How to Add and Optimize Photos on Your Google My Business

In the world of local SEO and customer engagement, visuals speak louder than words. For Portland-based businesses, one of the most effective yet overlooked tools for enhancing local search visibility is the strategic use of photos on your Google My Business (GMB) profile. A well-maintained photo gallery not only captures attention but also builds credibility and encourages customers to take action.

If you’re looking to improve your GMB listing and attract more local customers, working with a trusted Digital Marketing Agency in Portland can help you stand out in competitive search results. Here’s how adding and optimizing photos can drive real results — and exactly how to do it.

Why Photos Matter on Google My Business

Before diving into how to add and optimize photos, it’s important to understand why they matter. Here are just a few reasons:

Visuals build trust – Users are more likely to engage with a business that looks real and inviting.
More views and clicks – Listings with photos get significantly more profile views, direction requests, and calls.
Better local SEO – Google uses visual engagement as a signal in local search rankings.
Showcase your brand – High-quality images convey professionalism and personality.

Google wants users to have a great experience, and providing rich, accurate visual content helps Google (and your customers) trust your listing more.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Photos to Your Google My Business

1. Log in to Your GMB Account

Start by logging in to your account via Google Business Profile Manager. If you haven’t claimed your business yet, you’ll need to go through the verification process.

2. Navigate to the “Photos” Tab

In the left-hand menu of your dashboard, click on “Photos.” Here, you’ll see sections for different types of images — profile, cover, logo, interior, exterior, team, and more.

3. Upload Relevant and High-Quality Photos

Click the “+” or “Add Photos” button to upload. You can drag and drop or select from your device.

Google recommends the following photo standards:

Minimum resolution: 720 x 720 pixels
Format: JPG or PNG
Size: Between 10 KB and 5 MB
Clear and in focus, no filters or excessive editing

Types of photos you should upload include:

Exterior photos: Help people identify your business from the street.
Interior photos: Give a glimpse of the atmosphere inside.
Product or service shots: Show what you sell or do.
Team photos: Highlight the people behind the brand.
At-work photos: Show your team in action or during a service.

How to Optimize Your Google My Business Photos

Adding photos is just the beginning. Optimizing them ensures they actually help your listing perform better in local search results. Here’s how:

1. Rename Your Image Files Before Uploading

Instead of uploading a photo named IMG123.jpg, rename it with a keyword-rich, descriptive title — for example:
digital-marketing-agency-portland-office.jpg

This gives search engines more context and supports local SEO performance.

2. Geotag Your Images

Geotagging embeds location data into your photo file, helping Google verify that your business operates in the area you claim. Tools like GeoImgr or Lightroom allow you to add geolocation metadata to your photos before uploading.

3. Use Consistent Branding

Include your brand colors, logos, uniforms, or storefront signage consistently across photos. This helps customers recognize your business visually across platforms.

4. Upload Photos Regularly

Google rewards active business profiles. Make a habit of uploading new photos weekly or monthly. This could include:

Seasonal promotions
New products or services
Events or community involvement
Renovations or updates to your space

A Digital Marketing Agency in Portland can help schedule regular photo content updates to keep your profile fresh.

5. Avoid Stock or Misleading Images

Only use original images that reflect your real business. Google may remove stock or irrelevant images, and customers may feel misled if what they see online doesn’t match reality.

Monitor and Measure Your Image Performance

Google provides valuable insights into how users interact with your photos. Go to your GMB dashboard, and under the “Insights” section, you can review:

How many views are your photos getting
Comparisons to photo views from similar businesses
Which images are driving the most engagement

Use this data to identify what types of images resonate most with your audience, and upload more of them.

Encourage Customer Photos

Google also allows customers to upload their own photos to their business listing. This user-generated content is incredibly powerful and trustworthy. Here’s how to encourage more of it:

Politely ask satisfied customers to share a photo with their review
Run a social media campaign or contest asking customers to tag your business and share their experience
Feature customer photos (with permission) in your posts or on your website

Customer-submitted photos build trust and expand your profile with authentic content.

Advanced Tips for GMB Photo Strategy

Want to take your image strategy even further? Try these pro tips:

Create short videos (under 30 seconds): Videos can increase time spent on your listing and give more life to your brand.
Use professional photography: Invest in high-quality shots of your products, staff, or storefront for a polished first impression.
Link GMB photos with your social content: Share the same visuals on Instagram, Facebook, or your website for brand consistency.

A skilled Digital Marketing Agency Portland can help align your GMB visuals with your broader marketing campaigns.

How a Digital Marketing Agency in Portland Can Help

While it’s possible to manage Google My Business on your own, the process takes time, consistency, and knowledge of best practices. A local agency can:

Audit your current GMB profile and images
Help plan and shoot new branded photos
Geotag and optimize image files
Create monthly GMB post strategies
Track performance and make data-driven improvements

Their local insight ensures your brand stays competitive in Portland’s digital marketplace.

Final Thoughts

Adding and optimizing photos on your Google My Business profile is more than just a visual upgrade — it’s a powerful local SEO strategy that influences how customers find, trust, and choose your business. By sharing clear, authentic, and relevant images, you make it easier for customers to engage with your brand.

Whether you’re just starting or want to take your GMB profile to the next level, working with a Digital Marketing Agency in Portland gives you the edge you need in a competitive local market.

Start today by uploading a few great photos — your next customer might find you because of it.