How to Create a Google Business Profile

Overview

A Google Business Profile helps your photography business appear on Google Search and Google Maps. It allows potential clients to find your business name, website, phone number, service area, hours, photos, and reviews.

This guide walks you through how to start creating a Google Business Profile for your business. You will also learn how to enter your business details, choose whether to show your address, set your service area, and complete Google’s verification process.

PhotoBiz is not affiliated with Google. PhotoBiz Support can help point you to where Google Business Profile is created, but questions about Google Business Profile setup, eligibility, verification, reviews, or account access should be directed to Google Support.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

A Google Account you can use to manage your business listing
Your business name
Your business phone number
Your PhotoBiz website address
A physical mailing address for verification
Your preferred business category
Your service area or business location details

STEP ONE

Go to the Google Business Profile setup page at https://business.google.com/create.

Sign in with the Google Account you want to use to manage your Business Profile. If you already have a Google Account for your business, use that account so your profile stays connected to your business login.

Google will guide you through the setup process and ask you to enter your business information.

STEP TWO

Enter your business name exactly as you want it to appear on Google.

Use the same business name you use on your PhotoBiz website, social media profiles, and other online listings. Keeping your business name, address, phone number, and website consistent across the internet can help Google and potential clients understand that each listing belongs to the same business.

STEP THREE

Choose the business category that best describes what you do.

For photographers, you may see categories such as Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Portrait Studio, Photography Service, or other related options. Choose the category that most closely matches your main service.

Your category helps Google understand when your business should appear in relevant searches.

STEP FOUR

Enter your business location or service area information.

Google may ask whether clients can visit your business location. If you have a studio or storefront where clients can visit during business hours, you can choose to show your business address.

If you work from home or travel to your clients instead of having clients visit you, you can choose to hide your address and show a service area instead. This is often a good option for photographers who photograph weddings, portraits, events, or sessions on location.

Google may still require a valid physical address for verification, even if you choose not to show that address publicly.

STEP FIVE

Add your service area.

Your service area tells Google where you provide your photography services. You may be able to enter cities, regions, ZIP codes, or other local areas depending on the options Google provides during setup.

Choose the areas where you actively serve clients. For example, a wedding photographer may list the city where they are based along with nearby areas where they regularly photograph events.

STEP SIX

Add your contact information.

Enter the phone number and website address you want clients to use when contacting your business. For your website, enter your PhotoBiz website URL.

This helps potential clients visit your website, view your portfolio, read more about your services, and contact you directly.

STEP SEVEN

Complete Google’s verification process.

Google requires verification before you can fully manage your Business Profile. The verification options available to you are determined by Google and may vary based on your business type, location, category, and account details.

Google may offer verification by video, phone, text, email, mail, or another available method. Follow the instructions shown in your Google Business Profile account.

If Google provides a verification code, enter the code exactly as instructed. Avoid changing major business details, such as your business name, address, or category, while verification is in progress because this may cause Google to require a new verification.

FINAL STEP

After your Business Profile is verified, complete your profile by adding more business details.

You can add or update your logo, business photos, hours, services, description, website link, phone number, and other profile details. Adding strong images of your work is especially helpful for photographers because it gives potential clients a quick preview of your style.

Once your profile is live, clients may be able to find your business on Google Search and Google Maps. They can also use your profile to visit your website, call your business, view your photos, and leave public reviews.

Additional Options and Helpful Notes

A complete Google Business Profile can help potential clients learn more about your business before they contact you.

Helpful profile details to add include:

Business logo
Cover photo
Portfolio or session images
Business hours
Website link
Phone number
Business description
Services offered
Service area
Social links, when available
Posts, updates, or offers, when available

Ask happy clients to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. Reviews can help build trust with new clients who are comparing photographers in your area.

Tips for Photographers

Use images that clearly show the type of photography you want to book more often. For example, if you want more wedding inquiries, include wedding images. If you want more senior portrait sessions, include senior portraits.

Keep your profile information consistent with your PhotoBiz website. Your business name, phone number, website, and service area should match wherever possible.

Review your profile regularly to make sure your hours, contact information, services, and photos are current.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Can I use a PO Box for my Google Business Profile?

Google generally requires a real physical address for verification. PO Boxes are not accepted as a public business location.

Can I hide my home address?

Yes. If clients do not visit your home or business address, you can choose to hide your address and display a service area instead.

Why did Google ask me to verify by video instead of postcard?

Google chooses the available verification methods for each business. The options can vary, so you should follow the verification method shown inside your Google Business Profile account.

Can PhotoBiz verify my Google Business Profile for me?

No. Google Business Profile is managed by Google. PhotoBiz Support can show you where to begin creating your profile, but Google controls the verification process, profile approval, reviews, and account access.

Where should I link my Google Business Profile?

You can use your PhotoBiz website URL as the website link on your Google Business Profile. This helps potential clients move from your Google listing to your portfolio, service pages, contact form, blog posts, and other website content.

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