Google Business Profile Tips for Creatives and Photographers

Let’s get this out of the way: if you’re a photographer or creative entrepreneur and you haven’t touched your Google Business Profile since the week you set it up, probably while swearing at your laptop and eating peanut butter out of the jar, then congratulations. You’re just like most of the creative world. The bad news? That probably means you’re missing out on easy, high-impact visibility that doesn’t cost a cent. The good news? You’re about to get a crash course from someone who gets it. And by “gets it,” I mean someone who’s danced the awkward line between moody Lightroom edits and aggressive SEO optimization spreadsheets.

See, for us artsy types, SEO optimization doesn’t exactly sound like a good time. I know. It sounds like something a tech bro explains over kombucha while you’re just trying to finish your gallery edits and maybe take a shower. But when you know how to use your Google Business Profile like a branding expert (not a confused raccoon trying to use a laptop), it can be a game-changer. I’m talking about showing up in local searches, landing better clients, and becoming the go-to business photographer or commercial photographer in your area, all without spending a dime on ads. So buckle up. We’re about to slap some SEO strategy onto your artsy chaos.

1. Your Profile Description Is Not a High School Bio

Let’s start with the basics, because if I see one more creative professional with a profile description that reads like a sad dating profile (“I like natural light, long walks through the mountains, and capturing your story”), I’m going to throw my camera into a lake.

Your description isn’t the place for your star sign and deepest feelings. It’s prime real estate for explaining what you do and what you offer, using actual keywords that Google can index. So instead of “I create timeless images you’ll cherish forever,” try “I’m a commercial photographer in [Your City], specializing in brand storytelling, product photography, and modern headshots for professionals and creatives.”

Google doesn’t care how emotionally connected you are to golden hour. It cares whether someone searching “business photographer near me” gets sent to your page. Be human, yes, but be strategic. You’re a branding expert now. Roll with it.

2. Service Areas: Spoiler Alert, They’re Not Just for Plumbers

Most photographers gloss over this section like it’s someone else’s homework. But if you’re skipping the Service Area section, you’re basically telling Google, “Nah, don’t show me to anyone unless they’re parked directly in front of my studio.”

Here’s the deal: you can list surrounding towns, neighborhoods, or even zip codes where you actually want to do business. Let’s say you’re based in Saint George, Utah, but you’ll gladly shoot in Hurricane, Springdale, or Zion. Add them. Google loves a proactive creative.

This simple move increases your visibility in searches for all those surrounding areas. And when tourists or business clients search for “branding photographer near Zion,” guess who just made the shortlist? Spoiler: it’s you.

3. Photo Uploads: Stop Being Precious, Post the Damn Pictures

I know. You’re a visual artist. Your feed has to have cohesion, your tones have to be dialed in, and God forbid you post anything less than your portfolio’s top 1%.

But Google Business Profile isn’t Instagram. It’s not judging your color grading. It just wants to know you’re alive, active, and working. Regular photo uploads show that your business is still functioning, which boosts your relevance in search results.

Got a new headshot session? Upload a photo. Shot a product shoot for a local brand? Toss up a few behind-the-scenes shots. You can still curate your portfolio elsewhere. Here, think of it as “strategic content dumping.” And yes, that’s a term I just made up, but I stand by it.

4. Reviews: The Currency of Credibility (and the Secret Sauce of SEO)

If you’re not actively asking for Google reviews after every job, you’re missing out on the easiest way to build trust and rank higher. And no, I don’t mean passive-aggressively hinting at it. I mean asking, clearly and directly, and maybe even bribing people with a free 8x10 print if you’re feeling generous.

Here’s the sneaky part most people don’t know: reviews that mention specific keywords like “headshot,” “product photography,” or “branding session” help with SEO.

That means if a client leaves a review saying, “Rex was the best commercial photographer we’ve hired for our company,” that line gets indexed. And the next time someone searches “commercial photographer in [City],” boom, Google’s algorithm does a little happy dance in your favor.

So make it easy. Send them a link. Follow up. Remind them you’ll cry softly in the shower if they forget. Whatever it takes.

5. Posts: Not Just for Boring Updates (Actually Helpful, Surprisingly Underused)

You can add posts to your Google Business Profile like you would to social media, but fewer memes and more SEO juice.

Think quick updates, behind-the-scenes content, or little educational nuggets. Did you just finish a brand shoot for a local fitness studio? Share a post. Did you write a blog post on how to prep for a headshot session? Drop the link in a post.

Google indexes these posts just like it would your website. That means more keywords, more entry points, and more chances to rank for terms like “business headshots,” “photography SEO strategy,” or “branding photographer for small businesses.”

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just post consistently, even if it’s once a week. You’re planting search-engine breadcrumbs.

6. Booking Links: Don’t Make People Chase You

Look, the modern attention span is roughly 2.7 seconds, about the same as a distracted squirrel. If someone clicks on your Google Business Profile and sees no booking link, there’s a good chance they’ll move on to the next commercial photographer who made it easy.

Link to your booking system, contact form, or whatever setup you’ve got, even if it’s just a Calendly link or a good old-fashioned email. You’re not being “mysterious and artistic” by leaving it off. You’re just making your dream clients work too hard.

7. The Q&A Section: Pre-emptive Strike Mode Activated

There’s a section where people can ask questions and you (or even other people) can answer them. And yet, almost no creatives are using it.

Here’s what you should do: ask yourself a question (yes, you can do that), and then answer it. Something like: “Do you offer brand photography packages for small businesses?” or “Do you travel for commercial shoots?”

By adding real questions and answers that include target keywords like “branding expert” or “commercial photographer in Southern Utah,” you’re feeding the algorithm exactly what it wants.

Google: “Hey, this guy’s content is actually useful. Let’s bump him up in the rankings.”

You: sips coffee smugly.

8. Attributes and Highlights: Yes, These Matter Too

You know those little details like “Veteran-Owned,” “Women-Led,” “Online Appointments Available”? They matter. Not just because they humanize your business, but because they show up as clickable, filterable attributes in search.

So if someone’s specifically searching for a woman-owned business photographer, and you’ve filled that in on your profile? You just became their first click.

Update these. Tweak them seasonally. Make sure they reflect what you offer and who you are.

Now Go Make Google Love You

Your Google Business Profile isn’t just a static listing, it’s an active, dynamic tool for SEO strategy and visibility. If you treat it like the free marketing assistant it was born to be, it’ll work overtime to make you more searchable, more bookable, and more trusted.

Look, I get it. You’re a visual creative, not a data nerd. But this isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about showing up. If you’re a branding expert, a business photographer, or any kind of creative who wants to be taken seriously in the local market, this isn’t optional.

This is part of the job now. And once you start seeing your business climb the rankings, you’ll realize, it’s the easiest form of hustle you’ve got. So stop ignoring it. Update the profile. Ask for the review. Post the damn photo.

You’ve already got the skills. Let Google help you get found.