Google Maps Takes A Photo-First Approach

What changed? 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.

How to stay ahead of this change

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.**