Do real photos really beat stock photos?

Why stock photos fall flat

A stock photo is a picture you buy or download that anyone can use. People have seen the same smiling worker on lots of other sites. It tells them nothing about you.

There’s no solid proof that stock photos hurt your ranking. But a real photo of a clean install or a fresh haircut shows what you actually do — and that’s what people trust. Google’s guidance points to original, first-hand content too.

What counts as proof that you’re real?

Photos only you could take: your shop or front door, your sign, your truck with your name on it, your crew, and real jobs you finished.

A photo of a famous spot in town proves nothing — anyone can take that.

What to shoot

• Before and after, from the same spot.
• Your van or truck, with your name on it.
• Your shop, your sign, and you and your crew at work.
• Finished jobs, close up and wide.
• Salons: each cut from the front and the side.

Simple phone tips

• Wipe the lens with your shirt first.
• Use daylight. Stand with the window behind you, not in front.
• Turn the phone sideways for wide shots.
• Take five, keep the best one.
• Ask before you photograph a customer’s home or face.

Can I use AI-made pictures?

Only as illustrations, clearly labelled that way — for example, a drawing that explains how a water heater works. Never show an AI image as your work, your team or your shop. That would mislead customers.

What about Instagram?

We don’t run your Instagram. On a Care or Growth plan we can turn your job photos into post drafts on request — you approve and post them. One good photo can go on your site, your Google profile and your post.