How is Clare Ashbrook's approach different from marketing agencies?

Clare works with a small number of clients at a time, which means you get consistent, attentive support rather than being one of dozens. She focuses on strategies that actually work for growing small businesses — not enterprise-level tactics that don't fit your reality.

Do I need SEO if I already have a website?

Yes. A website without SEO is like having a shop with no sign outside — people won't know you're there. SEO helps your site show up when potential clients are searching for your services online, whether you're a local business or aiming for a wider audience.

What does monthly marketing support actually include?

It depends on what your business needs. Most clients combine a few things — blog writing, SEO maintenance and reporting, newsletter creation, website updates, LinkedIn — and we build a monthly rhythm around that. It's a tailored approach that we review regularly so it always fits where you are.

Can Clare work with my existing team or website designer?

Absolutely. Clare regularly collaborates with designers, developers, and in-house teams.

Is paying someone to do SEO worth it?

For a business to show up online and bring in sales or leads, SEO is essential. An experienced SEO consultant is a worthwhile investment that pays for itself over time through increased visibility and enquiries.

How does content writing and SEO help small businesses?

Content writing and SEO give small businesses a competitive edge by helping them show up where their ideal clients are searching. Whether it's blog posts, service pages, or newsletters, optimised content improves your chances of being found and trusted.

I'm not sure which monthly services I need — can I just pick one or two things?

Absolutely. You might just want monthly blog writing and SEO reporting, or a newsletter and LinkedIn. We start with what's most useful and can always build from there as your business grows or your needs change.

SEO for Wedding Florists, Creatives + Small Business: How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Apr 15

Written By Clare Ashbrook

What is a Google Business Profile? A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free listing that allows your business to appear in local Google search results and Google Maps. When someone searches for a service near them — such as "wedding florist Manchester" or "interior designer near me" — optimised Google Business Profiles appear prominently above standard website results.

If you've ever chatted with me about SEO, or you're part of my newsletter community, you already know how much I love a well-optimised Google Business Profile. When I ran my own wedding and event florist business, it was a total game-changer. Couples and brands found me and trusted me — all because I showed up at the top of local search results with the right information.

Now I help other small businesses get the same results.

Whether you're a wedding florist, creative, or small business serving a local area, a Google Business Profile can be one of the most powerful (and free!) tools in your SEO toolkit.

Why does Google Business Profile matter for small businesses?

People are searching all the time for things like:

wedding florist manchester
family photographer brooklyn
interior designer edinburgh
bridal bouquet florist austin
calligraphy wedding signage london
event stylist near me
solo yoga retreats in The Lake District

Local Google listings — including GBP — show up before your Instagram or even your website. If your profile isn't filled out properly, or doesn't show up at all, you're missing out on potential dream clients.

How to optimise your Google Business Profile

1. Fill out every section

Google rewards consistency and completion. Make sure you include:

Your exact business name (match it to your website and socials)
Physical address or service area (you can hide this if you don't have a public premises)
Phone number and email
Website URL
Business category (e.g. Event Planner, Interior Designer, Photographer, Wedding Florist)
Business hours
A clear, keyword-rich description

Use keywords your clients would actually search. Think like they do: elopement photographer los angeles, eco-friendly wedding florist bristol, bespoke event planner london, colorful wedding planner chicago. Write for people, not robots — Google picks up on both.

2. Upload real photos regularly — and skip the stock imagery

This is especially important if your work is visual. Add geotags relevant to your service area — Google will pick up on the location.

Final installs or styled shoots
Before and after images (for designers or stylists)
Flatlays and behind-the-scenes content
Portfolio shots and client work in action

One thing worth knowing: Google actively discourages stock photography on Business Profiles, and it can actually work against you. Stock images don't reflect your real business, your real work, or your real location — and Google's algorithm knows the difference. Always use your own photos, even if they're taken on your phone. Authentic imagery builds more trust with both Google and the people searching for you.

Tip: when you post to Instagram, repurpose that same image on GBP — in the photo gallery or in the Updates section with a quick caption and a link to your contact form. A simple way to stay active without creating new content from scratch.

nt from scratch.

3. Use the Updates section like a mini blog

Posting weekly in the Updates section tells Google your business is active and engaged. You can share:

Behind-the-scenes of a current project
A new blog post
Photos from a recent event or shoot
Booking availability
Answers to frequently asked questions

Each post builds trust with Google and potential clients.

4. Collect and reply to reviews

Reviews are one of the most powerful local ranking signals — and replying to them matters just as much as getting them.

Encourage clients to mention specific services, locations, and outcomes:

"We hired [Your Name] to style our engagement party in Notting Hill, and everything from the table linens to the floral installs was perfection. Guests are still talking about it!"

When you reply, add a personal touch and naturally include a relevant keyword or location detail:

"Thank you so much, Sophie! Designing that garden party tablescape in west London was such a highlight. So thrilled it brought your vision to life!"

5. Use keywords consistently throughout your profile

Weave keywords naturally into your business description, photo captions, and update posts. Examples: wedding florist manchester, newborn photographer austin, sustainable event planner bristol, interior designer edinburgh, calligraphy wedding signage london. Be consistent and use variations that match your location and services.

6. Use a free tool like GMB Everywhere

GMB Everywhere is a free Chrome extension that lets you see how businesses in your niche are using their Google Business Profiles. It gives you keyword insights, category data, and visibility tools — one of my favourite free starting points for understanding where you fit in local search.

7. Repurpose your Instagram content

Already writing captions for Instagram? Reuse them on your GBP. Upload the same image into the photo section, or write a quick Update using similar copy — just adjust your call to action to direct people to your contact form, a new blog post, or your availability page. A post that performs well on Instagram might also boost your local visibility on Google, without needing to create something entirely new.

8.Don't forget your meta descriptions

Once your GBP is looking good, make sure your website is just as clear. One of the most overlooked pieces? Your meta descriptions — the short text snippets that appear under your site name in Google results.

👉 Read: How to Write Meta Descriptions That Attract the Right Clients
Not sure if your Google Business Profile is doing its job?
An SEO audit looks at your GBP alongside your website, content, and local search presence — so you can see exactly what's working and what to fix first.
A clear picture of where your SEO currently stands
Specific, prioritised actions you can take straight away
Honest advice written in plain English