SEO might not be the first thing on your mind as a photographer, especially with the rise of Instagram as a discovery tool. But here's the thing—SEO is still a game-changer for ensuring people find you outside the scroll. It helps you drive steady traffic to your site, build credibility, and control how potential clients experience your work.
When I’m looking for a photographer to hire for a project, I might discover them on Instagram, but I head to their website to get a complete picture of their work. I almost always share the website link with creative directors when pitching someone for a project. I may supplement that with some screenshots from their Instagram, but the website is still the focus.
So, let’s dive into some practical ways you can boost your SEO in 2025.
1. Make Your Website Mobile-Friendly
Think about how often you use your phone to browse. Google does the same when ranking sites. Make sure your website looks and works great on mobile. A responsive design and quick load times aren't just nice-to-haves anymore—they’re must-haves.
2. Keep Your Content Fresh
You’ve got stories to tell, so share them! Regularly update your blog with behind-the-scenes peeks, case studies, or industry tips. Not only will your audience love it, but search engines will notice you're active and relevant.
3. Speak Your Clients' Language
What words do your potential clients type into Google when they're looking for a photographer? Figure those out and sprinkle them naturally throughout your site. For example, instead of just "photographer," go for something like "Austin commercial photographer" to attract the right crowd.
4. Tidy Up Your Image Files
Your photos are your bread and butter, but they need to be SEO-friendly too. Give your image files descriptive names, keep their sizes manageable for faster loading, and don’t forget to fill in the alt text—it’s a simple way to boost your visibility.
5. Get Local with SEO
If you're aiming for local clients, shout it from the digital rooftops! Make your location clear on your site, and don’t forget to claim your Google My Business listing. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews—they're gold for local SEO.
6. Build Your Network of Backlinks
While not as dominant as before, quality backlinks from reputable sites still play a role. They act as endorsements of your content’s credibility and relevance. Collaborate with industry blogs, write guest posts, and get your site listed in relevant directories. These links help search engines see you as a trustworthy source.
7. Speed Up Your Site
Nobody likes waiting for a site to load, and search engines feel the same. Keep your site snappy by optimizing image sizes, using solid hosting, and cleaning up any messy code. Fast sites don’t just rank better—they also make visitors happier.
8. Keep Your Portfolio Current
Your portfolio should be a living, breathing showcase of your latest work. Regular updates not only impress visitors but also give search engines fresh content to index.
9. Add Schema Markup
Schema markup is like giving search engines a cheat sheet for understanding your site. Use it to highlight important details about your services, location, and portfolio. It can help your site stand out in search results.
10. Keep an Eye on Your Progress
SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to see what’s working and what’s not. Regularly checking in on your performance helps you tweak and improve over time.
Even though Instagram might feel like the place to be, SEO is still your best bet for long-term visibility. By following these tips, you’ll make sure your website continues to attract the clients you want.
Resources
Check out this list of search terms to include in your content.
Google Keyword Planner - Language search analysis. Must have Google Ads account set up, although you don’t have to be currently running any campaigns to do research.
Google Search Console - Feedback on site visibility and search behavior.
Need Help?
Contact me to talk about optimizing your site. I’m not an SEO expert, but I have worked closely with SEO companies to optimize portfolio sites built in Squarespace, PhotoFolio and Format.
