How to Change Google Business Profile Photo: A Step-By-Step Guide

Navigating the world of Google Business Profiles can sometimes feel like charting unknown territories for local business owners. One frequently asked question is how to update the Google Business Profile photo to best represent the business online.

Whether it’s your logo, a snapshot of your storefront, or the friendly faces of your team, updating your profile photo can significantly impact your business’s online presence. Here’s your simple guide to making those changes, tailored for Local View’s audience.

Why Update Your Google Business Profile Photo?

First Impressions Count: Your main photo represents your business on Google and can greatly influence potential customers’ perceptions.

Stay Current: Keeping your photos updated reflects the current status and branding of your business.

Engage Better: Photos increase engagement, with businesses having photos receiving 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Your Google Business Profile Photo

With the right photo, your Google Business Profile can capture the essence of your brand, attract more customers, and tell your business’s story at a glance. Here’s a more detailed walkthrough to help you refresh your profile with the perfect picture.

Step 1: Access Your Google Business Profile

Sign In: First, log in to the Google account you’ve used to set up or claim your Google Business Profile. It’s crucial to use the correct account to ensure you have the necessary administrative privileges.
Navigate to Your Profile: Once signed in, head over to the Google Business Profile Manager. Here, you’ll see the dashboard for managing your business listing. If you manage multiple listings, make sure to select the correct business you wish to update.

Step 2: Choose Your Photo

Select ‘Photos’: Look for the ‘Photos’ tab in your Google Business Profile dashboard. This section is dedicated to managing all visual content associated with your listing.
Type of Photo: Google Business Profiles allow for several types of photos, including profile pictures, cover photos, and additional images that can capture different aspects of your business. Decide whether you’re solely updating your profile or cover photo or if you’re adding to your photo gallery.

Each serves a unique function:

Profile Photo: This is the main photo that represents your business across Google services.
Cover Photo: Selected by you, it highlights your page’s personality.
Additional Photos: They can provide further insights into your business, showcasing products, services, or the ambiance of your place.

Step 3: Upload or Update Your Photo

Upload New: Click on the ‘+’ icon (or the camera icon in some layouts) to initiate the process of adding new photos. There may be options to drag and drop images as well.
Choose File: Browse your computer for the perfect photo that meets Google’s guidelines. Google recommends using images that are in focus, well-lit, and genuine. The recommended resolution for profile and cover photos is 720px by 720px, in JPG or PNG format, not exceeding 5MB in size.
Adjust: Upon selection, some interfaces might allow you to crop or adjust the orientation of your photo to ensure it fits well within the designated space. This step is crucial for maintaining the visual integrity of your image on various devices.

Step 4: Review and Publish

Preview: Before making any changes live, you will have the opportunity to review how the uploaded photo will appear. This ensures that the image alignment and cropping don’t cut off important details.
Set as Profile or Cover Photo: If you’re updating vital images like your profile or cover photo, you might need to select an option that establishes the photo’s role. Look for a button or drop-down menu that allows you to designate it accordingly.
Publish: Once you’re completely satisfied with how your photo looks, hit the confirm or publish button. It may take a few hours for the changes to reflect across Google’s services, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see the update immediately.

Uploading images to your Google My Business (GMB) profile is a straightforward process that enhances your online presence. Follow these simple steps to showcase your business visually:

Regular Reviews: Periodically check your images to ensure they remain current and accurately represent your business.

Encourage Engagement: Motivate customers to share images associated with your business, fostering user-generated content that can enhance your profile.

Comply with Guidelines: Always adhere to Google’s content guidelines to prevent the removal of images or potential penalties to your profile.

Quality Control: Regularly assess the quality of your images and replace any that may no longer meet your business standards.

Consistency Matters: Maintain a consistent visual theme across your images to create a cohesive and professional appearance.

Updating your Google Business Profile photo is an easy way to refresh your online presence and engage with potential customers. Remember, the visuals you choose can significantly impact your first impression online, so select wisely!

How to Upload an Image to Your GMB Profile

Sign in to Your GMB Account:

Log in to your Google My Business account using your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.

Locate the “Photos” Section:

Once logged in, find the “Photos” section on your dashboard. This is where you can manage and upload images.

Choose the Image Category:

Select the category for the image you want to upload. Google My Business allows you to add various types of images, such as exterior photos, interior photos, product images, and more.

Click “Add Photos” or “Upload”:

Depending on your interface, you may see an option like “Add Photos” or “Upload.” Click on this option to open your file explorer.

Select the Image:

Choose the image you want to upload from your computer or device. Ensure the image adheres to Google’s guidelines regarding size, format, and content.

Add a Description (Optional):

You can add a brief description to provide context or details about the image. While optional, descriptions can enhance the information provided.

Click “Add” or “Upload”:

Once you’ve selected the image and added any desired details, click the “Add” or “Upload” button to finalize the process.

Review and Publish:

Take a moment to review the uploaded image. If everything looks good, click “Publish” or a similar option to make the image visible on your GMB profile.

Final Thoughts

For some other useful resources, be sure to check out:

How To Track Rankings, Conversions, and Calls: Maximize Your 2024 Success

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): Your Comprehensive Guide 2024

Understanding Google’s Clustering Pattern in Local Pack Rankings

Restoring Your Online Presence: Guidelines for Google Business Profile Reinstatement

FAQs About Changing Google Business Profile Photo

Why can't I change my Google Business Profile picture?

You might not be able to change your Google Business Profile picture if you’re not signed in with the account that has administrative access to the profile, or if there are restrictions placed by Google due to policy violations. Ensure you’re using the right account and that your profile complies with Google’s guidelines.

How do I edit photos on my Google Business Profile?

To edit photos on your Google Business Profile, sign in to your account, navigate to your profile, and go to the ‘Photos’ section. While you can’t directly edit photos (like adjust brightness or apply filters) within Google Business Profile, you can replace the existing photos with edited versions uploaded from your device.

Can I delete a photo from Google business review?

Business owners cannot directly delete a photo attached to a review by a customer. However, if the photo violates Google’s content policies, you can flag it for review. To do this, go to the specific photo, click on the flag icon, and follow the prompts to report it to Google for removal consideration.

How do I remove my Google picture from Gmail?

To remove your Google picture from Gmail, go to your Google Account settings by clicking on the profile icon in the top right corner of Gmail, then click on “Manage your Google Account”. Navigate to “Personal info” on the left, then click on “Photo” under “Profile”. From there, you can remove or change your profile photo.