Optimizing Your Google Business Profile Cover Photo: A Guide to Getting It Right
With frequent updates to Google Business Profile (GBP)—formerly Google My Business—keeping up with critical details like the ideal cover photo dimensions can be challenging. Yet, an incorrectly sized image may undermine your business’s first impression just as potential customers are ready to engage.
To ensure your GBP profile makes a strong impact from the outset, Semrush presents this essential guide to selecting the perfect cover photo size.
Why Your GBP Cover Photo Matters
Your GBP cover photo serves as a potential customer’s first visual introduction to your business online. Given its role in shaping perceptions, optimizing its dimensions is crucial.
On desktop, the cover photo appears on the left, accompanied by a gallery of additional images on the right. On mobile, however, the cover photo takes center stage—users must swipe to see other visuals, making precise sizing even more critical.
According to Google’s 2022 Retail Marketing Guide, searches for “open now near me” surged by 400% year-over-year, cementing GBP as the digital equivalent of a storefront. Just as physical retailers invest weeks perfecting window displays, dedicating a few minutes to fine-tuning your GBP cover photo is a small effort with significant returns.
The Ideal GBP Cover Photo Specifications
The optimal dimensions for a GBP cover photo are 1024 x 576 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio), ensuring crisp display across desktop and mobile devices. Google accepts both JPG and PNG files ranging from 10 KB to 5 MB in size.
For businesses without access to professional editing tools like Adobe Photoshop, numerous free online image editors can help resize visuals to these specifications.
Choosing the Right Image
Your cover photo should instantly communicate your business’s identity and offerings. Consider these tips:
Storefront or entrance shots work best for local businesses, prominently featuring signage.
For businesses where interiors define the experience (e.g., restaurants), an inviting indoor photo may be more effective.
Shoot during daylight for optimal lighting, unless nighttime visuals (e.g., illuminated signage) enhance appeal.
Smartphone cameras suffice, but professional equipment can elevate quality. Avoid heavy filters that misrepresent your physical space.
How to Update Your Cover Photo
Since the Google My Business app’s discontinuation, all GBP edits—including cover photo updates—must be made via Google Search or the Google Maps app. The process remains straightforward: upload your correctly sized image, and your profile will reflect the change shortly.
By prioritizing these details, your GBP profile can effectively capture attention and drive customer action—a small step with outsized impact.
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