Google Visual Search
When we think about Google, most of us think about typing something into a search bar.
But increasingly, people are searching in a different way: with pictures.
You can take a photo with your phone, upload an image to Google, use Google Lens or even search for something you see on your screen.
And now, Google has made it easier for website owners to see when this type of search is bringing people to their website.
So, what does this mean for your business?
Google is paying more attention to visual search
On 24 September 2026, Google announced a new update to Search Console that allows website owners to see how their websites are performing when people search using images.
The new reporting covers several types of visual search, including Google Lens, Circle to Search on Android, image uploads to Google Search and Chrome’s “Search this image” feature.
In simple terms, someone doesn’t necessarily have to type the name of your business or service into Google to discover you.
They could start with a photo.
For example, someone might see a style of kitchen they like, take a screenshot and search for something similar.
Someone looking for a particular type of clothing might photograph an item they like.
Someone planning a wedding could search using a picture of a venue or decoration.
The possibilities are growing.
Why does this matter for your website?
Your website isn’t just made up of words.
It also contains photographs, graphics, product images, logos, videos and other visual information.
These can all help people understand what your business does — and increasingly, they can play a role in how people discover businesses online.
Google’s new reporting is particularly useful because it gives website owners more information about this type of traffic.
If your website is receiving visitors from visual searches, you’ll now have a better opportunity to understand what’s happening and which parts of your website are attracting attention.
So, are your website images doing their job?
You don’t need to completely rethink your website.
There are a few simple things worth checking.
1. Give your images useful names
If your website is full of files called:
IMG_4827.jpg
or
DSC00931.png
you’re missing an opportunity to provide useful context.
Instead, use descriptive file names where appropriate.
For example:
manchester-kitchen-renovation.jpg
is much more useful than:
IMG_4827.jpg
It tells people – and search engines – what the image is about.
2. Don’t forget alt text
Alt text is a short description of an image that helps explain what it shows.
It’s particularly important for accessibility, as screen readers can use it to describe images to people who can’t see them.
It can also provide additional context about the image.
For example, instead of:
“image“
you might use:
“Modern kitchen renovation with white cabinets and wooden worktops“
The important thing is to describe the image naturally rather than stuffing it with keywords.
3. Use your own photography where possible
Stock photography can be useful, but your own images can tell potential customers much more about your business.
If you’re a builder, show your actual projects.
If you’re a restaurant, show your actual food and space.
If you’re a hairdresser, show your actual work.
If you’re a local business, show your actual team and premises.
People want to know what they’re going to get from you, and genuine images can help make that clear.
4. Make sure your images have context
An image shouldn’t just sit on your website on its own.
Where possible, make sure the surrounding page explains what the image represents.
For example, if you have a photograph of a recent bathroom renovation, it makes sense for that image to sit alongside information about your bathroom renovation service.
The image and the page should work together.
5. Don’t sacrifice quality
Your images should look good, but that doesn’t mean uploading enormous image files that slow your website down.
Large, unoptimised images can make pages take longer to load.
The goal is to find the balance between good quality and good performance.
Your customers shouldn’t have to wait for a huge photograph to load before they can see your website.
What about Google Search Console?
If you have access to Google Search Console, there’s now another report worth keeping an eye on.
Google’s new multimodal search filter allows website owners to see performance from searches where an image was used as part of the search.
The data is being rolled out globally, so you may not see it immediately depending on your website and whether it has received this type of traffic.
Google says you can also export the data from Search Console if you want to analyse it elsewhere.
You don’t need to become an SEO expert overnight.
But if you already monitor your website through Search Console, it’s another useful piece of information to add to your regular check-ups.
The bigger picture
Search is becoming more visual.
People aren’t always starting with a typed question anymore. They can start with a photograph, a screenshot, a product or something they see in the real world.
Google’s latest update doesn’t mean you need to completely redesign your website.
Instead, it’s a good reminder to make sure everything on your website is working together.
Your words should explain what you do.
Your images should show what you do.
Your website should make it easy to understand your business.
And everything should be easy for your customers to use.
A quick website check
Take five minutes today and look through your website.
Ask yourself:
Are my images good quality?
Do they show my actual business?
Are they given useful file names?
Have I added appropriate alt text?
Do my images relate to the page they’re on?
Does my website still load quickly on mobile?
If you’ve answered “no” to a few of these, don’t worry.
They’re all things that can be improved.
Need a website check-up?
At WebHD, we believe your website should work for your business – not just look good.
From website design and development to content and ongoing improvements, we can help make sure your website is ready for the way people search today.
Want to know how your website is performing? Get in touch with WebHD.
Sources & further reading
- Google Search Central – Announcing web multimodal Search performance reporting in Search Console, 24 September 2026.
- Google Search Console Help – How are you performing on Google?
- Google Search Console Help – Generative AI Search performance report.
- Search Engine Land – Google Search Console performance reports gets multimodal filter, 24 September 2026.
