Top SEO Tips for Photographers Who Want to Get Seen (and Get Booked)
If SEO feels confusing, overwhelming, or like something you’re “behind” on — you’re not alone.
Most photographers weren’t taught how search engines work. We were taught how to make images. How to connect. How to tell stories. SEO can feel like a completely different language, layered on top of an already full plate.
But here’s the truth:
SEO doesn’t have to be complicated to work.
In fact, the photographers who see the most consistent results aren’t doing everything. They’re doing a few foundational things well — and sticking with them.
Let’s break down what actually matters.
1. Start With Clear Keywords
SEO starts with understanding what people are actually searching for.
Not trendy phrases.
Not clever branding language.
Real words your future clients are typing into Google.
Think:
“Family photographer in Boston”
“Newborn photographer near me”
“Lifestyle family photography Massachusetts”
Every important page on your site should focus on one clear keyword or phrase. That includes your homepage, service pages, and blog posts.
When your keywords are clear, everything else gets easier — from writing copy to structuring pages.
Inside our SEO for Photographers course, we show you exactly how to choose keywords that are realistic to rank for — even if your market feels saturated.
2. Build Service Pages That Actually Convert
Pretty pages don’t always perform well.
Your service pages should be built for:
Google (clear headings, keywords, structure)
Clients (clarity, trust, next steps)
A strong service page answers:
Who is this for?
What problem do you solve?
Where are you located?
How do they contact you?
This is where SEO and booking power meet.
Our course includes page structure templates and copy examples so you’re not guessing what to write.
3. Don’t Skip Local SEO (It’s Where the Buyers Are)
If you’re a photographer who serves a specific location, local SEO is non-negotiable.
That means:
A fully optimized Google Business Profile
Consistent location language across your site
Location-specific service pages when appropriate
Local SEO helps your business show up when people search:
“family photographer near me”
“newborn photographer [city]”
We walk through Google Business Profile setup step-by-step inside the course so you don’t miss the small details that matter.
4. Write Blog Posts That Bring Buyers — Not Just Traffic
Blogging for SEO isn’t about posting everything you shoot.
It’s about answering questions your clients already have.
Think:
What should we wear for family photos?
When is the best time for newborn sessions?
How much does family photography cost?
When your blog content is helpful, specific, and connected to your services, it works quietly in the background — bringing people to your site long after you hit publish.
In the course, we break down exactly which blog topics are worth your time — and which ones aren’t.
5. Optimize Your Images (Without Killing Your Workflow)
Photography sites are image-heavy — and that can slow things down fast.
Google cares about:
Image size
Page speed
Alt text (used for accessibility and SEO)
You don’t need to rename every file manually or obsess over perfection — you just need a repeatable system.
6. Use Headings to Help Google Read Your Page
Google doesn’t “see” your site the way humans do — it reads structure.
That means:
Clear H1s, H2s, and H3s
Logical page flow
Scannable sections
Headings tell Google what’s important and help your page rank more effectively.
Our templates inside SEO for Photographers show you exactly how to structure pages so you’re not guessing.
7. Keep It Simple and Consistent
SEO is not about doing everything.
It’s about doing the right things consistently:
Clear keywords
Strong service pages
Helpful blog content
Clean tech setup
When photographers get overwhelmed, they stop — and that’s when nothing works.
Ready to Take This Further?
If you want to stop guessing and start building a website that actually works for your business, our newest course inside Unraveled Academy is designed for you:
SEO for Photographers: Rank on Google, Book More Clients
This is a no-fluff SEO course built specifically for photographers, covering:
How to choose keywords without paid tools
How to optimize service pages that rank and convert
Local SEO that makes the phone ring
Evergreen blog strategies that attract buyers
Tech that won’t break your site
A live Squarespace demo you can follow step-by-step
It also includes templates, checklists, and real examples so you can implement everything immediately.
Available now inside Unraveled Academy
Join the membership to access this course and hundreds of others designed to help photographers grow sustainable, profitable businesses.
