Get Found on Google Without Paying for Ads
Relocating or rebuilding your photography business is no small feat, and SEO can feel like a monster to tackle. But getting SEO for photographers right, starting with your keywords, can help you rank higher and get discovered faster.
I’ve moved my photography business 7 times and every time SEO and keywords are the very first thing I tackle – from researching the right keywords to optimizing for my new location. Don’t sleep on this!
Here’s a breakdown of tips to get started.
Lisen to the Get Booked Podcast
SEO doesn’t have to be a monster under the bed. Melissa (our resident SEO wizard) and I pulled every SEO episode into one playlist: keyword research, image SEO, homepage fixes, backlinks, and the mistakes we see every single week. Start with Ep. 49, where we spill our favorite keyword research tool.
SEO playlist
The SEO For Photographers playlist is available now on Spotify. Follow the show and drop some stars if you find the episodes helpful!
That’s me, Alison, on the right with the camera. I’m a six-figure IPS photographer who has rebuilt my business seven times. On the left is my co-host Melissa, the SEO expert for photographers.
Across 100+ episodes of Get Booked, we’ve answered hundreds of the questions photographers actually ask: how to get found on Google, what to charge, how to fill a slow season, and so much more
Start with this episode. Then hit Follow so you never miss a Monday.
In This Article
What SEO Really Means
Let’s start simple: SEO for photographers means helping Google understand your business.
That’s it. No fancy algorithms. No tech jargon. Think of Google like a filing system. Your job is to help it categorize you correctly so it knows where to place you among all the other photographers out there.
Here’s the difference that matters:
- Paid ads = You pay every time someone clicks
- Organic SEO = Free traffic that works 24/7
When we talk about SEO for photographers, we’re talking about free, passive visibility. You’re not dependent on your ad budget or your social media posting schedule. You’re speaking Google’s language, and it rewards you with rankings.
What Are SEO Keywords for Photographers?
Keywords are the phrases you use in a Google search. My keyword for photography is “Oahu Family Photographer.” Keywords for photographers typically include your genre (family, wedding, newborn, equine) and location. But don’t be fooled – location can mean SO much! It could be a city, county, state, region, or even an area code.
Examples of tricky locations:
- DMV for the DC/Maryland/Virginia metro area
- DELMARVA for Delaware/Maryland/Virginia
- 808 for all of Hawaii
- Lowcountry for anything in or around the Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head, or Beaufort area of South Carolina
Choosing the Right Keywords for Your Photography & Location
Location Matters
Target keywords relevant to where your clients search. For example, if you live in a small town, prioritize keywords for the nearest major city. Tools like Keywords Everywhere and Google Search Console are must-haves for this process.
One Primary Keyword Per Page or Blog
Each page should focus on one unique primary keyword. Tiny related phrases (think 20 searches a month or less) can tag along in the same post, but your main keyword gets the spotlight. And never use the same main keyword on your homepage and a blog post – they’ll compete with each other and confuse the mess out of Google. Make it easy for Google and people searching for your terms.
Crafting Keyword-Optimized Content
- Use Keywords Naturally. Place your SEO keywords in blog titles, meta descriptions and headers. Avoid keyword stuffing – it’s outdated and ineffective. Instead, focus on creating quality content that serves your readers.
- Include Keyword Variations. Google recognizes concepts, so use related phrases that support your primary keyword.
- Write Location-Based Blogs. Blog posts that highlight local spots or client-relevant topics (like family-friendly restaurants) boost your authority and clicks. Both matter and support your rankings in organic search.
- Write Meta Descriptions That Get Clicks. Your meta description is the preview under your link on Google. Use your keyword and give people a reason to click.
ToolsL SEO For Photographers to Get Started
- Google Search Console: Install this NOW! Monitor your current rankings and organic traffic. It’s free!
- Keywords Everywhere: Estimate search volume and competition for phrases. (Hear how we use it in Ep. 49.)
- Rank Math: The WordPress SEO plugin I use to set my keyword, meta description and SEO title on every post.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth SEO Transition
Good SEO for photographers is all about timing, so be strategic about your new goals to reestablish authority quickly. Before you move, or relaunch into a new genre of photography, schedule blog posts targeting your new location or niche. Archive old posts that no longer serve your target clientele. Rewrite old posts where it makes sense. Be strategic and timely about your new SEO goals to reestablish authority quickly.
Know your keywords but still staring at a blank blog post? My Blog to Book workshop walks you through turning those keywords into posts that actually book clients.
Get SEO Help
If SEO for photographers feels overwhelming, and it should if you’re doing it correctly, you can get help! I provide one-on-one coaching for photographers who are relocating their business, relaunching into a new genre of photography, or just refining their business to be better and more profitable.
Free Download: SEO Keywords for Photographers
If you’re struggling to stay on top of your SEO keywords, grab my FREE Google Sheet to easily track your blog topics, keywords used, search traffic and BONUS social sharing! Winging isn’t a marketing plan. It’s simple, powerful, and exactly what you need to start showing up where it counts – GOOGLE!
The “Wild Card”
That’s what he said. “The good news is you’re doing everything right. The bad news is you’re already doing everything. You’re a bit of a wild card.”
I’ve relaunched my photography business 7 times. From being all-inclusive photographer charging just $150 to running a six-figure business where clients happily invest thousands per session, I’ve experience the full spectrum of this industry – all on my own.
Now I’m help other photographers move faster, and make more – more money, more clients, more freedom. Book a Free 15 now!
Learn More About SEO for Photographers
- Email Marketing for Photographers: How to Fix Your Spam Folder Problem Before Your Next Launch in 4 Steps
- Black Friday Deals for Photographers: What’s Actually Worth Buying (and What to Skip)
- Instagram Reels Photography Content: The B-Roll Bank That Saves You When Life Gets Busy
- Photography Blog Ideas: The 3 Types of Posts Every Photographer Needs
- Photography Website Homepage Ideas: What Your Homepage Actually Needs to Rank AND Book
- How to Work From Home With Kids — And Actually Get Things Done
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
Alison's Process
contact Alison
