Using the right images on your Google My Business posts is essential to engage with customers and stand out among competitors. To ensure that your images look great, it’s essential to understand the image size requirements for Google My Business posts.
Google recommends using images that are at least 400 x 300 pixels and no larger than 5MB. This ensures that your photos look sharp and professional across all devices, including desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Moreover, it would help if you aimed for a 16:9 aspect ratio when creating or cropping an image so it would fit into the post layout properly. For best results, use high-resolution images in JPG or PNG format; animated GIFs are also supported but should be used sparingly as they often appear distorted when viewed from mobile devices.
What Are Google My Business Posts?
Google My Business Posts are a feature of Google My Business that allows businesses to keep customers informed about their latest news and updates. These posts appear in the Knowledge Panel for an associated business on Google Search and Maps.
Benefits of GMB Posts
- Promote offers: Using Google My Business Posts, businesses can feature their latest offers, events, products, services, and more with text, images, and even videos.
- More visibility: This information will also be visible when customers search for the business by name or related keywords.
- Add CTAs: Businesses can also add calls-to-action (CTAs) such as ordering online, booking an appointment, or learning more about a product or service.
- Reach out to the target audience: Google My Business Posts can be used to quickly reach a large audience without spending much money.
- Access to Google Knowledge Panel: The posts will remain visible on the Knowledge Panel until removed or expired (based on the expiration date set by the business).
- Engagement with customers: This provides businesses with an opportunity to build engagement with potential customers through ongoing content updates.
Sizing and Other Specifications of GMB Post Images
When creating a post for Google My Business (GMB), it is important to ensure that the image included meets the required business cover photo size and technical specs. This helps to ensure that your post displays correctly and looks professional.
Optimum Size for a GMB Post
The recommended size of an image for GMB posts is 1080px by 1080px, although larger images may be accepted up to 5MB in file size. The supported file formats are JPEG and PNG, so make sure any business post images used meet these requirements.
Several resources are available for further details on sizes and other specs for GMB posts. Google’s help center provides detailed specifications for media assets such as images and videos, as well as guidelines for how media should be formatted on GMB posts.
Use Resizing Tools
In addition, many websites provide tools to easily resize photos to the correct dimensions for GMB posts, such as PicResize or Squoosh Image Compressor.
Finally, if you are having difficulties finding the right size or format for your post images, you can consult a professional graphic designer who specializes in digital marketing and social media design.
How to Resize an Image for Google My Business Posts
The recommended size for images used in Google My Business posts is 750 x 750 pixels. Any image larger than this must be resized before it can be uploaded.
Use Photo-Editing Tools
This can be done quickly using photo-editing software or online tools like Pixlr, Canva, or Befunky. For photos taken on phones, built-in apps like Photos, Gallery, or Image Editor can also be used to resize images.
When resizing an image with any of these tools, enter the desired size—750 x 750 pixels—and keep the image’s original aspect ratio by checking off the ‘constrain proportions’ option if available.
After adjusting your image’s size, save it as a .jpg or .png file to ensure that it meets Google My Business’s upload requirements.
How to Create a Great Image for GMB Posts
Here are several tips to help you create a great image for GMB posts:
1. Use Bright and Eye-Catching Colors
Right colors, such as blues, greens, and yellows, can grab viewers’ attention and make your post visually appealing. Avoid using too many different colors or a plain background, as it can be distracting.
2. Select an Appropriate Image Size
The ideal size for an image posted on GMB is between 1280x720px and 1920x1080px pixels. This will ensure the image looks sharp when users view it in their newsfeeds or on the mobile app.
3. Choose Your Imagery Carefully
When selecting the imagery to accompany your post, consider what type of imagery will best communicate your message. Avoid generic stock photos and select something that resonates with your audience.
4. Utilize Relevant Visuals
Where appropriate, include visuals in your post that are related to the topic of discussion, such as graphs or charts. This will help reinforce your message and illustrate the points you’re making more effectively than words alone can do.
5. Add Text
Adding text to an image can be a powerful way of conveying messages quickly and easily since most users who view posts on GMB don’t typically read every word of content associated with them (especially if it’s long). However, keep font sizes small so that text does not overwhelm the composition of the image itself too much.
How to Pick the Right Image for Your GMB Post
When choosing an image for your GMB post, consider using high-resolution images that capture the most important details. A visually appealing photo will draw users in and encourage them to click on your post.
Use Relevant Images
Moreover, be sure to select images that are related to the topic you are discussing. For example, if you’re writing about a new restaurant opening up in town, use photos of the restaurant’s interior or menu items to attract viewers and create interest in the post.
Explain the Pictures
You should also pay attention to how much text is on the image itself. While some text can help communicate key information about the post, too much text can be overwhelming for viewers and detract from the overall message of your GMB post.
Pick the Right Font
When working with text-based images, focus on selecting fonts that are easy to read from afar, as well as color schemes that won’t clash with each other in a busy feed environment.
How to Manage Photos or Videos for Your Business Profile
Managing photos or videos for your business profile is important to maintaining a professional online presence. Photos and videos can be used to showcase products, services, and the overall look and feel of your business. They can also be used to promote events or partner with influencers.
Update Your Profile Frequently
When managing photos or videos for your business profile, it is important to ensure that the content is up-to-date and of high quality. Make sure all images are clear, crisp, and relevant to the content you are trying to convey.
Use Crystal Clear Images
It is also important to use proper lighting when taking photographs or shooting video footage. If working with an outside photographer/videographer, make sure they understand what you are looking for in terms of image quality before they begin their work.
Add More Information for Customers
Consider adding captions to your photos and videos to provide additional information about what viewers will see onscreen. Captions help add context and make it easier for people who aren’t familiar with your business to understand what they are viewing.
Use the Right Hashtags
Adding hashtags will make it easier for new potential customers to find your content through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
How to Upload a Cover Photo Google My Business
Adding a cover photo to your Google My Business listing is a great way to add a professional touch and draw potential customers’ attention.
- To upload an image to your listing, log in to Google My Business and select the business dashboard you want to manage.
- Once on the business page, click on the ‘Photos’ tab on the left side.
- You will then see an option that reads ‘Add photos’ click this option and selects either ‘Upload Photos’ or ‘Add Photos From Your Website.’
Upload Pictures From Your Computers
You can also choose to upload a photo from your computer. When doing so, ensure you have selected the correct file type and size for your photo. Google My Business supports JPG and PNG files up to 5MB in size.
Plus, it is important to keep in mind that all uploaded photos must comply with Google’s guidelines for photos: no inappropriate content or images that encourage bad behavior should be included.
Describe Pictures in a Way Your Customers Understand
When selecting an image as your cover photo, make sure that it accurately represents your business and displays prominently when people search for your business or products/services related to it.
For example, if you own a restaurant, include an image of the establishment’s exterior or interior design. If you offer graphic design or website development services, include a portfolio image instead.
Since this is the primary image people will see when looking for your business on Google Maps or Search results pages, ensure it looks professional and grabs attention quickly.
Types of Photos You Can Add on Google My Business Posts
The most commonly used type of photo is the product photo. Product photos provide a quick visual representation of what a business offers and can be used in product catalogs or for promotional campaigns.
Product Photos
Product photos should be high-quality and accurately depict the product being promoted. This type of photo is beneficial for businesses selling physical items like clothing, furniture, or electronics.
Lifestyle Photos
Another popular type of photo for use on Google My Business posts is the lifestyle photo. Lifestyle photos show people enjoying a product or service in real-life scenarios, such as dining at a restaurant or relaxing in a hotel room.
These photos give customers an idea of what it would be like to use the product or services the business offers in practice rather than simply reading about them on the website.
BTS Photos
Businesses may also use behind-the-scenes photos on their Google My Business posts, which can help build trust and create an intimate connection between the company and its customers.
Behind-the-scenes photos could include:
- Shots from inside the office.
- Staff members at work.
- Views from within production lines.
These candid images give customers an insight into how things operate within the business and showcase what makes it unique from its competitors.
Stock Photos
Finally, many businesses opt for stock photography when creating their Google My Business posts, as it offers an easy way to add professional-looking visuals without going through expensive production processes. Many websites offer stock photography that can suit various requirements, with images ranging from abstract designs to food shots suitable for restaurants and cafes.
How Do Google My Business Posts Improve SEO?
Enhance Organic Rankings
When you post relevant content through GMB Posts, Google’s algorithms will start recognizing your page as a source of valuable information. This recognition may lead to an increase in organic rankings and also help with local SEO efforts. It is vital to ensure that posts are topical, relevant, and engaging, as this will improve their effectiveness on SEO.
Enhance Engagement
Moreover, by adding images or videos to your GMB posts, you can further increase engagement with potential customers. Images capture attention better than text-only content and will ensure users stay longer on your web pages, increasing time sites which is another crucial factor for SEO success.
Promote Brand Loyalty
Lastly, if customers leave reviews on your business page after reading one of your GMB posts, it can benefit both local and organic SEO rankings.
Reviews give insight into customer satisfaction with products or services provided by companies which boosts credibility with Google’s algorithm and could result in higher search engine rankings over competitors not utilizing GMB Posts.
How Many Posts Can You Have on Google My Business?
Google My Business allows users to create up to 10 monthly posts. Each post can be up to 1000 characters, including text, images, video, and location tags. Google My Business can be used to promote products or services, events, and sales, introduce new team members, and more.
Plus, users can use these posts to interact with their customers by responding directly to comments on the post or using polls and questions to start conversations. With Google My Business posts, businesses can reach a broad customer base quickly and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Google for my business post image size?
The best Google post image size for businesses is 1,200px by 628px. This image size works well on all social media platforms and performs best for engagement. Additionally, the optimal resolution is 72 dpi (dots per inch), providing a crisp and clear team photo when posted on Google or any other platform.
What size should Google’s business image post be?
The recommended size for Google business image posts is 800 x 800 pixels. This site provides a good quality image that won’t be stretched or distorted when it’s shared on Google surfaces like Maps and Search.
Which image format is the best for Google My Business posts?
PNG is the best image format for Google My Business posts because it offers a clear, crisp minimum resolution with no loss in quality, even when compressed. Additionally, PNG files are generally small, making them faster to load on web pages. They also support transparency and have better color accuracy than other image formats like JPEG or GIF.
Wrapping Up
With an understanding of what types of file sizes are accepted on Google My Business posts and other tips for creating compelling visuals, you can ensure that your photos will stand out from the crowd and engage with viewers. Keep these guidelines in mind when crafting all future GMB post images so that they deliver maximum impact.
