Google Maps Takes A Photo-First Approach

Google Maps search now prioritizes photos in the search result layout. This means when your customers search for "pumpkin patch with my dog," they'll see listings with the most relevant photos. In this "photo-first" approach, photos from your Google Business Profile Listing will be displayed above your listing's name and details.

According to Google, the results are "based on the analysis of billions of photos shared by the Google Maps community — all done with AI and advanced image recognition models." The goal is for your customers to find spots that match exactly what they're looking for.

This new interface will be rolling out in France, Germany, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. first.

Google has also mentioned they hope to spark "inspiration in a whole new way" through their Maps interface. As a step in this direction, in the coming weeks, Google looks to provide users with more thematic suggestions such as "anime", "cherry blossoms", or "art exhibitions" if you search for "things to do" in Tokyo.

With the increased emphasis on photos, the more photos that your listing has, the better Google will be able to direct your target customers to you. You can upload photos through the "Add Photo" option on your Google Business Profile.

As a business owner, you may also want to encourage your customers to upload photos when they review your business on Google.

When managing tens or thousands of Listings, logging into each Google Listing to add photos can be time-consuming. This is why Yext has made it easy for you to manage photos for all of your listings at scale, directly within the Platform.

Want to learn more about managing your Google listings with Yext? Click here to read our guide.