Common SEO Mistakes Photographers Make (and How to Fix Them)
SEO is one of the most powerful tools for getting your photography business found online, but it’s easy to make mistakes that hold you back. Here are some of the most common SEO mistakes photographers make and how to fix them.
1. Ignoring Local SEO
Many photographers focus on ranking for broad terms like “wedding photographer” without optimizing for their specific location. But most potential clients are searching for a photographer near them, so local SEO is key. Cities are key!
Fix:
Optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate contact information, services, and high-quality photos.
Use location-based keywords like “Denver wedding photographer” throughout your website.
Get listed in local directories and encourage client reviews on Google.
2. Keyword Stuffing
It might seem like using your target keyword in every sentence will help your rankings, but overloading your content with keywords can actually hurt your SEO.
Fix:
Write naturally, focusing on providing value to readers.
Use variations of your keywords (e.g., “engagement photographer in Nashville” instead of repeating “Nashville photographer” over and over).
Aim for a balance. Your content should be readable and engaging while still optimized for search engines.
3. Neglecting Image Optimization
Since photography websites rely heavily on images, neglecting image SEO can slow down your site and hurt your rankings.
Fix:
Compress images before uploading to ensure fast page speed. I prefer 2000x2000 images around 20-40KB)
Use descriptive file names (e.g., “bride-groom-sunset.jpg” instead of “IMG_12345.jpg”).
Add alt text that describes the image while including relevant keywords.
4. Not Having Enough Content
Many photographers rely on a beautiful portfolio and don’t include enough text on their website. But search engines need content to understand what your site is about.
Fix:
Write blog posts about past sessions, wedding tips, or location guides.
Add detailed service pages that explain what you offer.
Use FAQ sections to answer common client questions (which also helps with SEO!).
5. Skipping Mobile Optimization
Most couples search for photographers on their phones, so if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing potential clients.
Fix:
Use a responsive website design that adapts to different screen sizes.
Ensure buttons, text, and menus are easy to use on mobile.
Test your site on different devices to make sure it looks great everywhere.
6. Forgetting to Update Content
SEO isn’t a one and done deal. Google favors fresh, up to date content. If you haven’t updated your website in years, your rankings may drop.
Fix:
Regularly update your portfolio and blog.
Refresh old blog posts with new insights and keywords.
Stay on top of current searches for your niche and adjust your strategy as needed.
7. Ignoring Internal Links
If your website pages aren’t linking to each other, visitors and search engines may have a hard time navigating your site.
Fix:
Link related blog posts together (e.g., a wedding blog post linking to your pricing page).
Use clear navigation menus to help visitors find important pages.
Add calls to action that guide users to contact you or book a session.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common SEO mistakes can make a huge difference in your rankings and help more potential clients find your photography business. The key is to create a strong, user-friendly website that clearly communicates who you are, what you do, and where you’re located. Focus on providing value, and Google will reward you for it!
Need help with SEO? Check out my services to get your website ranking higher and bringing in more bookings!