For over a decade, Location Assets, previously known as Location Extensions, have been a cornerstone of successful Google Ads strategies for local businesses. Despite undergoing several name changes, their core function has remained constant: seamlessly connecting your Google Business Profile to Google Ads, enabling your ads to showcase your location to nearby searchers.

Recently, Google introduced a significant enhancement to Location Assets, automatically incorporating include an image of their local business along with address and hours. This update aims to make your ads more prominent on search engine results pages, boost performance, and foster trust in your business.

Source This article will delve into:

• Integrating your business images into Google Ads Location Assets
• Best practices for using images effectively in Location Assets
• Opting out of image display in Location Assets Let’s explore these aspects.

Displaying Your Business Images in Google Ads Location Assets

To leverage this feature, ensure your Google Business Profile is up-to-date, linked to Google Ads, and has location extensions enabled in your campaigns. Google will then automatically showcase your Google Business Profile’s merchant photos.

Importantly, only images uploaded directly as merchant photos to your GBP will be used; photos from reviews or visitors won’t be displayed, ensuring brand consistency in your ads.

1. Creating and Managing Merchant Photos in Your Google Business Profile

Start by uploading at least one merchant photo to your Google Business Profile. Sign in, select “Add Photo,” and choose from the available options:

2. Uploading Your Images

You can upload three types of photos:

• Logo: Ensures brand consistency and recognition across Google, appearing next to posts, replies, and reviews.
• Cover photo: The most prominent image, often displayed first in your GBP listing and frequently used in Location Assets.
• Photo: Supplementary images enhancing your GBP listing, often appearing alongside the cover photo. Include diverse and engaging visuals.

3. Removing Outdated Photos

Maintain a polished image by removing outdated or low-quality photos. Log in, navigate to the “Photos” section, select “By owner,” choose the image, and click the trash can icon to delete it.

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Best Practices for Images in Google Business Profile and Google Ads Location Assets

A well-maintained Google Business Profile is crucial not just for Location Assets but also for your online presence overall. It significantly influences Google’s local SEO ranking algorithm and is often the first point of contact for potential customers.

Regularly update your GBP with complete and accurate information to project an image of an active, responsive, and reliable business.

1. Prioritizing a High-Quality Cover Photo

Your cover photo is paramount, often appearing alongside your GBP and Google Ads. Choose an image that accurately represents your brand and is visually appealing. Ensure proper lighting, focus, and minimal editing. Google suggests a minimum size of 720 x 720 pixels.

2. Incorporating a Variety of Photos

Showcase different facets of your business to engage potential customers:

• Exterior Images: Help customers locate your business with images from various angles, highlighting parking, transit options, and nighttime views.
• Interior Images: Convey the ambiance of your establishment by showcasing product displays, seasonal decorations, waiting areas, and amenities.
• Staff Photos: Add a personal touch with authentic images of your team in action, fostering trust and connection. Avoid formal headshots.

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3. Creating a Google Ads Logo Asset

Complement your GBP logo by creating a dedicated logo asset in Google Ads, reinforcing your brand consistently across search results. Verification of your Google Ads account is required for this feature.

4. Enhancing Ads with Image Assets

While Location Assets with images automatically appear in local searches, reach a broader audience by incorporating image assets into your campaigns. These visuals enhance your ads’ appeal, regardless of the searcher’s location.

Image assets offer flexibility, allowing you to highlight seasonal events, promotions, products, or services that might not be suitable for your GBP.

Opting Out of Automatic Image Inclusion in Local Google Ads

If your GBP images aren’t visually appealing, you can opt out of displaying them in your ads:

1. In Google Ads, go to “Ads and Assets” > “Assets.”
2. Under “Associations view,” click the three-dot menu and select “Account-level automated assets.”
3. Click the three-dot menu again and choose “Advanced settings.”
4. Under “Automatic locations,” uncheck the box granting permission to use photos from your GBP. Save your changes.

Showcasing Your Business with Enhanced Location Assets

These Location Asset enhancements provide local advertisers with a powerful tool to stand out from competitors on search results pages. As this feature becomes more widely available, now is an opportune time to review your Google Business Profile and establish a strong visual presence in local search results.