Why are my Google Business Photos not Approved?

If you're a small business owner trying to improve your online presence, you've probably spent time building and optimizing your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business).

It’s frustrating when you upload photos, only to find they haven’t been approved. So, what’s going wrong? Let’s dive into why your photos may not be approved and what you can do about it.

Why photos are extremely important for your Google Business Profile

Getting a photo rejected on your Google Business Profile can feel disheartening, especially when you’ve invested time into taking the perfect shot. There are several reasons this happens, and most are avoidable.

How to appeal images being rejected

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Google has specific requirements for photo formats. Images must be in JPG or PNG format and at least 720 x 720 pixels. Blurry, poorly lit, or pixelated photos are likely to be flagged. Quality matters, so make sure your images are clear, well-composed, and properly sized. Make sure you follow the correct cover photo size requirements.

• Tip: Use natural light and avoid over-editing. Customers want to see authentic images of your business.

Your Google Business Profile is the first impression many customers get of your business. High-quality photos can make a big difference by showcasing what you offer and drawing people in. Here’s why they matter so much:

• Visuals Drive Engagement: People are more likely to click on profiles that include photos. They want to see what your business looks like, the products or services you offer, and even your location.

• Build Trust: Professional and genuine images help build credibility. Users want to know they’re engaging with a real, trustworthy business, and photos can help create that connection.

• Improve SEO: Google loves content, and that includes photos. The more relevant, high-quality images you upload, the more likely your profile is to appear in local search results.

But what happens when your photos don’t get approved?

Having an image rejected by Google can be frustrating, especially when it feels like you’ve followed all the guidelines. The good news is that you can appeal the decision and potentially get the image approved. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the appeal process.

What causes images to get rejected on Google Business

Google has strict guidelines in place to maintain the quality and safety of content on its platforms. When your photos are rejected, it’s often because they don’t meet these requirements. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons. If necessary, here's how to delete photos that don't meet guidelines.

Image content

Google is also cautious about the content of the images uploaded to business profiles. They won’t approve photos that:

• Contain nudity or offensive material.

• Show irrelevant content (for example, stock photos or unrelated images).

• Feature excessive text or promotional graphics.

Your photos should represent your business and your offerings without crossing any boundaries.

• Tip: Use real photos of your storefront, products, and services rather than overloading your profile with generic or heavily edited visuals.

Sometimes, it’s not the photo itself, but an issue with your Google account that causes rejections. Common issues include:

• Unverified business profiles: If your Google Business Profile hasn’t been verified, any uploaded images might be automatically rejected.

• Inconsistent business details: Ensure your business name, address, and other details are accurate across all online platforms.

• Tip: Keep your account details up to date, and complete the verification process before uploading any images.

Legitimate reasons (Google Guidelines)

Image Format and Quality

Account problems

Google Business Profile Bugs

Although Google’s platform is generally reliable, technical glitches happen. Occasionally, a photo might be rejected due to a bug in the system rather than any issue with the image itself. If you’ve double-checked the guidelines and your images are still being rejected, this might be the reason.

• Tip: In these cases, the photo may be rejected but after 24-48 hours Google will upload it.

Double-Check Google’s Guidelines

Before filing an appeal, it's essential to review Google’s photo guidelines thoroughly. Even a small detail, like the wrong file format or a borderline inappropriate image, could lead to rejection. Revisit the rules around acceptable image content:

• Ensure your image is in the correct format (JPG or PNG).

• Verify that the image resolution meets the minimum requirements (720 x 720 pixels).

• Confirm that the image does not contain inappropriate content or heavy text overlays.

• Check if your photo is relevant to your business—Google prioritizes images that showcase your actual location, products, or services.

By confirming that your image complies with all guidelines, you can make sure your appeal is legitimate.

Contact Google Support

If you're confident that your image meets all of Google's guidelines, the next step is to contact Google Support. Here’s how you can do that:

• Google My Business Help Page: Go to the Google Business Profile Help Center. Here, you can either browse relevant articles or contact support directly.

• Use the "Get Help" Button: If browsing the Help Center doesn’t solve the problem, click on the "Get Help" button, which will lead you to various options to reach Google support via email, chat, or phone.

• Submit a support request: Choose the relevant topic (in this case, image rejection) and provide all the necessary information about the rejected image, including the reason for your appeal and how your image adheres to the guidelines.

When explaining your situation, be clear and concise. Include the following in your message:

• The image in question.

• A brief explanation of why it should be approved (e.g., format, content relevance, etc.).

• If possible, attach the image again and highlight how it aligns with the rules.

Appeal Through Google’s Online Form

Another way to appeal is by submitting a form for rejected photos directly through the Google Business Profile dashboard. Here’s how:

• Log in to your Google Business Profile: Access your profile and go to the “Photos” section.

• Find the Rejected Image: Navigate to the rejected image and click on it. If the option is available, click the "Appeal" or "Request Review" button.

• Fill Out the Appeal Form: This form will require you to explain why your image should be approved. Be as specific as possible about how it aligns with Google's guidelines.

Be Patient

Once you’ve submitted your appeal, it’s important to be patient. Google reviews thousands of images daily, and it can take time for their team to process your request. In the meantime, continue uploading other relevant and high-quality images that comply with Google’s rules.

While waiting for a response, you can also:

• Monitor your Google Business Profile for any updates regarding your appeal.

• Check your email for feedback or further instructions from Google.

Explore Alternative Solutions

If your appeal is unsuccessful, or if Google doesn’t offer an appeal option, consider these alternatives:

• Upload a different image: Try taking a new photo that more clearly aligns with Google’s guidelines. Sometimes, even a slight adjustment can make all the difference.

• Consult a Local SEO Expert: If your image continues to get rejected and it’s affecting your profile's performance, it may be time to seek help. An SEO expert (like our team at Smarktek) can ensure that your images and content meet Google’s standards while maximizing your online visibility.