The best Google Business Profile cover photo size

With all the changes at Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), it’s hard to keep track of the essential information, like the optimal Google Business Profile cover photo size.

But getting your Google Business Profile image size wrong could see your business stumbling out of the gate and falling flat right when users are ready to do business.

So to make sure you start your customer interactions off on the right foot, here’s Semrush’s handy guide to getting your featured Google Business Profile image size right.

What you need to know about Google Business Profile cover photos

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) cover photo is one of the first brand visuals potential customers will see when they discover your business online.

And because it plays such an important role in representing your business, it pays to invest the time in making sure your GBP cover image size is optimal.

On desktop, the Google Business Profile cover photo is displayed to the left, with other photos shown in a gallery to the right.

But on mobile, getting the GBP cover image size is even more important because it’s the one and only image users see unless they scroll to the right.

With users searching “open now near me” more than ever (a 400% YoY increase, according to Think With Google’s 2022 Retail Marketing Guide), Google Business Profile is the new “shop window” and your first opportunity to convince customers to do business with you.

So, while window dressers dedicate weeks to perfecting the look and feel of their storefronts, spending a couple of minutes editing the featured Google Business Profile image size is a no-brainer when it comes to making an impact online.

The optimal Google Business Profile image size

The best Google Business Profile cover photo size is 1024 X 576 pixels, which will give you an image in the 16:9 aspect ratio.

These dimensions ensure your image fits perfectly in the space available on your profile and displays in high resolution on both desktop and mobile.

While you’re editing your Google Business Profile photo size, you should also bear in mind that Google Business Profile accepts both JPG and PNG files of between 10 KB and 5 MB.

There are plenty of free image editors online you can use to get your Google Business Profile cover photo in the right dimensions if you don’t have access to professional software like Adobe Photoshop.

What image should I use as my Google Business Profile cover photo?

The photo you choose for your Google Business Profile cover photo should be one that helps users quickly identify what your business is and what they can expect when they visit your location.

Generally, this will mean a photo of the storefront or main entrance to your building, including any signage. If the interior of your business better represents your products or service, such as a stylish restaurant, then that may be the best choice for your Google Business Profile cover photo.

When you take the photo, try to do it in the daytime so it’s well lit, unless you happen to have particularly impressive outdoor lighting that would make your location benefit from a night shoot.

Smartphone cameras are fine to use for your Google Business Profile cover photo, but consider using a professional camera if you have access to one and know how to focus the lens properly.

Avoid excessive filters that distort the reality of how your business looks so users aren’t disappointed with what they see when they visit in person.

How do I change my Google Business Profile cover photo?

Editing your Google Business Profile cover photo is easy, but with the recent closure of the Google My Business app, you might be wondering how you change it now you’ve got the right Google Business Profile photo size ready to upload.

Currently, all edits to Google Business Profile are made directly from either Google Search or the Google Maps app.

On desktop: 

1. Bring up your business on Google Search and click “add photo”.
2. Choose the “cover photo” option and upload your correctly sized Google Business Profile cover photo.

On mobile: 

1. Click “businesses” on Google Maps and then select “edit profile”.
2. Choose “cover photo” and upload your properly sized image.