When your business’s website and GBP have original photography that genuinely shows your business and what you do, it has many benefits. Your company will rank higher in search results, and you will bring in more customers. It’s important that your photos are high-quality and are properly tagged and optimized.
It’s common for business owners to underestimate the importance of business photos in their local SEO efforts. It’s important not only to have photos from your customers on your Google Maps listing, but as well as business branded and uploaded pictures.
In addition to our Highstreet Marketing specialties of SEO and website building, we also specialize in professional photos to build a company’s online presence. Our team helps businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest with photography for their GBP and website content optimization.
How Original Photography Helps Local SEO
Google’s goal is to provide its users with the best possible search results. When your Google Business Profile and website use original content, it signals to Google that your business is both trustworthy and relevant. Photos show a legitimate business operating at a physical location and that real people visit or contact them for goods or services. Consistent, authentic location-based images tell Google that your business is worth displaying to a relevant audience. When your photos match what Google thinks a user is searching for, then you will rank higher for those targeted and relevant searches.
Here are some SEO benefits of user-uploaded GBP and website content:
- More engagement with your Google Maps listing.
- Higher rankings in search results.
- Higher click-through and conversion rates.
- Increased audience trust.
- More Google Maps direction requests.
- Increased calls to your business.
- Branding relevance.
When someone searches for a local business, the first thing they see are images. Every year, the percentage of screen space in search results that photos take up increases. It’s vital that these images make a good first impression so that your potential clients don’t choose your competition instead. Consumers are far more likely to choose a business with photos over one that doesn’t.
Should I Use Stock Photos for My Business?
An occasional stock photo here and there is fine, but the majority of your photos should be original ones. Although stock photos may look shiny and nice, they can’t authentically represent your business or help with local SEO. A stock image you use could also be used by thousands of other companies on their own sites. While stock photos aren’t harmful, they aren’t as beneficial as original ones.
Choosing to invest in location-based, original photography is a decision to help your GBP and website perform better in search engine rankings. Many small business owners worry that paying for photos isn’t in their budget, but you would be surprised how a professional shoot could fit into your marketing budget. Photos also yield big returns in click-throughs and conversions, making them well worth the price. Original photography shouldn’t just be an afterthought; it should be an integral part of your SEO strategy.
What types of photos should I include in my Google Business Profile?
It’s not enough to just slap any old photos on your GBP. Your photos should be carefully selected to curate the brand image and message that you want. You should include:
- Photos of the exterior of your building.
- Photos of the building’s interior and your workspace.
- Pictures of members of your team.
- In-action photos of the services you offer.
- Photos of the products that you sell.
- Pictures of available parking for customersNearby street views.
It’s not enough to put just any photos on your website or Google Business Profile. Photos that improve local SEO:
- Were taken recently.
- Is original content.
- Are large and clear.
- Have clean visuals.
- Were taken in realistic lighting.
- Include descriptive alt text.
- Receive engagement from the audience.
- Match your business’s service area.
- Have location keywords in the file name.
- Are properly compressed and optimized.
- Have geotagging.
Long-form Content for Your Small Business
At Highstreet Marketing, we know the importance of incorporating photography into local SEO campaigns. It builds connections with your audience, as well as improves your business’s rankings. Photography tells Google and its users that your business is real and trustworthy. Great visuals may be the missing piece that your brand’s online presence needs. Schedule a consultation with Highstreet Marketing, and we can take your SEO to the next level.