Local SEO: Dominate Local Searches and Attract More Photography Clients!
- Bob Pursley
- Sep 9, 2024
- 5 min read
As a photographer, you’ve got the skills, the portfolio, and the passion. But if clients can’t find you when they search online, all of that hard work isn’t going to translate into bookings. That’s where local SEO comes in.
When I first started out in photography, I thought having a great portfolio would be enough. But as the inquiries didn’t start pouring in, I realized I needed to do more to be visible online, especially to the clients in my area. That's when I dove into local SEO, and everything changed. If you want to turn your photography business into a booking machine, you need to dominate local searches.
In this article, we’ll go through actionable steps to improve your local SEO and attract more clients in your area.
What is Local SEO and Why Do Photographers Need It?
Local SEO is simply optimizing your online presence so people in your geographic area can find you when they search for photography services. If someone types in “wedding photographer near me,” or “real estate photographer in Las Vegas,” your goal is to show up at the top of those results.
Why Local SEO is a Game Changer
People are looking for services that are nearby. According to research, nearly half of all Google searches are local searches. That means when someone is looking for a photographer, they're likely searching for one in their town or city. By focusing on local SEO, you can make sure your business is visible to the people who are most likely to hire you.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
One of the easiest ways to boost your local SEO is by claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile. When people search for services in their area, one of the first things they’ll see is a map with a list of local businesses—this is your chance to stand out.
Steps to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Claim Your Profile: If you haven’t done this yet, go to Google Business Profile and claim your business. This step alone can put you miles ahead of the competition.
Complete Every Field: Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent across the web. Google loves consistency, so make sure your details are the same on your website and social media.
Add Photos: Showcase your best work! When I updated my profile with some killer shots from a recent event, I noticed a significant increase in profile views.
Ask for Reviews: More on this later, but client reviews are like gold for local SEO.
Use Local Keywords to Boost Visibility
Now let’s talk about local keywords. When I first heard about keywords, I imagined complicated algorithms and tech jargon. But it’s really about knowing how people are searching for you.
How to Find Local Keywords
The goal is to find out what potential clients are typing into Google when they’re looking for a photographer. For example, if you’re a portrait photographer in Milwaukee, try using tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggestto find terms like “Milwaukee portrait photographer” or “best family photographer in Milwaukee.”
Once you’ve got a list of local keywords, sprinkle them naturally throughout your website. Here’s where you should use them:
Titles and Meta Descriptions: These are the text snippets that show up in search results.
Blog Posts: If you write a blog post about a recent wedding shoot, mention the city and venue to improve local relevance.
Image Alt Text: For all your beautiful photos, make sure to add local keywords to the alt text for better SEO.
Create Location-Specific Content
Content is king, and the more location-specific content you create, the better chance you have of ranking for local searches. When I started writing blog posts about the best photography locations in Chicago, not only did I provide value to my audience, but I also started ranking higher in local search results.
Ideas for Location-Specific Content
Blog about Local Venues: If you specialize in weddings or events, write about the top venues in your area. For example, "5 Best Wedding Venues in Las Vegas for Stunning Photos" is a great blog idea.
Client Case Studies: Highlight specific shoots you’ve done in your area. Showcasing a commercial real estate project in Los Angeles can connect you to local prospects.
Create Location Pages: If you cover multiple cities, dedicate separate pages to each city on your website, optimizing each for local keywords. It shows search engines you’re active in multiple areas.
Optimize for Mobile Search
Here’s a staggering stat: 61% of local searches are done on mobile. This means most of your potential clients are looking for you on their phones. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re probably losing leads.
Tips for Mobile Optimization
Fast Loading Times: If your website takes longer than 3 seconds to load, visitors are likely to leave.
Clear Call-to-Action Buttons: Include “Book Now” or “Contact” buttons that are easy to click on mobile devices.
Easy Navigation: Make sure your site is easy to navigate, even on small screens. Visitors shouldn’t have to pinch and zoom to view your portfolio or find your contact info.
Build Local Backlinks
When another website links back to yours, it signals to Google that your website is trustworthy. Backlinks from local websites are especially powerful for boosting your local SEO.
How to Build Local Backlinks
Partner with Local Businesses: Reach out to local wedding venues, event planners, or real estate companies. Ask them to link to your site or feature your work in their content.
Submit to Local Directories: There are tons of local and niche photography directories where you can list your business. Don’t forget to ensure your NAP information is consistent.
Leverage Social Media for Local SEO
Social media isn’t just for engagement; it can also boost your local SEO. By engaging with local followers and businesses, you signal to Google that you’re active in your community.
Localize Your Social Media Profiles
Geotag Your Posts: When you share images of a shoot, add the location. This can drive local traffic to your profile.
Use Local Hashtags: If you’re on Instagram, use hashtags like #ChicagoPhotographer or #LasVegasWeddings to increase your visibility.
Gather and Showcase Client Reviews
Client reviews are essential for building trust and improving local search rankings. One of the best decisions I made was asking every client to leave a Google review after a shoot. It takes a little effort, but those reviews not only build credibility—they also make you more visible to potential clients.
How to Encourage Reviews
Ask Directly: At the end of a shoot, politely ask if they’d be willing to leave a review. I find most clients are happy to do it if you make it easy for them by sending a direct link.
Incentivize: Offering a small discount on future services for a review can be an added motivation.
Track and Improve Your Local SEO Performance
Once you’ve implemented these strategies, it’s time to track your progress. Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to see how much traffic you’re getting from local searches.
Keep Tweaking Your Strategy
Update Your Keywords: Search trends change, so revisit your keyword strategy every few months.
Create Fresh Content: Keep writing blogs and creating content that appeals to your local audience.
Conclusion
If you want more photography clients to find you, local SEO is non-negotiable. By optimizing your website, using local keywords, building local backlinks, and getting reviews, you’ll not only dominate local searches but also fill your calendar with bookings. So, start implementing these strategies today and watch your business grow!
You’ve got the talent; now it’s time to let the world—starting with your local area—see it!
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