How Google My Business Actually Helps You Get Chosen

Dec 8

If you stop and think about it, we are all the exact same kind of shopper.
When we need a new dentist. When our kid needs a haircut. When we need a photographer. When something breaks in the house and we immediately start typing into Google like it’s an emergency hotline.

We grab our phone.
We type a quick search.
We scroll.
We look at photos.
And we read reviews.

Most of us would never hire someone without reading at least a couple of reviews first. Those stars carry real weight. And because we shop this way, it is worth taking a closer look at what that means for our own businesses.

Google works hard to match people with companies they can trust. Your Google My Business page, now called your Business Profile, is one of the strongest tools Google uses to decide who shows up in those top search positions. When you know how to use it well, it becomes a steady, quiet marketing engine that works every single day.

Make it stand out

This should look familiar… you see it all the time when you are searching for a service, products, event etc. This is like a dashboard to direct people to you from their Google Search. Take the time to give it a fresh life and use it as a living part of your brand.
PIctures, reviews, posts, location, and service information should always be updated.

Think Like the Customer Who Is Searching for You

Most people are not typing your name.
They are typing what they need.

Photographer near me.
Kitchen designer Topeka.
Sports banners for teams.
Dentist Holton.

Google instantly shows them three top results. Most people click one of those three because they trust Google to do the first round of sorting.

Your job is to help Google see your business as one of those top listings.

People Might Contact You Before They Ever Visit Your Website

Here is the surprising part.
Many customers never visit your website. They hire you straight from your Google listing because Google gives them everything they need:

• A call button
• Messaging
• Directions
• Photos and videos
• Reviews
• Booking links
• A full list of services

Your listing becomes your first impression, your mini website, and your trust test all at once. When it looks polished and helpful, people often reach out immediately.

Fill Out Your Full Profile so Google Knows You Exist

Google cannot recommend you if it does not understand you.

Make sure you:

Complete every field
Hours. Holiday hours. Phone. Website. Service areas. Payment info.

List every service you offer
Google matches your services to search queries. If you do not list it, Google thinks you do not do it.

Add every area you serve
Holton. Topeka. Lawrence. Atchison. Sabetha. Northeast Kansas.
Clear service areas help Google route the right customers to you.

Use Photos and Videos to Build Trust Before They Even Visit

People look at your photos before reading a single word. They want to visualize the experience.

Upload:

• Recent work
• Team photos
• Behind the scenes
• Short videos
• Products
• Before and afters

Fresh visuals show Google that your business is active and trustworthy. They also help customers feel confident choosing you because they instantly see your quality, personality, and professionalism.

Use Google Posts to Build Visibility and Authority

Google Posts are like small updates inside your listing. They help keep your profile active and improve your chances of showing up when people search for a Topeka photographer or Topeka headshots.

Post things like:

• Announcements
• New Topeka headshot availability
• Branding or team photo highlights
• Helpful reminders
• Seasonal tips
• Promotions for Topeka professionals

Here is the insider tip.
Always include a link back to a helpful page on your website that matches the subject.

If you post about headshots, link to your Topeka headshot page.
If you share a branding photo, link to your branding page.
If you post about team photos, link to your sports page.

These tiny breadcrumbs help Google understand your business and guide your customers straight into your sales funnel.

Reviews: The Part That Can Feel Awkward but Matters the Most

Asking for reviews can feel uncomfortable for everyone.
But clients who had a good experience often want to support you. They simply need a reminder and a link.

Create a simple review system.
Ask after each job.
Send your link with a thank you.
Keep it warm, short, and human.

Google uses reviews as one of its strongest trust indicators. A steady flow of new reviews helps you show up more often in search results and helps new customers feel safe choosing you.

Always respond to your reviews.
A heartfelt thank you for the positive ones.
A calm, constructive response for the occasional negative one.
Your replies show future clients how you treat people.

Branding Images Support Every Place Your Customers See You

Your Google listing is not just information. It is a visual handshake.

People hop between your Google listing, your website, your Facebook page, and your LinkedIn profile. They want the story to match. They want consistency, clarity, and visual professionalism.

Strong branding images do more than look pretty. They create trust. They clarify who you are. They make every platform feel connected. When everything looks aligned, customers follow the breadcrumbs right to your business.

Every Platform You Have Is a Breadcrumb Leading to Your Business

Your Google listing.
Your website.
Your Facebook page.
Your LinkedIn profile.

People rarely follow them in a straight line. They bounce around until it all feels right. When the visuals and messaging are consistent everywhere, customers move forward with confidence.

Five Insider Steps to Make Your Google My Business Page Stand Out

Step 1. Refresh your photos every week

One new photo a week helps Google see your business as active.

Step 2. List every service you offer

More services listed means more search matches.

Step 3. Add all your service areas

Holton. Topeka. Northeast Kansas. Clear areas help Google route customers to you.

Step 4. Post something every seven to ten days

Consistent updates help build authority and visibility.

Step 5. Ask for reviews and respond to all of them

A steady stream of genuine reviews builds trust with Google and with people.

Simple and Consistent Ways to Ask for Reviews

Asking for reviews does not need to feel complicated. What matters most is consistency. You do not need hundreds. You just need steady, ongoing feedback.

Use a QR code at checkout
You can create one in seconds using Canva. Print it on a small sign or card. Let customers scan and review in the moment.

Ask for reviews on Facebook or social media
A simple reminder goes a long way. Most people intend to leave a review and just need the link again.

Reach out personally with a short text or email
This is the most effective approach. A warm message and the link is all it takes.

Build it into your weekly routine
Reach out to two or three clients a week. Small and steady always wins.

Keep it simple and human
A heartfelt request and a clear link is all people need. When you care for your clients, they are usually happy to support your business in return.

Three Sample Google Posts You Can Borrow

Sample Google Post 1. Topeka Headshots

If your current headshot looks like it belongs in a different decade, or you have been cropping yourself out of vacation photos just to look professional, it might be time for an upgrade. A fresh headshot builds trust before you ever say a word.

Book your Topeka headshot session here:
https://www.stillandwild.com/topeka-headshot-photographer

Sample Google Post 2. Branding Photography for Topeka Professionals

Your business tells a story before people read a single sentence. Most Topeka clients find you on Google first, scroll a little, and decide quickly. Branding photos help people feel connected to you and give your business a polished, intentional presence.

Learn more about branding sessions here:
https://www.stillandwild.com/branding

Sample Google Post 3. Team Photos and Sports Banners in Northeast Kansas

Sports photos have evolved. Teams around Topeka and Northeast Kansas are leveling up with bold portraits and custom banners that make every player feel like they are on a magazine cover.

Explore sports photography options here:
https://www.stillandwild.com/sports

Short, Warm Review Request Template

Hi ____, thank you again for choosing me for ________. I really loved working with you and I am grateful you trusted me with ________.

If you have a moment, would you mind leaving a quick review? It truly helps my small business get seen on Google and it means more than you know.

Here is the link:
https://g.page/r/Cb7QG862csnTEBM/review

If you are open to it, I would especially love to hear about your experience with ________. Your feedback helps future clients feel confident when choosing a business.

Thank you again for taking a few minutes to support my work. I appreciate you.

Generic Review Prompt Ideas for Any Business

• how easy it was to schedule or book the service
• how clearly things were explained
• how friendly and helpful the team or provider was
• how comfortable they felt during the experience
• how quickly the service or project was completed
• how well questions or concerns were handled
• how smooth the overall process felt
• what stood out about the customer service
• how the final result met or exceeded expectations
• how communication felt throughout
• what problem the service solved
• what they appreciated most about working with you
• how the outcome has helped them since
• how the value matched the investment
• how likely they are to recommend the business

A Simple Next Step That Makes Everything Work Better

Your Google My Business page becomes even stronger when your photos feel current and consistent across every platform. Customers follow breadcrumbs from Google to your website to your social media, and they notice when everything reflects a clear, confident brand.

If it has been a while since you refreshed your headshots or branding images, this is an easy and powerful place to start. Strong visuals help people trust you faster, which means every click, every search, and every review works harder for your business.

branding

Kim Bear

About Kim | Photographer at Still and Wild

If you live in or around Topeka, you’ve probably noticed how hard it is to find headshots that actually feel real. Most people end up with photos that look stiff, overly edited, or just not like them. That’s exactly why I started Still and Wild: to create portraits that feel like you on your best day.

I’m Kim Bear, a Topeka-based photographer who believes your headshot should work as hard as you do. I specialize in professional and creative headshots that help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals across Topeka, Holton, and Northeast Kansas show up with confidence. My approach is relaxed, guided, and designed to help you look natural and self-assured in every photo.

When you book a session with me, it isn’t about forcing perfection. It’s about finding that spark, the mix of calm, confidence, and personality that makes people stop scrolling and say, “That’s who I want to work with.”

Why people choose Still and Wild

Most of my clients tell me the same thing: “I hate having my picture taken.” But by the end of their session, they’re relaxed, laughing, and usually saying, “That was actually fun.” I guide you every step of the way, from what to wear to how to pose, so your photos feel effortless, natural, and flattering.

I photograph headshots, personal branding portraits, and lifestyle images throughout Topeka, Holton, and nearby Kansas communities, blending modern studio lighting with lifestyle-inspired direction. The result is a polished but personal look that helps you stand out both online and in person.

What makes Still and Wild different

The experience at Still and Wild is personal from the very beginning. You’ll never be rushed through your session or posed like everyone else. Every session is customized to highlight who you are and what makes your story unique. My goal is to help you walk away with photos that feel like you, confident, approachable, and authentic.

After years behind the camera, I’ve learned how to use light, movement, and genuine connection to bring out your most natural expressions. Many people think they’re not photogenic, but what they really need is someone who understands how to guide them comfortably through the process. I know how to capture that perfect balance between professional and real so your headshots feel natural while still looking elevated.

And then there are the results. My clients use their photos to grow their businesses, attract better opportunities, and build stronger brands. I’ve worked with professionals across Topeka and the surrounding area who tell me their new photos changed how people respond to them online and how they feel about themselves. Whether you need a LinkedIn headshot, brand photography for your business, or a creative concept for your next project, I’ll help you create images that make people stop and pay attention.

Ready to look like the professional you already are?

Let’s create something that feels completely you.

Book your headshot session today and walk away with portraits that help you stand out online and in real life.

https://www.stillandwild.com