Picture this: you’ve spent hours crafting your website, filling your portfolio with drool-worthy photos, and pouring your heart into every single wedding you shoot. But when a couple Googles “wedding photographer in [your city]”? Crickets. Your site is MIA. Oof. If you’ve ever had that sinking feeling—like, “where the heck are my inquiries?!”—I’ve got news for you. You don’t need to work harder. You just need to work smarter. And that, my friend, means learning a little something called SEO. Specifically learning SEO for wedding photographers.

Let’s Talk About Why You’re Not Showing Up

You could be the most talented, emotionally intuitive, light-chasing magician of a wedding photographer out there. But if your website isn’t optimized for search engines, Google basically has no clue you exist. Which means all those dreamy couples scrolling for their perfect photographer? They’re booking someone else.

Here’s the thing: relying solely on Instagram or referrals is like building your biz on sand. One algorithm change and poof! Your inquiries dry up. But with SEO (aka Search Engine Optimization), you’re building on a solid foundation. Google gets the memo that your site is valuable, and you start popping up in search results—without paying a cent for ads.

Even better? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to make SEO work. You just need the right strategy!

What Is SEO, and Why Should You Care as a Wedding Photographer?

In non-nerdy terms, SEO is how you get your website found on Google. Imagine the internet is this giant library and Google is the librarian. SEO is the labeling system that tells Google who you are, what you do, and who should see your work.

If you ignore SEO, your stunning content ends up shoved in the back of the library collecting dust. But if you play the SEO game right? You’re front and center, getting all the attention.

Why does this matter for you? Because today’s couples are savvy. They’re not just asking Aunt Susan for recs—they’re heading straight to Google. In fact, a whopping 93% of online experiences start with a search engine. So if your site isn’t showing up, you’re missing out on couples actively looking to book someone just like you.

What SEO Can Do for Your Business (Spoiler: It’s Kind of a Big Deal)

Think of SEO as your quiet little assistant who never sleeps and always works. Once your site is optimized, it does the heavy lifting while you’re out sipping oat milk lattes or shooting another gorgeous wedding.

It brings more eyeballs to your work, more inquiries into your inbox, and more aligned clients who are already halfway in love with you by the time they hit “Send.” And the best part? No more chasing leads or doing the Instagram hustle 24/7. SEO lets you attract instead of hustle.

The First Step: Keywords (AKA the Bread and Butter of SEO)

Now let’s break down the not-so-scary world of keywords. These are the phrases your dream clients are typing into Google—stuff like “Seattle elopement photographer” or “romantic vineyard wedding photos.”

If those keywords aren’t showing up on your site? Google doesn’t know to serve up your content.

Every wedding photographer should use three types of keywords:

• Location-based (where you shoot): This one’s a no-brainer. Most couples search locally, so “Dallas wedding photographer” or “Banff elopement photographer” better be front and center.
• Niche-specific (your vibe): Whether you shoot moody mountaintop elopements or bright editorial city weddings, call it out. Let your keywords filter your clients for you.
• Long-tail keywords (the specifics): These are longer, more detailed phrases with lower competition. Think “affordable Joshua Tree wedding photographer for small weddings” or “best first look locations in Charleston.” These babies are gold.

Where Do You Put These Magic Words?

Sprinkle them like confetti, but don’t dump the whole bucket. You want keywords in:

• Blog titles, H1s, and headings
• The first 100 words of your blog post
• Image alt text and filenames (no more IMG_1003.jpg, ok?)
• Your meta descriptions
• URLs (short and sweet, please)

Okay, Now Let’s Talk Blogs For SEO For Wedding Photographers

Blogging isn’t just about showing off pretty weddings (though YES, please). It’s how you build trust, show authority, and climb Google’s ranks faster than you can say “golden hour glow.”

The trick is structure. A blog that’s easy to scan, full of value, and written like a convo with your bestie? That’s SEO gold.

• Use your keywords naturally—if it feels forced, it’s a no.
• Break your blog into clear sections with H2s and H3s.
• Add internal links to other blogs or your contact page.
• Toss in external links to vendors or venues (just don’t overdo it).

And don’t skimp on the word count. Aim for 800–1,500 words per post. Enough to say something meaningful, not so much it feels like a college essay.

Your Photos Deserve SEO Too (Don’t Skip This Part!)

We’re photographers. Visuals matter. But if your images aren’t optimized, they can slow your site down and miss a major SEO opportunity.

Compress your images so they load fast, rename your files with relevant keywords (seriously, ditch the gibberish), and write alt text that actually describes what’s happening. Google can’t “see” photos—it needs your help.

Ready to Stop Hiding on Page 7 of Google?

SEO doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. It’s a game you can totally win—especially with the kind of content you’re already creating. With the right keywords, blog strategy, and a sprinkle of behind-the-scenes magic, your website can finally do what it’s supposed to do: attract your dream clients while you do what you love.

Want help mapping out your blog strategy, optimizing your posts, or just figuring out where the heck to start? I’ve got you. Download my free SEO checklist or book a 1:1 SEO consult to get things rolling.

You’ve got the talent. Let’s make sure the internet knows it.