When Do You Know It’s Time To Upgrade Your Photos on Google?
Google My Business lets you add still images, videos, and a virtual tour of your business. Over time, though, your images can become outdated. When that happens, they no longer show your business at its best. Here are a few signs that it’s time to upgrade your photos on Google.
Your premises have changed, like new decor or renovations.
Customers and staff in your photos look different or are no longer current.
You have improved lighting, design, or a better atmosphere to showcase.
Competitors have better, more recent visuals online.
You want to show off new features, products, or services.
Adding fresh, high-quality images keeps your Google profile attractive and up to date. Consistent updates also help attract more customers.
↑↑ Move the slider above to compare the image for quality and face blurring ↑↑
Why Upgrading Makes a Big Difference
Earlier this year, Karl from House of Pocket asked me to upgrade the virtual tours at several venues. I checked their profiles and instantly saw the potential for improvement. Old virtual tour images can look OK at first, especially if you have nothing to compare. But side-by-side, the differences stand out.
When it comes to virtual tours, working with a specialist in commercial photography makes all the difference. Even if two images are shot with similar equipment, the results can be miles apart. Why? Skill and technique matter.
About the Example Above
The original image in the example slider looks blurry and lacks contrast, even though it was shot with professional gear. In contrast, my updated shot shows true-to-life detail. Good photography starts with understanding light, composition, and proper focus. For the Crooked Tailor, a popular cocktail bar and restaurant in Castle Hill NSW, we wanted to make the space look as inviting and true-to-life as possible.
Both images were taken from nearly the same spot. I captured the screenshots on a high-resolution 4K display for a fair comparison. We plan to request the original virtual tour be removed soon. You can view our 75-megapixel standard here.
Why Quality Takes More Time and Skill
Adding people to 360° photos boosts authenticity, but it also increases the challenge. You deal with shifting light, moving subjects, and complex indoor-outdoor mixes. I use a special HDR (high dynamic range) technique by blending several exposures. This way, the image looks just like what you see with your eyes.
HDR is usually tricky for photos with people, since movement causes blur. My approach lets me include happy, natural people without these issues. That’s how we get high-quality, sharp, and inviting imagery for each virtual tour.
High-Quality Virtual Tours Help You Get Better Conversions
Next time someone wants to shoot a virtual tour for your business, ask if they can show people unblurred, and check a few examples. Don’t let a low-quality virtual tour give clients the wrong idea about your business.
Ask photographers about their process and have a look at their portfolio. When you use fresh, authentic images with real people, you help your business connect with more customers. That leads to better first impressions, higher trust, and more conversions.