SEO for Photographers: What Actually Works in 2026
I’m all about keeping things simple — simple processes, systems, workflows — including SEO.
SEO stands for search engine optimization. It helps the right people find your work in search.
Here’s the kind of SEO that I like: clear, useful, and tied to real business goals.
SEO for photographers in 2026
Search still starts with the same basic job: help the right person find a page that answers the question they searched.
The tools have changed. Alexa site rankings are gone, and a dollar value from a third-party website does not tell you whether your SEO brings in the right clients.
I focus on the signals that connect search to real business results. Choose a clear topic. Use the words your buyers search. Make the page useful. Link it to related pages. Keep the information current. Then check Search Console to see which searches bring people to the site.
Local businesses also need pages that name the place and service they offer.
content strategy work for Springfield and the 417
That work uses the same approach: one clear service, one real market, and useful details that help a buyer choose the next step.
What do you say we get you on the first page of google?!
Oh, wait! Before you click play… make sure you watch until the end of the video for extra tips and to hear about how blogging used to result in… crickets for me.
But don’t worry. I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Click play and I’ll teach you how to SEO.
Do’s and don’ts of SEO for photographers
SEO did not always work for me
For years, I blogged every shoot and added basic SEO, but new clients still did not find the work. Publishing often was not enough. The pages needed clear topics, useful answers, and a plan for sharing them.
What I changed about SEO
I started choosing keywords that matched what clients searched. I gave each post one clear job. I shared new posts through social media, email, and Pinterest. I also linked related pages so people and search engines could understand the site.
Good SEO brings the right people to a useful page. Traffic alone is not the goal. The page should help a potential client understand the work and take the next step.
Book a Strategy Call
Measure the results that matter
Use Google Search Console to see which searches show your pages, which pages earn clicks, and where you can make the answer clearer. Track inquiries and sales too. Those results tell you more than a third-party site score.
Choose useful keywords
Start with the service, question, or location your buyer would search. Check the search results, look at the words real customers use, and build one helpful page around that topic. Keep the page current and link it to related work on your site.
Step 4: Blog your work
Blog everything you photograph.
Create a quick checklist/workflow in Asana and decide that you’ll publish your blog post 5 days after your shoot. 7 days, 14 days or on the 1 month anniversary work well, too!
How often do you want to blog?
At least once a week. Google (and other search engines) will love you for this. You want consistent traffic to your site.
Blog every wedding/shoot/session you do and if you don’t have a shoot to blog for that week?
Well, it’s time to write a blog post that will attract more of your dream clients.
Use the SEO tricks I taught you above and soon you’ll get paid to blog just because you’re bringing in clients every time you blog.
Here are some ideas…
Top 25 wedding venues in city, state
Venue tours — go photograph your favorite venues and blog about them
Interview your favorite wedding venues and don’t forget the caterers.
5 unexpected things to have with you on your wedding day
Jimmy Choo shoes vs Kate Spade shoes
Heels vs flats for your wedding day
Top 8 dress designers for your 2019 wedding
Related post: Lightroom to Instagram export settings
Blog at least once a week and blog every single session.
Step 5: Drive traffic
Now it’s time to put your marketing hat on and drive traffic, drive traffic, drive traffic.
How many times did I put out free content and not share the post anywhere? Too many times. [facepalm]
Share your post on every social media outlet — your business facebook page, instagram, pinterest, twitter and create a Lightroom slideshow and upload that video to YouTube for your video porfolio.
Related Post: Tools for your IGTV episodes
Use the same SEO strategies for YouTube (it’s a search engine) and you’ll start to get bookings from YouTube as well!
Love pinterest?
You and me both! Pin this image so you can use this post as an SEO checklist! Just name your board “Blogging Tips” and pin away!
Do not have time to manage your SEO and content on your own?
I help small businesses build the strategy first, then create the photos, video, and content that support it. Book a strategy call so we can look at your goals, your current site, and the next best step.
Worked in 3 different rooms for this interior photoshoot! Made sure to use my top 3 lenses for interiors and vlogged a little to share some tips and behind the scenes. Speaking of that vlog… sharing exact camera settings and more!