How to Find SEO Keywords Your Photography Clients Are Already Using

How to Know the Exact Keywords Your Clients Are Using to Find You (Family Photography Tip)

Have you ever wondered what words your clients are actually typing into Google when they discover your photography business?

I used to assume I knew — “Nashville family photographer” was always my go-to guess because that’s the main keyword I want to rank for. But the truth is, my clients don’t always use the words I think they’re using. And when I realized this, it completely changed how I approach my content marketing as a family photographer.

Today, I’m sharing a simple tweak I made in my contact form that helps me uncover the exact keywords my clients are searching. Best part? You can implement this in your own business right away.

🎥Want to watch the full YouTube video of this blog? ⬇️

🎙️Want to listen to the podcast version instead? ⬇️

Why Family Photographers Need to Know Their Clients’ Keywords

Here’s the deal: keywords matter because they connect your content to the people who are already looking for what you offer.

When a mom in Nashville types “candid newborn photographer near me” instead of “Nashville family photographer,” she’s using a completely different keyword — but it’s still a keyword that could (and should) lead her to me.

If I only ever create content around the phrases I assume my clients use, I’m missing opportunities to show up in search results. By collecting the real search terms from my clients, I get a front-row seat into how they think and what they type into Google.

And that knowledge? It’s gold for SEO, content creation, and building an organic marketing strategy that works.

The One Contact Form Question That Changes Everything

So, how do I find these keywords?

Inside my Dubsado contact form, I added a question that says:

✨ “If you found me on Google, do you mind letting me know what you typed into Google to find my business?”

It’s that simple.

This one question allows me to gather actual client search phrases directly from the source. No guessing. No hoping. Just real words from real clients.

I also include a “Where did you find me?” dropdown with options like:

• Google

• Instagram

• Word of Mouth

• ChatGPT (yes, clients are finding me there now!)

This gives me a clear picture of how people discover my work and what platforms are really worth my time. (Spoiler alert: I’m not active on LinkedIn, so I’ll be removing that option soon!)

How I Organize & Use Client Keywords

Collecting keywords is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you organize and repurpose them.

Here’s my workflow:

1. Every time I get a new keyword from a client, I log it in Trello (my project management tool of choice).

2. I sort those keywords into lists that match my marketing categories — blogging, YouTube, and sometimes podcasting.

3. I repurpose those keywords into long-form content that lives on my website.

That means instead of guessing what blog post to write next, I can confidently create content around phrases my ideal clients are already searching for.

Why This Matters for Your Marketing

You might be wondering, “Okay, Dolly, what does this have to do with my marketing?”

The answer: everything.

When you use real client keywords in your content, you’re meeting your clients where they already are — in search. This increases your chances of showing up organically and saves you from relying on paid ads (I don’t run Meta or Instagram ads, and I still bring in clients consistently through organic marketing).

In the age of AI and ever-changing algorithms, showing up with intentional, keyword-rich content is more important than ever. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your dream clients find you when they’re ready to book.

A Gentle Reminder for Family Photographers

Even if you feel like a “small” business owner, this matters. You are running a business, and marketing is a key part of that. Small tweaks like this can have a huge impact over time.

Don’t just assume you know what your clients are searching for. Ask them. Collect that data. Use it.

Your future clients will thank you when they find you through the exact words they typed into Google.

Bonus Tip: Share with Your Team (or Contractors)

If you outsource any part of your marketing, like blog writing, make sure you share these keywords with them. I personally share mine with my blog writer, Cara Duncan of The Cara Report, so she can weave them into my long-form content.

It keeps everything aligned, strategic, and rooted in how my clients actually think.

Final Thoughts

This one little question in your contact form can transform your marketing. It’s free, simple, and incredibly effective.

✅Update your contact form (in Dubsado, HoneyBook, or whatever CRM you use) to include this keyword question.
✅Start logging the answers in a way that works for you (Trello works for me).
✅Repurpose those phrases into your long-form content so more clients can find you organically.

It doesn’t matter how big or small your business feels. What matters is that you’re intentional with your marketing and building systems that work for you in the long run.

And that’s what I’m here to help you with. 

Free Resource for You

If you’re preparing for a launch and are not sure what emails to send, grab my Essential Launch Email Checklist. It’s designed to help you map out the exact emails you need before, during, and after your launch.

Meet Your Favorite Launch Planner for Small Biz Owners & Marketing Strategist for Family Photographers (Dolly DeLong Education)

Hi! I’m Dolly DeLong—a Nashville-based family photographer turned systems + marketing educator and Fractional CMO for family photographers and solo business owners.  After years of juggling motherhood, running a thriving family photography business, and helping other creatives behind the scenes with their launches and marketing, I realized something: the backend matters just as much as your booking calendar.

Now, I serve two kinds of faith-driven creatives:

• Family photographers who want to stop ghosting their audience and finally stay consistent with Instagram + email marketing. 

• Solo business owners who have a digital offer they want to launch—but feel completely overwhelmed by the pre-launch phase

Through my weekly podcast, YouTube channel, and blog, I offer strategic (but doable) content on systems, workflows, launch planning, and consistent marketing rhythms that won’t burn you out.

I’m here to help you stop duct-taping your backend together and instead build systems that support your life and values—whether you’re marketing mini sessions or launching a course.

When I’m not strategizing a launch calendar or batch recording content during nap time, you can find me photographing families in and around Nashville, watching reruns of Survivor, eating something sweet, or walking with a podcast in my ears. (Yes, I’m that girl.)

Are you Ready to finally market with intention and launch with clarity?
Let’s get started—because you don’t have to do this alone.

👉 Work with me to plan out your launch
👉 If you are a family photographer needing marketing help click here