Google's Visual Search Upgrades - What Sales Teams Selling Digital Ads Need to Know

Google just dropped some pretty exciting updates to visual search, and if you're selling digital marketing solutions to SMBs, you're going to want to pay attention. These changes aren't just tech updates – they're golden opportunities for your sales team to close more deals.

What's new in visual search?

Google's rolled out two big changes that are about to shake things up:

1. AI-powered backgrounds for Google business profile

Finally, Google Business Profile is getting the glow-up it deserves! They've added AI-generated backgrounds for post images. Here's the deal:

• No more boring product photos - transform them into scroll-stopping posts in seconds
• Zero design skills needed (perfect for busy business owners)
• Professional-looking content without the professional price tag

2. Supercharged visual search features

But wait, there's more! Google has also also enhanced their Lens capabilities and added screen search for iOS users. What does this mean in non-technical terms? Your clients' customers can now:

• Share their screen to highlight anything and get an instant search image
• Get instant AI explanations of images (no specific questions needed)
• Find businesses through all sorts of visual content

Real business impact

These updates directly affect your clients' money-making potential:

1. New ways to be found

• Visual searches = new customer discovery routes
• Better-looking posts = more engagement
• More touch points = more chances to convert

2. Staying ahead of the game

• Early adopters always win
• Visual optimisation is the new SEO frontier
• Stand out without breaking the bank

3. Avoiding the pitfalls

• Poor visual presence = lost customers
• Competitors could steal your thunder
• Playing catch-up is expensive

Turning these AI updates into sales wins

Before the client meeting

When doing your homework on a prospect, add looking at their visual game to your list.

Check their current set-up

• Run a quick Google Business Profile audit - are they using posts at all?
• Search their business name in Google Lens - see what pops up
• Do a visual search of their products/services - spot any missed opportunities
• Check if their images show up for local keywords

Grab some wow-worthy examples

• Grab screenshots of their current visual presence (the good and the not-so-good)
• Find a competitor who's crushing it with visual search
• Pick 2-3 quick wins you can show them in the meeting
• Save examples of AI-enhanced posts to demonstrate the difference

During the pitch

Keep it simple and impactful:

1.  Start with reality: "Let me show you how people find you right now..."
2.  Show the good stuff: "Check out what these new AI features can do..."
3.  Create some FOMO: "Here's what your competitors are already doing..."
4.  Be the hero: "Now, here's how we can get you ahead of the game..."

Making it work for different industries

Retail & e-commerce

• Make products pop in visual shopping searches
• Stand out in Google Lens results when people snap photos of similar products
• Use AI-enhanced posts to showcase new arrivals and promotions
  
  

Service business success (trades, home services, professional)

• Dominate local searches with before/after project photos
• Tag service area locations in images to boost local visibility
• Build trust with high-quality work portfolios that appear in visual search
• Create AI-enhanced posts for seasonal service promotions
  
  

Food and hospitality wins

• Get your menu items appearing in food-related visual searches
• Optimise interior/exterior shots to appear when people scout locations
• Use AI-enhanced posts to showcase daily specials and events
• Turn food photos into discovery opportunities when locals search "restaurants near me"

Prove the ROI

Here's how to show your clients it's working:

Track if there is increase in quick wins:

• Google Business Profile views since adding AI-enhanced posts
• Number of customers mentioning "saw your photos online"
• Increase in post engagement (likes, clicks, shares) month-over-month
  
  

Measure the money makers:

• Customers calling after seeing visual search results
• Bookings/appointments from enhanced posts
• Sales from products featured in AI-enhanced posts
• Revenue from customers who found you through visual search

Bonus metrics:

• Decrease in time spent creating social content
• Savings on professional photography
• Rise in customer photo submissions
• Improvement in "similar business" search appearances

Ready to win clients over with visual search?

Google's visual search updates are a big deal. They're changing how people find and choose businesses online. Your sales team has a massive opportunity here to show clients why they need to get on board now, not later.

Ready to help your sales team crush it with these new opportunities? Book a discovery call to see how Insites can power up your sales process with killer digital presence audits and analytics.

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