Episode 163 Improve Rankings for "near me" Searches

How to Rank in Google “Near Me” Searches as a Photographer

Have you ever wondered why some photographers appear at the top of Google when clients type in “photographer near me”? This episode breaks down how local search actually works—and what website owners can do to improve their chances of showing up.

Why Your Google Business Profile Matters

A Google Business Profile is essential if you want to appear in local results. But here’s the key: including an actual address makes a huge difference. Choosing “service area” instead of a physical address can drastically reduce visibility, since Google prioritizes proximity. If you’re concerned about privacy, you’ll need a creative solution—but a P.O. Box won’t work.

Avoid Outdated SEO Tactics

Gone are the days when stuffing city names into every headline boosted rankings. Google now looks for relevance, accuracy, and signals of trust, not keyword stuffing. Instead of forcing your city name across all pages, include your location naturally on your homepage, in the footer, and on your contact page.

Build Trust with NAP Consistency

Google connects your business details across the web. That means your Name, Address, and Phone number must match exactly wherever they appear. Even minor differences—like missing suite numbers—can cause issues. Adding a local phone number also sends stronger location signals to Google.

The Right Way to Get Reviews

Reviews are powerful, but the way you collect them matters. Asking all your past clients for reviews at once can backfire—Google may flag it as spam. Instead, build reviews into your workflow and ask each happy client at the right moment.

Keep Your Profile Active

Google says posting on your profile doesn’t directly impact rankings, but activity signals never hurt. A simple approach is to repurpose your best-performing social media content as occasional Google Business Profile updates.

Other Local SEO Boosters

• Categories: Make sure you’re listed under the correct type of photography.

• Local Citations: Use directories or services like Whitespark or SEMrush to distribute your business info.

• Content: Blog about local venues, neighborhoods, and sessions—it strengthens your local authority.

• Mobile-Friendly Website: Since most “near me” searches happen on phones, your site must be fast and user-friendly.