Your publisher profile
4 min readVoiceMap storytellers are loved for their authentic, expert voices. Your publisher profile is where you showcase both your credentials and your personality – proving you're qualified while sharing what makes your storytelling unique.
We've structured publisher profiles following Google's E-E-A-T framework – Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness – which the search engine uses to assess content quality and credibility. When you complete your profile, it helps your tours rank higher in search results, which means more people discover your work and, ultimately, more tour sales. A well-crafted profile can also connect you with potential commission opportunities.
Your profile is divided into three main sections: Personal Details, Credentials, and Links.
Personal Details
Get Hired to Produce Tours
When you enable this feature, a "Commission this Publisher" option appears on your profile, opening up additional revenue opportunities. Organisations can use it to request custom tour production, connecting you directly with potential clients.
Your Photo
The photo on your VoiceMap profile is one of the first things potential listeners see, and it plays a big role in establishing trust and connection. People are more likely to purchase a tour from someone they feel they know, and a good photo helps create that personal connection before they even press play.
Here's how to get the most out of your profile photo:
- Use a real photo of yourself – not a logo, illustration, or landscape. Listeners want to see the person behind the voice.
- Choose a clear, well-lit image – make sure your face is visible and the photo isn't blurry or too dark.
- Look approachable and friendly – a warm smile goes a long way.
- Keep it professional but personal – you don't need a studio headshot, but avoid overly casual photos.
Your Bio
Your bio is what convinces a potential listener that you're worth spending time with. It should answer the question: "Why should I trust this person to be my guide?" Here's how to write one that works:
- Lead with credentials. Start by establishing why you're the right person to narrate this tour.
- Be specific about your connection to the place. Don't just say "I love this city" — explain what you know and how you know it.
- If you've worked with or been featured by recognisable companies, name them.
- Frame experience as expertise. Instead of just "I love sharing stories," add why you're qualified: "As a former museum educator…" or "Drawing on my journalism background…" or "After years researching in city archives…"
Your bio reflects who you are as a storyteller. If you use a lot of humour in your tours, bring that in. If your style is very personal, you can still include a line about your family and pets. The goal is to help listeners feel like they know you before they even press play.
Your Tagline
Your tagline is a short, punchy sentence that immediately establishes your primary credentials. It works hand-in-hand with your bio – while the tagline is your credentials compressed into one attention-grabbing line, your bio explains why those credentials matter.
Credentials
Your credentials help build trust through verified qualifications and achievements. This section includes:
- Qualifications – Degrees, certifications, or professional training relevant to your tour topics
- Professional memberships – Industry associations or guide organisations you belong to
- Awards and recognition – Any honours or accolades you've received
- Publications – Books, articles, or other published work
- Media appearances – TV, radio, podcast, or press features
Each credential can be verified by providing supporting links or documentation. Verified credentials get a special badge on your profile.
Links
The links section lets you connect your other online presences to your VoiceMap profile. Add links to your:
- Personal website or blog
- Social media profiles
- Other published work
- Professional portfolio
These links help listeners learn more about you and build confidence in your expertise. They also help search engines understand your authority on the topics you cover in your tours.