What is the Google Business Profile Cover Photo?
The cover photo of your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is the first image potential customers see when viewing your profile on Google Search (regular search results) or Google Maps. It can convey a lot about your business and help create a positive and intriguing first impression.
How to Change the Google Business Profile Cover Photo?
To change your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) you can simply follow these steps:
How to Add a Cover Photo to Your GBP from Your Computer
- Search your business on either Google Search or Google Maps.
- Click on “Photos” and then on “Add a cover photo”.
- Select your photo.
How to Add a Cover Photo to Your GBP from Your Smartphone or Tablet
- Open the Google Maps app.
- In the bottom right corner, you will see “Business”.
- To add a cover photo tap on “More” and select “Cover Photo”.
- Select your photo.
- Click on either “Publish” (Apple) or “Post” (Android) in the bottom right corner.
What Size Is the Cover Photo?
The optimal size of a Google Business Profile cover photo is 1200 x 900 pixels. If your photo is too big or too small, you risk either important parts being cut off or the quality being too blurry. Nobody wants to see a photo where they can count the pixels!
Upload Status Meaning
There are different statuses that can show after you finish uploading your photo. Here are their meanings:
- Pending: Pending means that your photo is currently either still uploading or processing. It can also be the case that your profile is not yet verified. Keep in mind that pending photos are not visible on your GBP.
- Not approved: Your photo has been found to violate Google’s policy and is therefore flagged. It doesn’t show up on your GBP.
- Live: All good, your photo is approved and shows on your GBP.
Tip from Diana: No worries if your photo does not immediately appear! It can sometimes take up to 48 hours before it is fully processed. Before taking further actions, make sure to wait at least 48 hours after you have uploaded the image.
Why Is My Uploaded Cover Photo Not Showing?
While Google allows you to upload a designated cover photo it will not always be the definite selection. Sometimes Google chooses a different photo on your behalf that can originate from:
- Your own uploads
- User-generated content (photos uploaded with customer reviews)
- Google Street View images
- Local Directories Images
- Other sources (e.g. from another GBP or site)
Why Are My Photos Rejected on My Google Business Profile?
Sometimes it can happen that Google rejects the cover photo that you tried to upload. You will see then that the status is showing “Not approved”.
What Should You Do if Google Selects a Cover Photo for Your Google Business Profile?
If it happens that Google selects a different cover photo instead of your original choice, either immediately or after some time, there are a few tricks you can try to influence the cover photo. While you may not always get Google to use your preferred image, you can at least prompt a change to a more favorable one from a pool of acceptable photos. Here's how you can do it in different scenarios:
Scenario #1 - Google Selected a Cover Photo from My Uploaded Images
The most common scenario is that Google selects a different photo from your pool of uploaded images instead of your intended cover photo. This usually happens because Google’s automated systems identify a photo that (according to their algorithm) better represents your business. However, you know your business best, and we understand that Google’s choice isn’t always ideal or satisfactory. Follow these steps to higher the chance of a favorable photo being selected:
- Log in to your Google Business Profile Manager.
- Click on “Photos”.
- Locate the photo which has been selected as the cover photo by Google.
- Click on the little trashcan to delete the photo.
- Check your image library again and remove all images that you don’t want to have as a cover photo.
- Upload new photos which are all acceptable cover photos.
- Schedule Google Posts using these photos or select even more photos.
Scenario #2 - Google Selected a Cover Photo from Customer Review Uploads
Our customer success manager Diana has encountered this scenario already in the past: “Following an inquiry, I discovered that the cover photo in the dialogue was posted by a customer; thus, I will encourage you to proceed to have the photo reported for removal by following the procedures below.”
If a cover photo has been selected from the pool of photos submitted by customers (e.g., when they wrote a review and added a photo), you can request to have this image removed.
Request the Customer Photo Removal in Google Search
To request the removal of a customer photo while using Google Search follow these steps:
- Locate your GBP.
- Select “Photos” and choose “View all photos”.
- Select the photo that you want to have removed.
- Select “Report a problem”.
- Now you need to select a reason for the violation.
- Lastly, click on “Submit”.
Request the Customer Photo Removal on Google Maps
If you want to request the removal of a customer photo using Google Maps you can follow these steps:
- Go to your GBP.
- Select “See Business Profile” and then go to “Photos”.
- Select the Photo you want to have removed.
- At the right corner at the top select “More” and “Report this photo”.
- Now you need to select a reason for the violation.
- Lastly, click on “Submit”.
Scenario #3 - Google Selected a Cover Photo That Does Not Represent or Show My Business
Occasionally, Google may associate the wrong photo with your GBP. For example, a photo from a different GBP might appear as your cover image or a photo from an unrelated directory listing could show up. While rare, this can happen, and if you notice it, you should report the image immediately. To do this, follow the same steps outlined in the previous scenario.
Tip from Diana: Diana knows our client’s frustrations when the chosen cover photo eventually does not end up being Google’s choice as well.
“Try to use Google Posts! The more high-quality images you post that you would like to see as a cover photo, the higher your chance is that one of them will get picked over time!”
How Does A Good Google Business Profile Cover Photo Look?
But what does a good cover photo for your Google Business Profile actually look like? Choosing the right image that best represents your business can increase the chances that Google will select it as your cover photo. When selecting a cover photo from the images you have of your business, products, or services, ensure they meet the following criteria:
- High Quality & Clear: Use a high-resolution image that isn’t blurry or with too many pixels showing.
- Relevant to Your Business: The image should represent your brand, such as a storefront, your team in action, or a signature product/service.
- Good Lighting: Ensure the photo is properly lit, avoiding dark or overly shadowed images. Natural light works best.
- Visually Appealing Colors: Choose an image with vibrant yet professional colors that align with your branding.
- Minimal Clutter: Keep the photo clean and focused, avoiding too many distracting elements.
- Professional Composition: Use balanced framing and avoid awkward angles. Center key elements for a polished look.
- Brand Identity Highlighted: Incorporate your logo, business name, or something unique to your brand (e.g., recognizable signage).
- Authentic: Showcase a real aspect of your business rather than stock photos, which might feel impersonal.
- Fits the Dimensions: Use the correct size for Google Business Profile (recommendation: 1200 x 900 pixels) to avoid cropping important details.
- Emotionally Engaging: Choose an image that resonates with your audience, like happy customers, inviting interiors, or a stunning product setup.
Regularly updating your Google Posts and photos increases the likelihood of having an appealing photo selected as your cover image! If you need assistance managing the visual aesthetics of your Google Business Profile, contact us for a free demo of our tools and expert advice on enhancing your online presence.
