How to Use Google Business Profile to Get More Local Clients in Birmingham

If you’re a small business in Birmingham and you’re not showing up on Google Maps, you’re invisible to a huge portion of your potential clients.

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the most powerful — and completely free — marketing tools available to local businesses. When someone searches “brand photographer Birmingham” or “social media manager near me,” Google shows a map with local results before it shows any organic website links. That map pack is prime real estate, and your Google Business Profile is how you get there.

Here’s how to set it up and make the most of it.

Step 1: Claim or Create Your Profile

Go to business.google.com and search for your business. If it already exists (Google sometimes auto-generates listings), claim it. If not, create a new one.

You’ll need to verify your business — Google typically sends a postcard to your business address with a verification code, though phone and email verification are sometimes available. This step is non-negotiable. An unverified profile won’t show up in Maps results.

Step 2: Fill Out Every Section Completely

Google rewards completeness. The more information you provide, the better your profile performs. Make sure you have:

• Business name — Use your exact, real business name. Don’t stuff keywords into it.
• Category — Choose the most accurate primary category (e.g. Photographer, Marketing Agency, Graphic Designer). You can add secondary categories too.
• Address and service area — Add your Birmingham address. If you travel to clients, add your service area (all of Alabama, specific cities, etc.).
• Phone number and website — These should be consistent with what’s on your website and social media.
• Hours — Keep these accurate and updated, including holiday hours.
• Business description — Write a 250-word description that naturally includes your location and services. Think: what would your ideal client search for?

Step 3: Add Photos — Lots of Them

Google Business Profiles with photos get significantly more clicks and direction requests than those without. For a creative business like Sara & Co Media, this is where your brand photography really pays off.

Add:

• A professional profile photo (your logo or a headshot)
• A cover photo that represents your brand well
• Portfolio images — photos from shoots, completed projects, behind-the-scenes
• Team photos
• Any relevant location or workspace images

Aim for at least 10 photos to start, and add new ones regularly. Google rewards active, updated profiles.

Step 4: Collect Google Reviews

Reviews are the single most important factor in how well your profile performs — and how much potential clients trust you.

After every positive client experience, ask for a Google review. Make it easy by sending them a direct link to your review page (you can find this in your Business Profile dashboard under “Get more reviews”).

You can say something simple like: “I’d love it if you’d leave a Google review — it means the world to small businesses like ours and only takes a minute!”

Respond to every review, both positive and negative. It shows you’re engaged and that you care about client experience.

Step 5: Post Updates Regularly

Most business owners don’t know that Google Business Profile has a posts feature — similar to a social media post. You can share updates, offers, events, and new services directly on your profile.

Posting regularly signals to Google that your business is active, which helps your ranking. Repurpose content from your Instagram — a quick tip, a recent project, a limited-time offer. Even one post per week makes a difference.

Step 6: Use the Q&A Section

The Q&A section on your profile allows anyone to ask questions — and anyone (including you) to answer them. Proactively populate this section with questions your ideal clients commonly ask.

Examples:

• “Do you offer social media management for restaurants?”
• “How far in advance should I book a brand photography session?”
• “Do you work with clients outside of Birmingham?”

This content helps potential clients find exactly what they need, and the keywords in your answers also contribute to your local search visibility.

The Bottom Line

Your Google Business Profile is working for you around the clock — or it’s not working at all. Spend a few hours setting it up properly, make a habit of adding photos and posts, and actively collect reviews. It’s one of the highest-return investments of time you can make as a local business owner.

Need help with the broader local SEO and marketing picture for your Birmingham business? Sara & Co Media is here to help.