Google Business Profile Setup

By creavio Team April 10, 2026 2 views

Google Business Profile Setup

When someone searches "photographer near me" or "[city] wedding photographer," Google shows a map with local businesses. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) determines whether you appear there and how prominently. It is the single most important local SEO asset for photographers.

Creating Your Profile

  1. Go to business.google.com
  2. Sign in with your Google account
  3. Click Add your business
  4. Enter your business name (your photography business, not your personal name unless that is your brand)
  5. Choose your category: Photographer (primary), then add secondary categories like "Wedding Photographer," "Portrait Photographer," or "Commercial Photographer"
  6. Enter your service area (the cities/regions where you photograph)
  7. Add your phone number and website URL
  8. Verify your business (Google sends a postcard or uses phone verification)

Optimizing Your Profile

After verification, complete every section:

  • Business description: 750 characters. Include your location, specialties, and what makes you different. Use natural keywords: "[City] wedding and portrait photographer specializing in natural light photography."
  • Hours: Set your business hours. If you work by appointment, use "By appointment" hours.
  • Photos: Upload 20-30 of your best images. Include a variety of session types. GBP photos get significant views.
  • Services: List your offerings: Wedding Photography, Family Portraits, Senior Portraits, Headshots, Events, etc. Include pricing ranges if you are comfortable.
  • Attributes: Check all that apply: "Identifies as women-owned," "LGBTQ+ friendly," etc.

The Power of Reviews

Google reviews are the strongest ranking factor for local search. More reviews with higher ratings = higher placement in the map pack.

Use creavio's review collection workflow to systematically request Google reviews after every session. Include a direct link to your GBP review form in the request email.

To get your review link: Open your GBP, go to "Ask for reviews," and copy the short URL. This link takes clients directly to the review form.

Responding to Reviews

Respond to every review, positive or negative:

  • Positive: Thank them by name. Reference something specific about their session. Keep it genuine, not templated.
  • Negative: Respond calmly. Acknowledge the concern. Offer to resolve offline. Never argue publicly.

Google favors businesses that actively engage with reviews.

Google Posts

GBP allows you to publish "Posts" that appear on your profile and in search results. Use them for:

  • Seasonal promotions ("Fall mini sessions now booking!")
  • Recent work highlights
  • Blog posts and educational content
  • Event announcements

Posts expire after 7 days (events last until the event date). Post weekly for maximum visibility.

Photos and Content

Update your GBP photos quarterly. Fresh content signals to Google that your business is active. Upload:

  • Recent portfolio work
  • A current headshot of you
  • Your studio or workspace (if applicable)
  • Team photos

Tracking Performance

GBP provides built-in analytics:

  • Search queries: What terms people used to find you
  • Views: How many people saw your profile in search and maps
  • Actions: Calls, website clicks, direction requests
  • Photo views: How often your photos are viewed compared to competitors

Check monthly. If views are flat, you need more reviews, more photos, or more Google Posts.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a personal Gmail account instead of a business account
  • Leaving the description empty or writing one sentence
  • Not uploading any photos (your profile looks abandoned)
  • Ignoring reviews (both positive and negative)
  • Using your home address if you do not want clients showing up (use service area instead)