Here’s a quick thing to check this week. Open your Google Business Profile, tap on Photos, and look at the newest one. When was it added?
For a lot of Denver businesses, the answer is “a long time ago.” The profile was set up, a few photos went up, and then life got busy. That’s normal. But it’s worth fixing, because those photos are often the first look a customer gets at your business.
Why fresh photos matter
When someone finds you on Google Maps or in search, they’re usually comparing you with a few other businesses. Photos help them decide. A profile with recent, real photos tells a customer you’re open, active and paying attention. A profile with three blurry photos from years ago leaves them wondering.
Photos also answer practical questions. What does the front of the building look like? Where do I park? Is this the right truck pulling into my driveway? The easier you make it for someone to picture working with you, the easier it is for them to call.
What photos to add
- Your storefront or entrance. Take it from the street, the way a customer would see it when they pull up. If you’re a service business without a storefront, a clear photo of your marked truck or van does the same job.
- Your team. A simple photo of the people who will answer the phone or show up at the door. It doesn’t need to be posed. Friendly and real is better than polished.
- Recent work. A finished kitchen, a clean install, a happy patient’s new smile (with permission), a fresh batch of something coming out of the oven. Whatever you do, show it.
- Inside your space. Waiting room, showroom, counter, dining room. Help first-time customers know what to expect.
What to clean up
Adding is only half of it. Take a few minutes to remove photos that no longer fit:
- Old signage or a previous logo
- A location you’ve moved away from
- Staff who no longer work with you
- Products or services you don’t offer anymore
Keep in mind that customers can upload photos to your profile too. You can’t always delete those, but you can report ones that are inappropriate or don’t belong to your business. Adding your own good photos regularly also helps the best ones show up first.
A simple routine that sticks
You don’t need a photographer or a big project. A phone and a few minutes is enough. Here’s a routine that works for most small businesses:
- Pick one day a month. The first Monday is easy to remember.
- Take three to five new photos. One of the outside, one of the team or work in progress, and a couple of finished jobs or products.
- Check the lighting. Daylight is your friend. Wipe the camera lens. Hold the phone steady.
- Upload them to your Google Business Profile. Then scroll through the older photos and remove anything outdated.
That’s it. Fifteen minutes a month keeps your profile looking alive.
A few things to avoid
- Stock photos. Customers can spot them, and they don’t show your actual business.
- Heavy filters or text on photos. Keep them natural. Your profile isn’t an ad.
- Photos of customers without permission. Always ask first, and respect a “no.”
- Anything that shows private information, like paperwork, screens or someone’s house number.
The bottom line
Your Google profile is like a front window people look through before they ever call. Keeping fresh, real photos in it is one of the simplest ways to look open and trustworthy, and it costs nothing but a few minutes.