Episode 167: 12 Steps for GBP

Google Business Profile: What should a photographer set up first?

If people already search your name, they’re warm—often your best-converting visitors. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the first impression they see before your site. It also influences whether you appear in the local pack for searches like “photographers near me.” Below are 12 must-do steps to tighten that first impression and increase local visibility.

Why do branded searches matter so much?

Branded queries (“your name” or “your studio name”) usually convert higher than any other traffic source. People searching your name already heard of you—through a referral, social, or past work—and are validating what they’ve heard. That makes your GBP a conversion asset, not just a directory listing.

Should you list a service area or a street address?

For most photographers, a real address wins. Local map packs show pins tied to addresses. If you only list a service area, you may lose that pin—and local leads with it. Avoid PO Boxes; use your studio, a legitimate office, or a compliant virtual office. When possible, choose an address near the center of your service radius.

What are the 12 must-do steps?

1) Business Name Consistency

Use your exact legal/display name everywhere (GBP, website, citations). Copy-paste to avoid typos.

2) Cover Photo That Crops Cleanly

Upload, then check in an incognito window. Ensure the subject isn’t awkwardly cropped. Use a brand-true image or logo.

3) Address (Not Just Service Area)

Secure a valid physical address (no PO Boxes). This supports your map pin and local pack visibility.

4) Logo Upload + Preview

Follow Google’s suggested dimensions if shown. Confirm it renders cleanly on the public profile.

5) Local Phone Number

Use a local area code (Google Voice can help). It reinforces locality and trust.

6) Products & Prices

Treat sessions, albums, wall art, and digital files as “products.” Add representative images and transparent price ranges or starting prices.

7) Product Categories & Naming

Create concise categories (e.g., “Children’s Photography,” “Pet Photography”). Put key words first so truncation still reads clearly.

8) “From the Business” Description

Swap bland bios for a short testimonial with a strong first line. It pattern-breaks and hooks attention.

9) Monthly Updates (Posts)

Add a simple image + caption monthly (e.g., a recent highlight or podcast thumbnail). Old posts vanish; keep it fresh.

10) Reviews Strategy

Drip reviews over time. Ask personally (not a template) when a client is happy. Avoid bursts that look unnatural.

11) Social Profiles

Re-attach your Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc. It helps Google connect your brand ecosystem.

12) Photos, Photos, Photos

Images draw the eye first. Upload plentiful, high-quality photos that match your specialties and style.

How should you name products and categories so they actually help?

Keep names short and front-load the term people care about (“Newborn Session” vs. “Our Fabulous Newborn Experience”). After upload, check truncation in an incognito window and adjust until the important words survive the cut.

How often should you post updates and request reviews?

Aim for one GBP update per month. For reviews, build a light, personal ask into your delivery workflow—right when the client expresses delight. The personal note matters more than perfect phrasing.

What images should you feature first?

Use a cover photo that sells your specialty at a glance (joyful family portrait, elegant bridal moment, captivating pet portrait). Then add robust galleries across products and categories. Remember: this is your only chance to control which visuals people see on Google before your site loads.