Some competitors have a thumbnail in Google search results

[iainmoran]

I've noticed that a few of my top competitors have a small photo (thumbnail) next to their listing. I'm sure it's not a coincidence that they are ranked top for the search phrase too.

Is this really a help and how can it be done?

Many thanks,

Iain.

[DBHSUK]

Are you talking about Google+ Authorship?

https://plus.google.com/authorship

[iainmoran]

Thanks, Natalie, I think that's it

Just verified authorship, but I guess it takes time for it to become live?

Thanks again,

Iain.