Understanding the guidelines set by Google My Business, or GMB, can establish your practice apart from your local competitors. The top three crucial components in Google’s ranking criteria are expertise, authority, and trust. Implementing these throughout a business’s online presence is the key to achieving consumer satisfaction and GMB authority.
The Problem
Google’s primary goal is to protect and satisfy the consumer by providing accurate results within business searches. As a result, many businesses do not meet the requirements set out by GMB and may not attract the attention they are seeking. To attain authority and trust, it is imperative to avoid the use of stock images, phone numbers, and addresses in a business’s signage.
Stock Photos Don’t Work
Stock photos are licensed images of common ideas or places that can reach across a wide variety of industries and do not provide individuality. Original photos rank higher as they grant consumers an accurate depiction of the place in which they are seeking care. According to Google My Business Help, “Businesses that add photos to their Business Profiles receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps, and 35% more clicks through to their websites.” Original photos should be of high-quality, visually-appealing, and clear without the need to zoom in for clarity.
The more imagery provided, the more a business can be trusted. Businesses that rank the highest include photos with different angles and components of the storefront and signage. Proper storefront signage includes the name of the business and, at times, the street number of the listed address.
Phone Numbers and Addresses
Businesses with phone numbers in their signage are more likely to be flagged or unauthenticated by GMB as they are considered temporary. A phone number can always be changed, which would invalidate the business’s signage and require alteration. Signage, or storefront lettering, should only state the business name and, when necessary, the suite number.
Addresses may be provided on the door but should not be visible in the business’s main photo. When taking a photo of the storefront or front door, ensure the phone number and address are left out. Businesses without a storefront, even in a business center or community building, should provide a photo of the physical door with the business name and suite number only. In this case, it may be a good idea to include a photo of the center’s directory with the practice name and suite number listed along with the physical door.
Storefront With Street Number
Business Center Directory
Solutions
To ensure your business or practice ranks high on GMB and attracts consumers, original high-quality photos are of the utmost importance. Photos should be compressed to between 10 KB and 5 MB in either JPEG or PNG format to fit GMB guidelines. When magnified, photos should remain clear and easily readable. The photo should be free of distraction and focus on the subject matter alone (e.g., the door or the front desk).
Businesses that operate in a business center or community building should provide images of the exterior and interior directories, including only their practice’s name and suite number. They must also provide a main photo of their front door with a clear sign, name card, or plaque that states their business name and suite number. Businesses with phone numbers or addresses on their storefronts must ensure these components are hidden from view in the images sent to GMB support to avoid being flagged.
Protruding Sign
Metal PlaqueBusiness Center Directory
Doctor Genius works alongside the constantly changing Google algorithm to provide clients with the best outcomes. Before activating an account, we will verify that all photos follow GMB guidelines and assure they are of the highest quality before inputting them into the system. We also help clients choose images indicative of their practice when designing their websites to ensure quality and individuality. To learn more about the services we offer or discuss how we can help you make the most of your website and practice, contact us today or schedule a free demo.
