As businesses strive to make their mark in the digital world, having a strong presence on platforms like Google Business is crucial. Google Business Profile allows you to showcase your business to potential customers and clients, giving them a glimpse of what you have to offer. One of the most impactful ways to engage with your audience is through captivating photos and videos. However, there are some essential rules and guidelines for posting photos and videos on your Google Business Profile to keep in mind. But don’t worry! CI Web Group is here to provide insight into these rules and will help ensure you make a lasting impression on your audience. This is what you need to keep in mind:
Authenticity: No Stock Photos or Irrelevant Content
When it comes to posting photos and videos on your Google Business Profile, authenticity is key. Screenshots, stock photos, GIFs, and other manually created or third-party imagery should not be uploaded. To ensure relevance, photos or videos must be taken by users at the location in question. It's important to remember that the primary subject of the content should be related to the location. Avoid posting selfie photos where the person or group is the main focus, as these may be removed.
Minimal Stylistic Adjustments for Maximum Impact
Stylistic adjustments can enhance the visual appeal of your photos and videos. However, it's important to use them judiciously. Filters and other stylistic changes are acceptable as long as they are minimal and don't include elements like borders, text, collaged images, or any other distracting superimposed graphics. The goal is to present your business in the best possible light while maintaining an authentic representation of the place. Excessively dark or blurry images and filters that dramatically alter the representation of the place should be avoided.
Quality Matters: Resolution and Focus
Images must meet a certain resolution requirement to ensure they are visually appealing. The exact resolution requirements may vary depending on the photo type and point of upload. Blurry, out-of-focus, or low-quality photos/videos may be taken down or rejected. Similarly, for videos, it's essential to only upload stable content with good visual quality. Avoid uploading videos that are out of focus, shaky, or have bad exposure. Additionally, distorted or corrupted videos are not allowed.
Relevance of Superimposed Text or Graphics
If you choose to include superimposed text or graphics in your photos or videos, make sure they are relevant to your business and add value to the viewer's understanding. Avoid using distracting superimposed text or graphics that may take away from the overall experience. The goal is to enhance the content, not overshadow it. Be mindful of the message you convey through any superimposed elements.
360° Photos: Creating an Immersive Experience
360° photos offer a unique way to engage your audience and provide an immersive experience. To ensure the best results with 360° photos, keep the following guidelines in mind for your Google Business Profile:
- Wrap 360°: Your 360° photos should seamlessly wrap around, with no gaps in the horizon imagery. While they don’t need to extend to the zenith and nadir (top to bottom), it’s crucial to minimize gaps or holes between the top and bottom edges of your photo.
- Stitching Errors: Minor stitching errors are acceptable, but photos with significant stitching artifacts may be rejected. Ensure that the photo maintains its integrity and appears as seamless as possible.
- Resolution: 360° photos should have a minimum resolution of 4K, with a resolution of 3,840 pixels by 2,160 pixels or greater. This ensures that the details are crisp and clear, offering an engaging viewing experience.
- Connecting Photos: When publishing multiple 360° photos in one area, connections between them may be automatically generated. Whether these connections are manual or automatic, Google may adjust, remove, or create new connections to ensure a realistic and connected viewing experience for users. Be mindful of creating connections between nearby vantage points to avoid disorienting first-time explorers.
- Protect the Map: While connecting 360° photos, refrain from using their close pin/dot proximity or the resulting blue line map visualization to write messages, draw symbols, pictures, or deface the map. Maintain the integrity of the map and ensure a professional representation of your business.
Attribution Considerations for 360° Photos
If you choose to include any form of attribution, such as watermarks or authorship information, in the zenith or nadir of your 360° photos, it’s essential to follow the guidelines mentioned earlier regarding superimposed text or graphics. Ensure that any attribution you add is relevant and doesn’t distract from the overall viewing experience.
Rely on CI Web Group's Expertise
Navigating the intricacies of Google Business Profile can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to creating captivating photo and video content. That’s where CI Web Group’s expertise comes in. With years of experience in digital and online marketing, CI Web Group understands the ins and outs of Google Business Profile and can help you optimize your online presence. Trust our knowledge and rely on our guidance to create compelling visuals that leave a lasting impression on your audience.
