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Google Business for Photographers – Start Up Guide
In this post, we’re going to take a look at setting up and using a Google Business profile for your photography business. Most photographers are local, service based businesses – which makes us the perfect candidates for getting the most out of one of these accounts.
One of the most important reasons to have this account is because it makes your business more relevant to people searching for photography services in your area. It’s that simple!
Every run a search looking for a plumber or someone to do home repair? Often times, you’ll (at the bare minimum) look through some local search results and Google Business profiles for those companies – people looking to hire a photographer are doing the same!
So…what is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a free listing that allows you to display essential information about your business, which can appear when people search for your services or similar services in your area. It helps you increase visibility in local search results, showing up in Google Search and Google Maps, which is crucial for attracting local clients.
Why Is It Important for Photographers?
- Improves Local SEO: A well-optimized Google Business Profile can boost your chances of appearing in local search results, even if your website content is struggling to rank for specific keywords.
- Map Listings: Your business will show up when people search through Google Maps for services in your area.
- Client Trust and Reputation: Clients can leave reviews, which helps build trust and credibility. Profiles with more positive reviews tend to rank higher in local search results.
- Showcase Work: You can add photos and videos to your profile, turning it into a mini portfolio to attract potential clients without them needing to visit your website.
Steps to Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
1. Claim and Verify Your Business
- Sign Up: Start by visiting Google Business and entering your business details.
- Verification: Google needs to confirm that the business is yours. Verification can happen in a few ways:
- Postcard Verification: Google will mail a postcard to your address with a verification code. Enter this code into your account.
- Phone/Video Verification: Google may arrange a phone or video call to verify your business details, especially if you have a physical studio.
- Tips: Follow the instructions provided carefully, as the process can vary.
I want to make a special note here…sometimes getting verified by Google can be a pain. I see time and time again in Facebook groups (like our Shoot and Thrive community) where people are having trouble actually getting their business verified. There’s different reasons for this. If you join our SEO and Blogging course, you’ll get access to our VIP membership community and we can help you troubleshoot this or connect you with resources at Google that can help you – depending on the specifics of your situation!
2. Add Accurate Business Information
- Business Name: Use your official business name.
- Address: Enter your studio address, or list multiple service areas if you operate in different locations.
- Contact Information: Add your phone number and website link.
- Operating Hours: Set the hours you’re available. If you’re a wedding photographer or don’t have fixed studio hours, consider setting your hours as 24/7.
Pro tip: Your business name, address, and contact information should match what you use on your website and on other listings online (such as other directories ie: Yelp, Wedding Wire, etc.). Inconsistencies in this data can result in lower performance of your profile.
3. Showcase Your Work with Photos
- Portfolio Shots: Upload high-quality images of your work, including weddings, portraits, or event photography.
- Studio Images: If you have a studio, include photos of the space to show clients where they might meet you.
- Client Photos: Encourage clients to upload photos from their sessions as testimonials.
4. List Your Services
- Use service categories to define the types of photography you offer, such as weddings, events, portraits, or commercial work.
- Be specific! For instance, under portraits, you can further define family, newborn, or individual portraits.
5. Connect Your Website and Social Media
- Linking your website boosts SEO by signaling to Google that the business profile is connected to a legitimate website.
- Add links to your social media accounts to give potential clients even more ways to learn about your work.
Once this stuff is done, your profile is set up! Not too bad, right!?
Advanced Features for Photographers
1. Collect and Manage Reviews
- Encourage clients to leave reviews. More reviews can improve your search ranking and build trust with potential clients.
- Implement a system to follow up with clients post-shoot and ask for Google reviews.
2. Use Posts to Keep Clients Engaged
- Google Business allows you to create posts to share updates, offers, or upcoming events. Consider using this feature to promote mini sessions, seasonal offers, or blog content.
3. Messaging
- Enable messaging to allow potential clients to directly contact you via Google. If you prefer managing inquiries through your website, you can opt to disable this feature.
4. Q&A Section
- Use this feature to answer frequently asked questions. Common questions about pricing, session availability, or what to expect from a photoshoot can help save time for both you and your clients.
Quick Tips for Maximizing Your Google Business Profile
- Keep Your Profile Updated: Regularly update your profile with new photos, services, and posts. Fresh content shows Google and clients that your business is active.
- Respond to Reviews: Engage with clients who leave reviews. Thank them for positive feedback and address any concerns from negative reviews. This demonstrates professionalism and care.
- Optimize for SEO: Ensure your profile includes relevant keywords in descriptions and service categories to improve your visibility in local searches.
- Monitor Insights: Google provides data on how many people viewed your profile and took action (e.g., visited your website, called, etc.). Use these insights to refine your profile and marketing strategy.
Final Thoughts on Google Business Profile for Photographers
Setting up a Google Business Profile is a straightforward but powerful tool for photographers.
It can improve your local SEO, help potential clients discover your work, and build credibility through reviews.
Once your profile is live, keep it updated, engage with your audience, and leverage the full range of features to maximize your business growth. By using your profile in addition to other SEO strategies, you’ll improve your chances of gaining more of an audience, getting more leads, and getting more of the bookings you want to live your dream life!
We talk about Google Business and way more in our SEO and Blogging Course for Photographers, part of the full Photography Business Academy – check it out today!
Chris is a SEO professional with a passion for helping photography businesses succeed online. With years of experience in the industry, he has a proven track record of increasing website traffic, improving search rankings, and driving revenue growth for his clients.
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