Find the Best Photography SEO Keywords

If I see one more photography website trying to rank for “photography” with zero context, I’m gonna toss my matcha.

Kidding. But let’s talk about finding the best SEO keywords for photographers, because broad generic keywords aren't just ineffective - targeting them means you’re missing out on visibility around the real phrases that matter to your business.

Here's how to choose keywords that actually work for your photography services, and how to use them in a way that brings in leads (not just random traffic).

Why SEO Keywords for Photographers Matter

Keywords are how people will find your photography business on Google, and let's be honest, they impact other search engines like ChatGPT in our post-AI world.

They’re the bridge between a potential client typing something into a search bar and discovering your work.

When you're setting up your website and creating new content, you need to know what phrases your future customers are using to look for services like yours - so your website can show up when they Google those phrases, and get their click. 

The only way to do this? Creating content around the keywords they are searching for. 

But generic keywords that are too broad won't help you get more traffic. 

And no, slapping the word "photographer" on your homepage twenty times isn’t going to help. In fact, it might do the opposite.

Get Specific With Long-Tail Keywords

There is no one-size-fits-all keyword list for photographers.

Your target keywords will depend on which types of shoots you offer, as well as where you offer them.

For bottom-of-funnel aka "transactional" searches, meaning the phrases people are searching for when they're ready to hire, these keywords will look like:

[service] in [location]

(see example picture)

Long-tail keywords (like "outdoor maternity photographer in Portland") are often more effective than broad ones.

So your keyword list needs to cover each service you offer, combined with the area you offer it in. 

How to Research the Best Keywords for Your Photography Business

Here’s how to DIY your keyword research without melting your brain:

1. Start with your services. Think: "elopement photographer," "branding sessions," "maternity photography," etc.

2. Add your location. Include your city or region.

3. Use keyword research tools:

   • AHREFs

   • Keysearch

   • WordStream free kw tool 

4. Spy (smartly) on competitors. Look at nearby competitors to see what keywords they're ranking for. Can you outdo them? Are there any gaps you can fill?Learn from what they’re doing and find gaps you can fill.

How to Use Those Keywords Without Keyword Stuffing

Please don’t pick one favorite keyword, and sprinkle it across every page and call it a day. Google will give up on figuring out which of those pages to show for that sparkly new keyword, and instead it won't show any of them.

This is where TOPs come in - what I like to call Target Optimized Pages.

Think of a TOP as a highly-focused page designed to help you rank for a specific topic, explained by a keyword or phrase. Instead of trying to jam everything onto your homepage, you create:

• A page about "Family Photography in Austin"

• Another for "Brand Photography in Austin"

• A separate one for "Newborn Photographer in Austin"

Each page is optimized for one job: to rank for the keywords covering that specific topic. (Well, and to convert thevisitors who land on that page.)

Keyword Combos to Inspire (Not Copy-Paste)

These are just jumping-off points. Your keywords should reflect what you do and where you do it:

• Branding Photographer in [City]

• Documentary Family Photographer [Region]

• Elopement Photographer in [City]

• Maternity and Newborn Photography Studio [Neighborhood]

• Destination Elopement Photographer [State or Region]

• Mini Session Photographer in [Area]

See how it’s literally just a combo of [service] in [area]?

You can find keywords using this format for any type of photography session you offer.

Want to go deeper beyond the transactional, ready-to-hire searches? 

Look for informational questions your audience is Googling, and answer those in blog posts:

• "How to choose a wedding photographer"

• "What to wear for family photos"

• "Should I do a first look at my elopement?"

Blog content like this provides proof that you're a legitimate choice on that topic, and will help Google show your TOPs when people are searching for them. 

Ready to optimize your site for keywords?

Pick one service and one location. Make a plan for a new TOP this month. Just one.

Other Photographer Resources

Psst, you might be interested in some other posts here:

The best website builders for photogs

Squarespace vs WP for Photographers