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Googles AI Now Chooses Your Local Ad Photos

Post Author: Harry James
Post Date: 7 September 2024

Google has introduced AI-driven photo selection for Local Services Ads, promising to reshape ad performance and user interaction.

This update encourages businesses to focus on high-quality, original images to ensure optimal results.

AI-Driven Photo Selection

Google’s new update to its Local Services Ads platform leverages AI to automatically choose photos from advertisers’ profiles. This automated selection is based on the images’ potential to boost engagement.

According to Ginny Marvin, Google Ads Liaison, the change aims to enhance user interaction with ads by using images most likely to attract attention. The photos are chosen for their likelihood to increase engagement with the ad.

Impact on Ad Rankings

Photo inclusion could significantly impact ad rankings. Google recommends that advertisers upload three to five high-quality, original photos to their profiles.

These images not only need to be relevant to the advertiser’s work but also of the highest quality. Poor or stolen images will not pass the criteria set by Google’s AI.

Advertiser Considerations

Advertisers should pay attention to the quality and relevance of their photos.

This update introduces a new variable for Local Services advertisers to consider. High-quality, original photos are expected to potentially improve ad rankings. It’s a call to reassess visual content strategies.

Advertisers can manage and upload their photos through the Profile and Budget page in their LSA dashboard.

Variability in Ad Appearance

The inclusion of photos in ads is not guaranteed, as their appearance depends on user queries and other factors. This variability means advertisers may face challenges in consistently controlling their ad presentations.

Google has clarified that ad appearance will vary, introducing a layer of unpredictability into how ads are displayed visually.

Implications for Digital Marketers and Local Businesses

This update has implications for both digital marketers and local businesses. For advertisers, good photos could boost ad placement, increase click-through rates (CTR), and offer an edge over competitors.

Quick adapters to this update might gain a competitive advantage by better engaging users through visually appealing ads. The need for constant manual image selection is eliminated, saving time and resources.

For marketers and agencies, this presents new optimisation angles, offering fresh ways to tweak Local Services Ads campaigns. They can add value for their clients by advising on optimal imagery and providing data insights on performance metrics.

Steps to Optimise LSA Performance

Keep a close eye on LSA performance and be prepared to pivot strategies as necessary. Savvy marketers can turn this update into a win by effectively leveraging high-quality images.

Businesses should monitor the effects of this feature on their ad performance and make adjustments to their strategies accordingly.


Google’s AI-driven photo selection for Local Services Ads offers a significant shift in ad optimisation.

Advertisers who adapt quickly and focus on high-quality images are likely to see improved engagement and ad performance.

Source: SearchenginejournalTwitter

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