Google Ads Image Extensions allows you to add images instead of text in your Google digital ads. These extensions are optional, but if you are using good images, they are worth it.
Image extensions will appear on Ads that are displayed at the top Google Search. These are not Product Ads where images are required and not an option.
Why should you use image extensions?
1. Visibility
You’re using more space if you include an image. The image extension area is not any bigger than the text-only ad space. However, because the image fills up the white spaces, it appears that you are taking up more space.
2. Stand out in the crowd
Many advertisers don’t use image extensions, despite them being around for some time. The extension allows users to stand out with a striking image that draws the audience away from their competitors.
3. Engage your audience
Images help to grab and hold attention because people process visual content faster than text. Images are processed 60,000 times faster than other content. This means that images can convey more information and do so much quicker.
With an image, you will likely make a greater impression even if the user skips your ad. Ads that leave an impression will be more memorable.
4. Say more than just words
When written well, ad copy can convey a great deal about your product or services in a small space. Images can be used to make your ad more descriptive without needing to use a lot of text.
Imagine that you are advertising a venue to hire for a wedding. Without an image, you cannot demonstrate how stunning the venue really is.
Eligibility
Google Ads accounts cannot use Image Extensions. You must meet certain criteria before this feature will be available to you.
You must have had your account open for at least 90 days.
Google advertising rules require that all historical ads have a proven track record of conforming to them.
Accounts must be active and have campaigns.
The account must have active text ads and a budget that has been active for the past 28 days.
Your account must not be in one of the restricted industries, like gambling, alcohol, or healthcare.
Image Requirements
Image Size
Google offers a cropping tool that allows you to upload images without editing them. Make sure the uploaded image is smaller than 5,120KB.
Image content
Google insists that images are displayed in a high-quality format. Low-quality images, such as blurred or distorted pictures or those with excessive cropping are not allowed.
Images should be free from any text or graphic overlays. Watermarks and logos are not permitted. Text-only graphics, however, will be accepted. Text can be used if it’s minimal and is part of an authentic image. Writing on a T-shirt, for example.
You should also be aware of the limitations that apply to specific images. Some of these restrictions are obvious: nudity, sexually suggestive images and other such things are forbidden. Other rules are less obvious: for instance, bikinis and lingerie cannot be displayed as if they were worn by a real person. Displayed on a mannequin, or flat.
Image Extensions for Google Ads
Select Extensions from the left-hand menu after logging in to your account. You will see a plus sign. Click on it to create a different extension. Select the Image extension to continue.
Follow the instructions to upload 20 images. Google offers you three options: upload your images, browse stock images, or scan social media and your website to extract images.
It’s not necessary to fill all 20 slots. However, it is a good idea at least to have a few images. You can then see what users think of different combinations and photos. You may think a picture is fantastic, but your audience might not agree. You should experiment to see what works.
You should be aware that all ads from the campaign you selected will use the images uploaded here. Make sure the images you choose are relevant to whatever ad or campaign they will be displayed with.
You can also use advanced options to limit when these images are displayed. You can, for example, set seasonal images to only display in the months you specify. You can select when your images appear.
Please note that the settings you just applied will apply to every picture you uploaded. You will need to create several image extensions if you want to apply different settings to each picture.
Dynamic Image Extenders
Google Ads has another feature that automatically extracts images to be used in your ads. Dynamic Image Extensions is the name of this feature.
This function can be enabled by scrolling down to Dynamic Image in the Extensions list. Google will choose the best landing page image to match the search query.
There are a few things you should be aware of regarding Dynamic Image Extensions:
Ads will not be served if your landing page does not have any images.
If you manually configured non-dynamic image extensions, they will always be given priority over Dynamic Image
Extensions.
Google will only use Dynamic Images if they believe that it will enhance the performance of your ad.
The conclusion of the article is:
Image Extensions can be a simple way to improve your Google Ads results, and engage your target audience. Although adding them is simple, you must have an active account for a certain period of time to be eligible for this option.