Google Business Profile – Photo Guide
Photos help new patients get a feel for your practice before they ever walk in. Google reports that businesses with photos get more requests for directions and more clicks to their website than those without. This guide covers what to upload, how to upload it, and how to keep your photos fresh.
What photos to add
Aim for a mix across these categories. Interior and team photos tend to perform best for healthcare practices.
| Photo type | How many | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Logo | 1 | Shows your brand in search results and on Maps |
| Cover photo | 1 | The large banner image Google shows on your profile |
| Interior | 3–5 | Shows patients what to expect when they arrive |
| Exterior | 3–5 | Helps patients recognize your building from the street |
| Team or staff | 3–6 | Puts friendly faces to your practice and builds trust |
| Care in action | 5–10 | Shows the services you offer |
| Equipment | 3–5 | Highlights the tools and technology you use |
| Community or events | 3–5 | Shows your involvement in the local community |
Keep photos real and approachable. A smiling team photo works better than a formal headshot, and stock photos should be avoided.
How to upload your photos
- Sign in to Google. Go to google.com and sign in with the Google account connected to your Business Profile.
- Find your profile. Search for your practice name and city. Your Business Profile will appear with editing options for owners.
- Open Photos. Click Photos, then Add photos.
- Choose your images. Select photos from your computer or phone. You can upload several at once.
- Check that they’re live. Photos usually appear within a few minutes, but Google can take up to 24 hours to process them.
Your logo and cover photo are the most visible images on your profile, so choose them carefully. Photos only show on Google once your Business Profile is verified.
Photo requirements
| Photos | Videos | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | JPG or PNG | Most phone videos (MP4, MOV) |
| File size | 10 KB to 5 MB | Up to 75 MB |
| Size or quality | 720 x 720 px recommended, 250 x 250 px minimum | 720p or higher, up to 30 seconds |
Most photos taken on a smartphone meet these requirements without any changes.
Google’s photo rules
- Use real photos of your practice. Stock photos, screenshots, and GIFs aren’t allowed.
- Photos should be in focus, well lit, and show your practice as it really looks.
- Light filters are fine, but don’t add borders, text, or collages.
- Any logo or text added on top of a photo should be small, relevant, and kept to one edge.
Photos that break these rules may be removed by Google.
Photos from patients
Patients can add their own photos to your profile too, and it’s a great way to show real experiences at your practice. A few easy ways to encourage them:
- Just ask. Mention it in person, add a note to your emails, or put up a small sign at the front desk.
- Create a photo-friendly spot. A fun backdrop or a community wall gives patients a reason to snap a picture.
Before you take or share any photo of a patient, get their written permission. This applies to photos your team uploads and any photo shared from your practice’s accounts.
Removing a patient or public photo
If a photo someone else uploaded is low quality or breaks Google’s rules, you can ask Google to remove it:
- Open the photo on your Business Profile.
- Click Report a problem and choose the reason that fits.
- Google will review it. If it isn’t removed, contact Google Business Profile support.
To keep an eye on new uploads, open Photos on your profile and select the By customer tab. Photos you upload as the owner are prioritized over public submissions.
How often to update
Add new photos regularly so your profile always reflects your practice today. Good times to refresh:
- When a new team member joins
- When you add a service or new equipment
- After a renovation or office move
- With the seasons, so your exterior photos look current
Need a hand? Contact our Client Support team and we’ll be happy to help.