How to add photo to google review [step by step]

I often see people skim through Google reviews, zeroing in on user-submitted photos. If you’re like me, you want the visuals to be accurate so you know exactly what to expect of the place.

Photographs in a Google review can reveal the ambiance, menu offerings, event setup, or the general look and feel of the location. Yet, adding these images for a review isn’t always straightforward.

In this article, I’ll explain why images matter, how they impact a business’s SEO, how to add them to your own reviews, and how you can make your images really stand out.

Why Commercial Photos Matter in Local Reviews

Your images can show authenticity and build trust. From my personal experience, if I see fresh, helpful photos in a Google review—like a café’s latte art or a store’s product layout—I immediately feel more confident about visiting. Photos reduce uncertainty.

No one wants to walk into a restaurant only to find it looks very different than expected.

When a business has many user-generated photos, potential customers see genuine experiences rather than just polished official marketing shots. This can influence consumer decisions more than text alone.

Key advantages of images in Google reviews include:

• They provide visual context and strengthen the credibility of the review.
• They help new customers quickly gauge the atmosphere, product quality, or cleanliness of a location.
• They let your review stand out, as many readers will scroll specifically for pictures.

In short: Photos solve problems fast. They show what the place is really like, removing uncertainty and building trust quickly.

The SEO Angle: How Images and Reviews Affect Visibility

User-generated images can also boost a business’s local SEO. Search engines like Google consider aspects such as the overall review score, the frequency of reviews, the mention of specific keywords in text, and the presence of user-submitted photos. In other words, the richer your review content is—including images—the more it can help the business rank well in local map packs.

A quick note on a case study:
There’s an in-depth piece of research by EmbedSocial (link: https://embedsocial.com/blog/google-reviews-seo-benefits/) that shows how reviews can affect a business’s local SEO. One major takeaway is that Google’s local ranking algorithms often weigh review number and quality heavily. Adding a photo makes your review appear more complete to Google’s systems.

Adding Images to a Google Review (Desktop)

Here is the step-by-step process for a desktop or laptop user. I remember the first time I tried to add a photo, it wasn’t obvious. Here’s what I do now:

1. Search for the Business on Google
   Type the business name or relevant keywords in the Google search bar. In the right-hand panel (the Business Profile), you’ll see a star rating and a link that says something like “Google reviews.”
2. Click on “Write a Review”
   A box will pop up where you can rate the business and write your feedback.
3. Select the Photo Icon
   Typically, below the text box, you’ll find a small camera or photo icon that says “Add Photos.”
4. Choose or Drag and Drop Images
   Browse your computer for the appropriate images. You can usually upload JPEGs or PNGs. Some people also use WebP or HEIC files, but for maximum compatibility, I stick to JPEG or PNG.
5. Write the Text, Then Submit
   Type your written review, and once that’s done, click “Post” or “Submit.” Your images should now appear with your review.

Tips

• Use descriptive filenames for your images. This is more relevant for business owners, but organizing your files never hurts.
• Keep your image size reasonable. Google usually supports images up to 5–10 MB, but I prefer keeping them around 1–3 MB for faster uploads.
• If your photo doesn’t appear immediately, wait a minute or two since Google sometimes takes time to process images.

Adding Images to a Google Review (Mobile)

Sometimes I’m out and about, and I want to post a quick shot of a new spot—so I do it on my phone. The process is similar but adjusted for mobile:

1. Open Google Maps or the Google Search App
   Type in the business name.
2. Go to the Business Profile
   Scroll down to “Reviews” or look for the “Rate and review” prompt.
3. Tap “Write a Review”
   After selecting your star rating, you’ll see options to add text and images.
4. Attach Image
   Tap the photo icon. If needed, allow Google access to your phone’s photo library. Then choose the image you want to add or capture a new one.
5. Finish and Submit
   When you’re done, post your review. The images will appear along with your text.

Tips

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection so your images upload without issues.
• If the photo was taken in “Portrait” mode, double-check that it appears properly and isn’t sideways, as phone orientation data can sometimes be misinterpreted.

Best Practices for Photos in Google Reviews

Quality > Quantity:
You don’t need many random shots. One or two clear images can be more useful than several poorly lit or repetitive photos.

Natural Lighting:
Try to use natural lighting whenever possible. Dark or grainy images might not capture the true look of the place.

Relevant Subjects:
Focus on the important aspects: the product you purchased, the dish you had, or the general ambiance of the space. Random photos that do not relate to the place won’t help anyone.

Show the Experience:
If you’re reviewing a restaurant, consider including a picture of the menu or the way the food is presented. '

For a retail store, photos of the product displays or unique store design elements can be useful.

Think about what you would want to see if you were visiting for the first time.

Good vs. Poor Image Examples

Reading this table might remind you of a time you came across a very blurry photo in a Google review—hardly useful, right? Let’s avoid that.

What Makes a Photo Stand Out?

I see reviews with pictures that immediately catch my eye. Usually, these images have:

• A clear focus on the main subject
• Bright colors with balanced light
• Little to no use of heavy filters that change the authentic look

Whenever I check out a new coffee shop and see a clear photograph of their latte art from above, I get interested enough to visit. A well-taken photo can be a deciding factor.

Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Using Stock Photos: Google may remove these because they do not show a genuine user experience.
2. Over-editing: I’ve come across photos with heavy filters that make the image look unrealistic.
3. Spamming: Posting numerous similar photos can clutter the review and put off readers.
4. Violating Guidelines: Google’s policies prohibit content featuring nudity, violence, or hate. Even borderline images might be flagged or removed.

Photo Formats, Sizes, and Resolutions

These are the best practices for phots in reviews:

• JPEG or PNG formats (aim for files under 5 MB)
• Resolution around 720×720 pixels or higher to ensure clarity without slowing down uploads

I usually keep my photos at 1280×960 or 1600×1200 for a good balance. Using the sRGB color space is common on many devices, which helps keep colors consistent. The bottom line is that if your photo looks good on your phone or computer, it’s fine.

Encouraging Others to Add Photos

If you own a business or handle marketing, consider asking your happy customers to include pictures in their reviews. Many users are unaware of how helpful their images can be. A sign by the checkout area or a brief note in an email invoice (“We’d appreciate your photos in a review!”) can motivate them.

Some simple suggestions for business owners:

• Provide a short link or QR code that opens the review page.
• Use a sign that says “Snap & Share your experience on Google!”
• Reply to reviews and photos promptly to show appreciation.

When a business encourages its customers to add photos, it helps establish a more trustworthy image.

My Personal Routine: Updating Old Reviews with Photos

One often overlooked tip is that if you once posted a text-only review, you can revisit it and add a photo. This can update your review and refresh the conversation around a business. So if you have an older review without visuals, consider updating it with a new, relevant image—perhaps from a recent visit.

How-to:

• On desktop, visit your Google Maps under “Contributions” or “Your reviews.”
• Find the older review and click “Edit review.”
• Attach the new images and save your changes.
  It’s a quick fix that can make your review more engaging.

Linking Photos to Higher-Quality Leads

There is a useful tip for those who add captions to their photos. Including keywords like “best vegan pizza in Denver” can create a stronger connection between your text, star rating, and image. Over time, this extra detail can help the business show up for specific searches, especially if your profile is already established.

Google picks up signals from user content, so images that match the review content add extra context.

FAQ: Google Review Photos

Here i have gathered the most asked questions regarding Google review photos

How do I add a photo to my Google review?

To add a photo to your Google review, first log into your Google account, navigate to the business you want to review, click on "Write a review," and then select the camera icon to upload your photo.

Can I add multiple photos to a single Google review?

Yes, you can add multiple photos to a single Google review by selecting and uploading multiple images when prompted during the review process.

Why should I add photos to my Google review?

Adding photos to your Google review enhances the credibility and usefulness of your feedback, providing other users with visual context and a more comprehensive understanding of your experience.

Are there any restrictions on the types of photos I can upload to a Google review?

Yes, Google has guidelines that prohibit uploading photos that are offensive, irrelevant, or violate privacy. Ensure your images are appropriate and relevant to the business you are reviewing.