Local SEO for photographers is like finding the perfect light for golden hour — absolutely essential if you want to shine in your target area!
Improving your local SEO is how you get those sweet, sweet passive leads rolling in, turning local searches into paying clients. Because let’s be real: who doesn’t want more bookings without spending a fortune on ads or a lifetime creating social content?
If you’re tired of:
🫠 Pouring money into marketing that doesn’t deliver
😫 Posting non-stop on socials with mixed results
😬 Relying solely on word-of-mouth
…it sounds like it’s time to level up your local SEO game.
Here’s how to get Google to love you (and your stunning photos)!
1. Add Your City/Area Name to Your Website & Articles
If potential photography clients don’t know where you work, how will they ever find you? Google works best with clear signposts, and your website is the best place to plant them.
A spot-on tip on local SEO for photographers is to mention your location naturally in blog posts and website copy. Instead of just “I love photographing weddings,” try “I love photographing weddings in Virginia — the East Coast seaside makes for dreamy backdrops!”
Pro Tip: Take it a step further with hyper-local keyword phrases like “best Sydney newborn photographer” or “romantic elopement shoots in the Grand Canyon”. The more specific, the better – because people tend to get pretty granular when they search!
2. Blog About Your Favourite Local Venues – The Ones You Really Love!
Google adores fresh, locally relevant content. What better way to provide that than by showcasing your favourite shooting locations?
- Write listicles like “Top 5 Stunning Wedding Venues in Manchester” or “Best Urban Photography Spots in Texas”.
- Tell a story about an epic shoot you did in a local venue. Was the light amazing? Did you have to dodge tourists? Make it personal and engaging.
- Mention local vendors, planners, or florists — they might just love you forever and return the favour with a backlink!
And don’t forget your socials! Every time you post a blog, share it across your platforms using location-based hashtags like #DublinWeddingPhotographer or #MontanaElopement.
3. Up Your Alt Text Game
Google can’t actually see your stunning images — at least not yet — so it relies on alt text and file names. Don’t let your photos get lost in the SEO void!
- Instead of IMG_12345.jpg, name your files descriptively: “Bride and groom dancing at sunset in Edinburgh”.
- Alt text should describe the image with local keywords: “A candid wedding moment in Bordeaux”.
- Compress your images to improve website speed — because nobody likes a slow-loading gallery. You can use tools like TinyPNG or iLoveIMG to reduce the size of your pics.
Many people prefer to ‘buy’ local, so take advantage of this and make yourself well-known among your neighbours. Image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.
4. Google My Business is Now Your BFF
If you haven’t claimed your Google My Business (GMB) listing, you’re missing out on a MASSIVE opportunity. This is how Google decides which photographers pop up on its Maps. Oh yeah, and it’s free!
- Add your name, contact info & services.
- Upload high-quality images that show your best work AND some behind-the-scenes fun.
- Collect and respond to reviews. Positive feedback builds trust and boosts rankings.
- Post updates: Share special offers, seasonal shoots, or recent blog posts.
More GMB love = higher rankings = more inquiries!
5. Networking Is Your Secret Weapon
SEO isn’t just about keywords — it’s about credibility. Building real-life connections with other local businesses will boost your results and get you some new friends!
- Partner with venues, florists, or wedding planners and swap backlinks.
- Tag and credit vendors in your social media posts.
- Guest blog for a local wedding site or tourism blog.
- Get featured in local directories
Essentially, the more high-quality backlinks, the better. That’s because Google loves businesses that are well-connected in their local area. Another reason to get chatting and make all of your connections really count.
Local SEO for Photographers Isn’t Rocket Science
It’s just about showing Google you’re the Beyoncé of your area, aka the go-to photographer everyone should book! Start optimising, sprinkle in those keywords, and get networking. Your dream clients are out there searching for you right now — let’s make sure they find you first!
This info will help you on your journey to becoming a local SEO rockstar — however, if you’d like to take a private jet straight to the gig, our Pepper Club will take care of all of your SEO & content all year long!
