No Logo for Google Local Profile Pic?

[Jason]

I noticed that Google has a disclaimer that local businesses should not use a logo for their profile picture.

I manage businesses with 500 plus locations and I have really no other option than to use their logo. I have been trying to get storefront photos of each location for some time but that is no easy task.

Will I be penalized if I use the logo for a franchise type business? Any other ideas?

 

[Linda Buquet]

Jason, Google has never really liked logos.

But can you tell me or give a screen shot of where you are seeing that messaging?

I manage businesses with 500 plus locations...

You have my deepest condolences.

 

[Colan Nielsen]

Hi Jason, using a logo as the profile image is not against Google's guidelines. The problem with using a logo as the profile photo is that Google may choose to algorithmically display a different photo in things like the Carousel Display and the Local Knowledge Graph.

https://support.google.com/business/answer/3060029?hl=en&ref_topic=4540086

• Represent the real-world business location. Google may choose to favor real-world photos over logos or stock images

---------- Post Merged at 06:31 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 06:30 PM ----------

 

[Jason]

Thanks for the feedback. You can see them state "Note: Local businesses should not set logos as profile photos."

https://support.google.com/business/answer/4791112?hl=en

I understand how store front photos that works best for most businesses but that is totally out of the question for me. I just don't want to get dinged with a penalty. If they just prefer that I don't do it, well then, guess I'm going to go it anyway!

 

[Linda Buquet]

Oh good to know Jason. Thanks for the link.

They come right out and say it. Usually when then do that instead of hinting, it's pretty important.

But I can't imagine you'd get a penalty.

My guess (and only a guess) is they have lots of spammy listings doing a graphic that says "10% off". Or "Best Dog Walker in Dallas". So they are more like spammy ads instead of a logo. Or maybe their automatic photo detection software has a hard time with graphics and can read photos better or something?

 

[Linda Buquet]

Err... hmmm....

Linda says "Do what Google tells you to, don't follow my lead!"

https://plus.google.com/113358377118440631404/about

LOL!

 

[Colan Nielsen]

LOL....and it looks like Google did indeed swap out the logo for another photo in the LkG

https://www.google.com/search?q=Cat...8j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8&pws=0

 

[Linda Buquet]

Another photo? I only see the map?

Last week it was the big A photo. Is that what you see?

I just see a map now in both FF and Chrome.

 

[Colan Nielsen]

That's the one, yes.

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