engines understand the geographical relevance of your content, leading to higher visibility in local search results.
When you geotag your images, you are essentially adding a digital fingerprint that tells search engines where the photo was taken. This information is invaluable for businesses that rely on local customers. For example, if you own a restaurant and you geotag the images of your delicious dishes, search engines will know exactly where your restaurant is located. This means that when someone searches for “restaurants near me” or “best restaurants in [your city],” your business will have a higher chance of appearing in the search results.
Furthermore, geotagging can also enhance the user experience. When users search for businesses or places on Google Maps, geotagged images can be displayed alongside the search results. This visual representation can help potential customers get a better sense of what your business offers and entice them to visit.
Adding geotags to your images is a relatively simple process. Most modern smartphones automatically geotag photos by default. However, if you are using a professional camera or editing software, you may need to manually add the geotags. There are various tools and apps available that can help you geotag your images efficiently, but my favourite is GeoImgr (opens in a new tab). For photographers, use Lightroom Classic as you will likely to be subscribed to this product.
It’s important to note that geotagging is not limited to just images on your website. You can also geotag images on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. By geotagging your social media posts, you can further enhance your online presence and increase your chances of being discovered by local customers.
Image Dimensions
When it comes to image dimensions for your Google Business Profile, there are a few things to keep in mind. Size matters, as it’s crucial to ensure that your images are properly sized to fit the designated areas and screens where they will be displayed. This not only improves the user experience but also reduces the loading time of your profile.
While Google automatically resizes images to fit different screens, it’s still recommended to upload images that adhere to the recommended dimensions. By doing so, you can ensure that your images maintain their quality and clarity across various devices and platforms.
But what are these recommended dimensions? Well, Google suggests that for the cover photo, you should use an image with a minimum size of 1080 pixels wide by 608 pixels tall. This ensures that the image looks crisp and clear, whether it’s viewed on a desktop computer or a mobile device.
For the profile photo, Google recommends using an image that is at least 250 pixels wide by 250 pixels tall. This photo will be displayed alongside your business name in search results and on your profile page, so it’s important to choose an image that represents your business well.
Additionally, consider the orientation of your images. Landscape-oriented images often work best for Google Business Profiles as they provide a wider view and capture more attention. A stunning landscape photo of your business premises or a picturesque outdoor setting can make a great impression on potential customers.
However, don’t overlook the potential of portrait-oriented images. While they may not provide as wide of a view, they can be incredibly effective in highlighting specific details that are relevant to your business. For example, if you run a bakery, a close-up photo of a beautifully decorated cake can instantly make mouths water.
So, why not consider using a mix of both orientations to create a visually engaging profile? By alternating between landscape and portrait images, you can provide a dynamic and diverse visual experience for anyone who visits your Google Business Profile. Canva (opens in a new tab) is my go-to tool for image dimensions.
Image Size
The size of your images plays a crucial role in the overall performance of your Google Business Profile. Large image files can slow down the loading time of your profile, negatively impacting user experience. To optimise your images, aim for a balance between file size and quality. Compressing your images can significantly reduce their file size without sacrificing too much quality. There are various online tools and plugins available that can help you compress your images without much hassle. By optimising the size of your images, you ensure fast-loading profiles that keep visitors engaged and encourage them to explore further. TinyPNG (opens in a new tab) is my
Image Contents
While the technical aspects of image optimisation are important, the content of your images is equally crucial. When selecting images for your Google Business Profile, focus on visuals that effectively represent your brand and create a connection with your target audience. High-quality images that showcase your products, services, and facilities can entice potential customers and help them visualise what your business has to offer.
Furthermore, consider the relevance of the images to your business. Are they aligned with your brand values and the message you want to convey? Each image should have a purpose and contribute to the overall story of your business. Avoid using generic stock images that may not accurately reflect your unique offerings. Instead, strive for authenticity and originality to stand out from the competition.
Image Placements
The placement of your images within your Google Business Profile can greatly impact their effectiveness. It’s essential to strategically position your images in sections where they are most relevant and can grab the viewer’s attention. For example, consider placing images of your products or services in the “Products” or “Services” sections of your profile. This ensures that potential customers see visuals that are directly related to what they are searching for.
Additionally, include images in posts and updates to engage your audience and keep your profile fresh. Visual content in the form of images often garners more attention and encourages social sharing, increasing the visibility of your profile in the process. Remember to optimise these images as well, following the guidelines discussed earlier.
Image Upload Frequency
Lastly, consider the frequency at which you update and upload new images to your Google Business Profile. Regularly refreshing your visuals keeps your profile dynamic and indicates that your business is active and thriving. It’s recommended to periodically review and update your images, especially if there are changes in your offerings, locations, or overall branding. By consistently adding new and relevant images, you not only appeal to potential customers but also signal to search engines that your profile is up-to-date and deserving of higher visibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, image optimisation is a key element in enhancing your Google Business Profile’s visibility and attracting more customers. By following the techniques discussed in this article, such as using descriptive file names, geotagging images, optimising dimensions and size, focusing on relevant and high-quality content, strategically placing images, and updating them regularly, you can create an optimised profile that stands out from the competition. Remember, an image can speak a thousand words, so make sure yours are conveying the right message to your audience.