Google claims it: establishments that publish images attract more clicks to their site and receive more itinerary requests than those that don’t ( source brightlocal.com). Better still: appearing in the “Local Pack” (the first three map results) can generate up to 126% more traffic and 93% more actions (calls, visits, etc.), as reported on hireawriter.us. In other words, every well-thought-out photo acts as an SEO micro-lever: it enriches the profile, feeds the algorithm with fresh signals and reassures web users.
Summary and contents of the page
The three pillars of a winning photo
| Pillar | Why it’s crucial | Best practices |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Google prefers sharp, realistic visuals | 1:1 ratio recommended, 720 × 720 px minimum, JPG or PNG 10 kB-5 MB |
| Relevance | The image must illustrate the activity and location. | Prefer photos taken in situ; avoid image banks |
| Frequency | A regular feed means an active company | Add 2 to 3 visuals per week, delete obsolete images |
Another point: As always, respect Google’s content policies at the same time: faithful reflections, no excessive filters or intrusive text overlay. support.google.com.
5-step operational plan (including ChatGPT prompts)
Rename files with local keywords
Prompt:
“Generates 10 SEO file names for one-to-one photos (format keyword-local-service.jpg).”
Example: plombier-lyon-vanne-douche.jpg
Why: The file name is often used by Google Images, reinforcing local semantics.
Add location metadata (Geotag)
The subject is the subject of debate: a study by Search Engine Land (March 2025) shows a positive impact limited to “near me” queries, but neutral, or even negative, on “city + service” searches dixit searchengineland.com. In other words, geotagger is not a miracle factor, but can complement the rest of the strategy.
Prompt:
“Explains how to geotag photos for an à and lists free tools.”
Recommended tools: GeoSetter, LocalPics, Grapefruit SEO Geo-Tagger, or the ExifTool API (open-source). Remember to check that Google does not delete tags during upload.
Schedule regular uploads
Prompt:
“Create a photo publishing calendar for a to on Google Business Profile, 2-3 ideas per week for 4 weeks.”
Sample plan:
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Monday: star product / dish of the day
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Wednesday: backstage (team, workshop)
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Friday: before and after / customer testimonial
Repeat, varying seasons and highlights (sales, events, new collections).
Diversifying formats
Prompt:
“Give 10 ideas for photos a to should publish to improve local visibility.”
Generic list: exterior, interior, team, products, customers in situation, manufacturing process, 5★ notice in capture, sponsored local event, 360° photo, “before/after” visual.
Follow Google guidelines to the letter
Prompt:
“Summarizes the image rules for Google Business Profile and indicates what an à should avoid.”
In short: no stock, no duplication, no misleading or blurred content, text overlay < 10% of the image, resolution ≥ 720p, and respect for categories (logo, cover, interior, etc.).
Anticipating the future: the era of visual search
The growing integration of Google Lens and AI Overviews makes visuals even more strategic: they feed into generated responses and interactive carousels that capture mobile attention. Anticipate: plan vertical photos for Maps stories, short videos (≤ 30 s) and a consistent visual charter across all your outlets.
My expert opinion:
A solid Photo SEO strategy combines quality, consistency, diversity and compliance with Google’s requirements. By applying the above prompts, you turn every snapshot into a positive local signal: more visibility, more engagement, and ultimately more sales. At a time when AI blends text, voice and image, visual optimization is no longer a “plus” – it’s the new standard for local e-reputation.
