But there is more to the story. The first picture that you add to your listing becomes the picture that the world will see when the go "inside" to view Places that are not on the page 1 Map. (In the trade we call that the "outside." Go ahead and try it out if you haven't done so before. Look up any local business, e.g. Piano Instruction Chicago. Below the seven listings on the Outside you will see a line that says "More results near Chicago, IL ». Click on this link and you will go "inside." Here there may be 100's of additional listing in rank order. Notice that some have pictures and some do not.
Is there any doubt in your mind that those with pictures are more likely to get attention? Let me ask you a second question. Do you think that most folks care what your storefront looks like. How about your Logo? Probably not. Select this picture with care. How can you create an emotional response that is likely to get folks to pick your listing ahead of others.
Once you select a picture, you merely upload it. Boy, do I wish it was that easy. And sometimes it is. Unfortunately Google Places has VERY limited options for uploading. Size and shape both come into play. Read the Google rules for the picture if your first effort turns out badly. My only addition to their rules is that square pictures seem to work best.
The pictures show up on your full listing, so now use these to advantage. Once someone has taken the trouble to check out your listing, give them some more visuals that will tempt them in your direction. Some people read, some like to look at pictures. How can your pictures tell a story?
Now put up some YouTube Videos. They don't have to be your own. Hopefully you have some. If not, we can help you with that for under $300 per video. If you don't have any videos and you don't have $300, find videos on YouTube that are about your products and services. Use a suppliers' video, a reviewer, or a user. There is no restriction on what types of videos you use, so put some up that will help promote your company.
