SEO for Photographers: 15 Easy Tips That Got Me #1 Rankings Every Time I Moved

Here’s something that might sound impossible: I’ve ranked my photography business at the top of Google in 3 different locations in 3 years! Each time we moved I got better and faster at getting page 1 results.

• City 1: Fought my way to top 3 rankings in 18 months
• City 2: Achieved my first #1 position in 8 months
• City 3: Currently dominating at #1 (achieved in 4 months)

I’m not sharing this to brag – I’m sharing it because I know exactly how frustrating it feels to be a talented photographer that nobody can find online. I’ve been there, staring at my beautiful website wondering why it’s buried on page 47 while photographers with half my skill are booking solid.

The truth about SEO for photographers is this: it’s not about learning everything. It’s about doing the right things consistently and following SEO best practices. After 15+ years of photography and an IT background that helped me crack the photography SEO code, I’ve boiled it down to these 15 essential tips.

But before we dive in—Hi! I’m Melissa, and I’m an SEO expert here to help portrait photographers finally get found by their dream clients on Google—without the technical overwhelm. Whether you need done-for-you SEO services, step-by-step coaching through my proven system, or monthly blogging strategies (like my Blogging Club membership!), I’ve got the tools to transform your invisible website into a client-attracting machine. Ready to stop being the best-kept secret in your market?

These tips have helped me (and my SEO clients) go from feast-or-famine desperation into a steady stream of dream clients who find ME instead of me chasing them. In the last 16 months as of May 2025 my website has shown up over 7 million times in searches on Google. I’ve also had over 97k clicks to my website from those searches!!!

Check Your Own Website SEO: Download my SEO Self-Audit Checklist to see exactly where your website stands right now and which of these 15 tips will have the biggest impact for your photography business.

Ready to stop being invisible? Here are the 15 SEO tips for photographers that changed everything.

Tip 1: Set Up Google Search Console (Your SEO Command Center)

Before you optimize anything, you need to know where you stand. Google Search Console is like having a direct line to Google about how your website is performing – and it’s completely free. This is the first step in any successful SEO (search engine optimization) strategy.

What Google Search Console shows you:

• Which keywords and search terms you’re actually ranking for
• How many people see your site in search engine results
• Which web pages are performing best
• Technical SEO issues Google finds on your site
• How your site appears on mobile devices

The best way to set it up:

1. Go to search.google.com/search-console
2. Add your website as a property
3. Verify ownership (easiest way is through Google Analytics)
4. Submit your sitemap (yoursite.com/sitemap.xml)

Why photographers have a hard time without this: Most photographers are shooting blind with their SEO efforts. They don’t know if their work is generating positive results or which target keywords are actually bringing in organic traffic. Search Console gives you the data to make smart decisions about your photography business SEO.

What to check monthly:

• Performance report: See which search terms are bringing potential customers to your site
• Coverage report: Make sure all your important website pages are indexed
• Mobile usability: Ensure your site provides a better user experience on phones

I’ve discovered some of my best-converting search terms by seeing what people actually search for to find my photography site.

Tip 2: Use the Magic Keyword Formula for Your Home Page

Your home page needs to tell Google exactly what photography services you offer and where you offer them. This is a great way to improve your search engine rankings from the start.

The Formula: [Service] + [Location]

• “Newborn photographer [your city]”
• “Family photographer [your area]”
• “Maternity photographer [your city]”

Where to use your target keyword:

• Your main headline
• Your homepage title tag
• Throughout your website content naturally
• In your navigation menu

Example: Instead of “Welcome to Sarah’s Photography,” use “Chicago Newborn Photographer | Sarah Johnson Photography”

This applies whether you specialize in portrait photography, wedding photography, or any other type of photography. The key is being specific about your photography services and location.

My favorite tool for keyword research: I’ve used Keywords Everywhere for years to find new keywords in all of my locations that clients are actually searching for. It shows me search volume right in Google search results, which helped me discover high-traffic keywords I never would have thought of. The bronze plan is only $27 a year.

Tip 3: Create Landing Pages for Each Genre You Offer

Don’t try to rank for everything on one page. The best SEO tips for photographers emphasize creating separate, dedicated web pages for each photography service you offer.

Create landing pages for:

• Newborn Photography
• Maternity Photography
• Family Portraits
• Wedding Photography (if applicable)
• [Any other specialties like elopement photographer services]

Why this content strategy works: Google can better understand your online presence when each service has its own dedicated page. Plus, you can target specific keywords for each type of photography, making it easier for your target audience to find exactly what they’re looking for.

Tip 4: Use Keyword Formula for Portfolio Landing Pages

Apply the same magic formula to each of your service pages.

For each landing page:

• Page title: “[Service] in [City] | [Your Business Name]”
• Main headline: “[City] [Service] Photographer”
• URL: yoursite.com/newborn-photographer-chicago

Tip 5: Update Page Titles to Include Keywords

Your page titles are one of the most important on-page SEO elements and directly impact your search rankings. Make sure every important page has an optimized SEO title.

Title formula: [Primary Keyword] | [Business Name]

Examples:

• “Chicago Newborn Photography | Sarah Johnson Photography”
• “Family Portrait Photographer Chicago | Sarah Johnson Photography”
• “About Sarah | Chicago Family Photographer”

Keep titles under 60 characters so they don’t get cut off in the search engine results page.

Tip 6: Update Meta Descriptions to Include Keywords

Meta descriptions are the short text that appears under your title in Google search results. While they don’t directly help your Google ranking, they help potential customers decide to click on your site.

Meta description formula:

• Include your main keyword and related terms
• Mention your specific location or area
• Add a compelling reason to choose your photography services
• Keep it under 160 characters

Example: “Professional newborn photography in Chicago specializing in lifestyle sessions. Capturing precious first moments with natural light and timeless style. Book your session today.”

Tip 7: Create Proper Header Structures

Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) to organize your content and help Google understand your page structure.

Header hierarchy:

• H1: Your main page title (only one per page)
• H2: Major sections like “About My Photography Style” or “Session Information”
• H3: Subsections under H2s

Include keywords naturally in your headers, especially H1 and at least one H2.

Tip 8: Optimize Images Properly

As a photographer, this is crucial for both SEO and site speed. Image SEO can make or break your online portfolio’s performance.

Image optimization checklist:

• Export at 2048px wide for horizontal photos, 1365px for vertical
• Use 85% JPEG quality (sweet spot between file size and visual quality)
• Keep file sizes under 500KB when possible
• Use modern formats like WebP if your platform supports it

Homepage slideshow rule: You don’t need 57 images in a slideshow at the top of your homepage! 5 images tops is all you need there. I see photographers all the time with massive rotating galleries on their homepage, and it’s killing their site speed. Adding too many images will slow down your site and hurt your search rankings.

Why it matters:

Tip 9: Rename Images with Keywords and Variations

Stop uploading images with names like “IMG_1234.jpg” – this is a missed SEO opportunity.

File naming strategy:

• Use descriptive names with keywords
• Include location when relevant
• Use hyphens (not spaces or underscores)

Examples:

• maternity-session-sunset-beach-chicago.jpg
• newborn-photography-lifestyle-home-session.jpg
• family-portraits-fall-colors-lincoln-park.jpg

Tip 10: Add Alt Tags to All Images

Alt tags (also called alt text) help Google understand what’s in your photos and can help you rank in Google Images search results.

Alt text formula: [What’s happening] + [session type] + [specific location if relevant]

Examples:

• “Expecting mother in flowing white dress during golden hour maternity session in Chicago”
• “Happy family of four walking hand in hand during fall portrait session at Lincoln Park”
• “Peaceful sleeping newborn baby in parents’ arms during lifestyle home session”

Don’t keyword stuff – describe the image naturally while including relevant search terms. This is a great way to improve your visibility in local searches.

Tip 11: Add FAQs to Portfolio Landing Pages

FAQ sections are SEO gold because they target the exact questions your clients are asking Google.

FAQ ideas for each service:

• “How long does a newborn session take?”
• “What should I wear for maternity photos?”
• “When should we schedule our family photos?”
• “What if my baby cries during the session?”
• “Do you provide wardrobe guidance?”

Answer each question thoroughly and naturally include your keywords.

Tip 12: Include Recent Blog Posts on Home Page and Landing Pages

Fresh content signals to Google that your website is active and current. This is one of the best ways to improve your search engine rankings over time.

How to implement:

• Add a “Recent Work” or “Latest Sessions” section to your home page
• Include 3-4 recent blog posts on each service landing page
• Update these regularly with new helpful content

Bonus: This also keeps visitors on your site longer and shows potential customers your best work, creating internal links that boost your overall SEO efforts.

Tip 13: Write for Future Clients, Not Past Clients

This is where most photographers get photography SEO wrong. You need to create website content that serves your target audience, not just showcase past work.

Instead of writing about:

• “Sarah and John’s beautiful session at the beach”
• “Behind the scenes of this styled shoot”
• “My new camera lens is amazing”

Write helpful content about topics your ideal clients search for:

• “What to Expect at Your Newborn Photography Session”
• “Best Time of Year for Family Photos in [Your City]”
• “How to Choose Outfits for Maternity Photos”

Ask yourself: Would my target audience search for this topic on Google? This content strategy approach will help you show up in local searches when potential customers are actively looking for photography services.

Real example from my experience: I once wrote a blog post about including pets at family sessions because many of my clients have dogs and some even have cats, and of course they want them in photos. I’ve had so many people find that post and book me because of it! It wasn’t a topic I thought would be popular, but turns out lots of families search for “family photographer who includes pets” or “family photos with dogs.” Sometimes the most practical, everyday topics are exactly what your ideal clients are Googling.

Need more blog topic ideas? Download my free “35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers” guide for content ideas that actually attract clients and improve your search rankings.

Tip 14: Blog Weekly

Consistent blogging is one of the most effective SEO strategies for photographers.

Why weekly blogging works:

• Gives Google fresh content to index
• Targets new keywords with each post
• Establishes you as an expert in your field
• Provides content to share on social media platforms

Content mix:

• Educational posts (what to expect, how to prepare)
• Location-specific posts (best photo spots in your city)
• Client session features (with SEO-optimized titles)

Make it manageable: Batch write 4 posts in one sitting, then schedule them out.

Stuck staring at a blinking cursor? You’re not alone. Most photographers struggle with “what should I write about this week?” That’s exactly why I created The Blogging Club – you get fresh blog post ideas and templates delivered monthly, so you never have to wonder what to write about again. Plus with our new AI tools you can create blog posts that incorporate your stories and experience in less than an hour! Oh and one of our fancy tools will take that blog post and create all your marketing/social media posts for the week!

Tip 15: Use an SEO Plugin Like RankMath

If you’re using WordPress for your blog or website, an SEO plugin makes optimization much easier.

Why RankMath over other plugins:

• More features available for free
• Multiple keyword optimization per post
• Better local SEO tools (perfect for photographers)
• Built-in schema markup options

What it helps with:

• Title and meta description optimization
• Keyword optimization suggestions
• Internal linking recommendations
• XML sitemap generation
• Schema markup for local business

Getting started: Install RankMath, run the setup wizard, and start using it to optimize each blog post and page.

Bonus Tip: Set Up Your Google Business Profile (Essential for Local SEO)

Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO for photographers and often the first thing potential clients see when they search for photographers in your area.

What to do:

• Go to business.google.com and claim your profile
• Fill out every single section completely
• Use your main keyword in your business description: “Professional newborn and family photographer serving [your city] and surrounding areas”
• Add high-quality photos of your work and behind-the-scenes shots
• Post weekly updates with recent session photos

Why it works: A complete, optimized profile can make you appear in the local “map pack” results, which often appear above regular search results for location-based searches.

Local SEO impact: When someone searches “newborn photographer near me” or “family photographer [your city],” your Google Business Profile can show up prominently with your photos, reviews, and contact information.

Why These 15+ Tips Work Together

Here’s the thing about photography website SEO – it’s not about doing one thing perfectly. It’s about doing all these elements consistently so they work together:

• Your Google Business Profile gets you found locally
• Your keyword army gets traffic for you
• Your optimized pages convert visitors into inquiries
• Your blog content brings in traffic for specific questions
• Your technical optimization keeps people on your site
• Your consistent effort builds authority over time

When I moved to each new city, I implemented all 15 of these tips systematically. That’s how I was able to achieve Google rankings photographers dream of so quickly – I wasn’t starting from scratch, I was applying a proven system.

How Long Until You See Results?

Based on my experience across three markets, here’s a realistic timeline for photography business SEO:

Month 1-3: Foundation building, minimal ranking changes
Month 4-6: First page rankings for some long-tail keywords
Month 7-9: Multiple keywords ranking, noticeable traffic increases
Month 10-12: Page 1-2 rankings for primary keywords, 40-60% of leads from SEO

Remember: SEO for photographers is like working out. You don’t see results immediately, but the work compounds over time. The blog post you write today might book you a client in 6 months.

Your Next Steps

Don’t try to do all 15 tips at once. Here’s how to prioritize:

This Week:

1. Set up Google Search Console (Tip 1)
2. Update your homepage with the keyword formula (Tip 2)
3. Optimize your existing images with proper names and alt text (Tips 9-10)

This Month:
4. Create dedicated landing pages for each service (Tips 3-4)
5. Update all page titles and meta descriptions (Tips 5-6)
6. Set up your Google Business Profile (Bonus Tip)

Next 3 Months:
7. Implement all remaining tips consistently
8. Establish weekly blogging routine
9. Monitor your progress in Search Console and adjust

The photographers who succeed with local SEO for photographers aren’t necessarily the most tech-savvy – they’re the ones who commit to the process and execute consistently.

The Truth About SEO for Photographers

Here’s what I wish someone had told me 15 years ago: photography SEO isn’t about becoming a tech expert. It’s about consistently doing simple things that help your ideal clients find you when they’re ready to book.

I’ve achieved the Google rankings photographers strive for in three different cities using these exact 15 tips. It’s not magic, it’s not complicated, and it definitely works for photography business SEO.

Your dream clients are searching Google for photographers right now. The question is: when they search for “[your service] [your city],” will they find you or your competition?

The photographers who dominate their local markets all understand one thing: SEO tips for photographers aren’t optional anymore – they’re essential. And now you have the exact 15-step system to make it happen.

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Feeling Overwhelmed by All These Tips? You’re Not Alone.

Look, I know what you’re thinking: “This all makes sense, but when am I supposed to find time to implement all these SEO strategies while running my photography business, editing sessions, and actually having a life?”

Here’s the truth: most photographers get stuck in the implementation phase. They know what to do but don’t know which tip to tackle first, how to write compelling meta descriptions that actually convert, or whether they’re optimizing their landing pages correctly. They spend hours trying to figure out RankMath settings or second-guessing their keyword choices instead of booking clients.

That’s exactly why I created two ways to get expert guidance through this process

🎯 Group SEO Coaching – Learn alongside other photographers with monthly coaching calls, step-by-step guidance through each tip, and direct access to ask questions when you get stuck. Perfect if you want to learn the process while having an expert guide you through implementation. No more wondering if you’re doing it right.

🚀 Done-for-You SEO Services – Let us handle all these tips for you while you focus on what you do best: taking gorgeous photos and serving clients. We’ll optimize your entire website, set up your systems, and get you ranking while you stay in your zone of genius. Wake up to a fully optimized photography website without lifting a finger.

The photographers who succeed aren’t the ones who try to figure this out alone at 11 PM after editing all day. They’re the ones who get expert guidance to implement these strategies correctly the first time.

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Which path fits your life better: learning with guidance or having it done for you?

Ready for More Support? Join The Blogging Club for monthly content strategies that actually work for photographers, or explore our Done-for-You SEO services where we handle all the technical photographer website SEO work while you focus on what you do best – creating beautiful photos.

Don’t let another month go by being invisible to the clients who need you most.

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