Your Website Isn’t Enough - Why You Need a Google Business Profile

The Most Overlooked (But High-Converting) Tool in Your Marketing Strategy

Photographers love to talk about SEO - hashtags, blogging, keywords, domain authority - but most are missing the one tool that does more than your Instagram and your website combined:
Your Google Business Profile.

When someone Googles “Dallas newborn photographer” or “family photos near me,” your Google Business Profile (GBP) is what shows up first in the map pack - not your website.

And if you haven’t set yours up (or updated it recently), you’re losing potential clients. Every single day.

Let’s fix that.

What Is a Google Business Profile?

If you’ve ever Googled a local bakery or coffee shop and seen that sidebar card with photos, reviews, hours, and directions - that’s a Google Business Profile.

• ✅ It’s free

• ✅ It’s powerful

• ✅ And it’s not the same as your website SEO

Your website is where people go after they find you.
Your GBP is what helps them find you in the first place.

Quick Task:

Search your business name on Google.
Does your profile show up?
Are the hours, categories, and images up to date?

If not, that’s step one.

The Map Pack Is the New Word-of-Mouth

When someone types in “maternity photographer near me,” they aren’t scrolling to page two.

They’re clicking the top 3 listings - and those come from Google Business Profiles, not your website.

This is where local SEO lives and breathes.
Not in your blog post from 6 months ago.
Not in your Instagram grid.

If you’re not showing up here, someone else is - and they’re getting the inquiries.

Quick Task:

Update your GBP categories, service areas, and keywords.
Examples:

• “chicago family photographer”

• “baby photos evanston ”

• “holiday minis glencoe IL ”

Reviews Build Ranking and Trust

Google rewards businesses that have reviews - especially those with relevant keywords in the review text.

Future clients love reading real feedback.
Google loves fresh reviews with search-friendly phrases.
It’s a win-win.

But here’s the secret:

Not all reviews are created equal.

What You Can Do:

• Ask for reviews after every session (make it easy)

• Provide simple prompts like:
  → “What did you love most about working together?”
  → “If it fits, mention newborn photos, Franklin studio, or family session!”

• Respond to every review, even if it’s just a “thank you!”

Treat It Like a Social Feed

You can post to your Google Business Profile just like you would to Instagram.

• ✅ New blog post? Share it.

• ✅ Upcoming mini sessions? Share them.

• ✅ Favorite images from last week? Absolutely.

This tells Google you’re active, relevant, and trustworthy.

Quick Tip:

Add 1-2 posts per week.
Use filenames like:
chicago-maternity-session-yourbusinessname.jpg
Write natural captions but include keywords like:
“studio newborn photographer in evanston” or “outdoor family session near lincoln park.”

Start Now (Even If You're Late)

You don’t need to overhaul your website, master SEO, or be a Google wizard.
You just need to start, today.

Start With:

• Claiming or accessing your GBP

• Verifying and updating your basic info (hours, website, location)

• Adding real session photos weekly

• Posting regular updates or offers

• Asking for a few fresh reviews this week

Action Steps for This Week

🧭 Open a private/incognito window and Google yourself.
→ Does your GBP show up?

📸 Add 1–2 new image posts with keyword-rich captions

📍Check your listed service areas and business category

💬 Text 3 recent clients asking for a quick review (give them a review prompt)

💡 Bonus: Link your newest blog post as a GBP update to double-dip your SEO

Weekly Question:

Q. “Do people really use Google to find photographers? Isn’t it just social media now?”
A. Yes, they absolutely do. When people are ready to hire, they don’t scroll Instagram hashtags. They Google.
And the photographer that shows up in the map pack? They win the inquiry.

Final Takeaway:

Your website is beautiful. Your Instagram is curated.
But if your Google Business Profile isn’t optimized, your dream clients may never even find you.

This is low-hanging SEO fruit - and it’s free.
Use it.

Want the tools to confidently track all of this - and actually follow through?
That’s what MOTIV was built for. Your full business dashboard. Your strategy home base. Your confidence compass.

Get your FREE TRIAL NOW.