Your Google Business Profile supports multiple image types — logo, cover photo, and general photos. Each serves a different purpose. The logo appears in your listing’s knowledge panel and builds brand recognition in search. The cover photo is your primary visual impression. General photos show your facility, staff, and environment. Google’s algorithm treats profiles with complete, high-quality images as more credible, and patients consistently engage more with listings that have real photos over stock imagery.
Image Types and Specifications
Image Type
Specs
Notes
Logo
720 × 720 px minimum
JPG or PNG
Max 5MB
JPG or PNG
Max 5MB
Square format required. Appears in search results next to your business name. Use your actual logo — not a photo.
Cover Photo
1080 × 608 px minimum
16:9 ratio
JPG or PNG
Max 5MB
16:9 ratio
JPG or PNG
Max 5MB
Primary visual on your profile. Google may override your selection with an auto-generated cover — set a high-quality image to minimize this.
General Photos
720 px minimum (either side)
JPG or PNG
Max 5MB
JPG or PNG
Max 5MB
Interior, exterior, team, at-work shots. More photos = more engagement. Minimum 5–10 photos for a complete profile.
How to Add or Update Images
1
Go to your Google Business Profile
Search Google for your business name while signed in, then click “Edit profile” — or go to business.google.com.
2
Select “Add photo” or navigate to the Photos tab
From the profile dashboard, click “Add photo.” For logo and cover specifically, look for the edit icon overlaid on those image areas.
3
Choose the photo category
Select the appropriate type: Logo, Cover, Interior, Exterior, At Work, Team, or Product. Categorized photos display in the correct section of your profile.
4
Upload and confirm
Upload your file. Google reviews images before they go live — typically within minutes, but can take up to 24 hours. Images that violate Google’s policies will be rejected without notification.
What to Avoid
✕
Stock photography — Google’s guidelines discourage it and patients can tell. Use real photos of your actual location and team.
✕
Text overlays or promotional graphics — GBP photos should show your business, not be used as ad space. These may be rejected.
✕
Patient identifiable information in photos — Any image that could reveal patient information violates HIPAA. Never photograph patients without explicit written authorization.
✕
Low-resolution or blurry images — Poor quality images reflect poorly on your practice and may be suppressed in favor of user-uploaded photos.
A fully optimized Google Business Profile goes beyond images — categories, services, hours, and review management all contribute to local ranking. See Direction’s full guide to creating and optimizing your Google Business Profile.