SEO for Photographers: A Simple Content System That Works

SEO Tips For Photographers and Creatives

This episode originally aired in January 2023. Some tools, offers, and links mentioned in the original conversation may have changed. The SEO strategies and content repurposing system discussed remain highly relevant and have been updated for accuracy where possible.

If you have been pouring hours into Instagram only to watch your posts disappear into the algorithm within 24 hours, it is time to talk about SEO for photographers. You are working hard on content with an incredibly short shelf life, while a single blog post could bring you inquiries for months (even years) after you hit publish.

In this post, I am walking you through a straightforward SEO and content distribution system shared by Squarespace SEO expert Becca Reed on the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast. Becca’s system, called PIGFL (yes, like a full pig), is a repeatable process that takes one piece of content and pushes it across five platforms to build your visibility on Google without requiring you to be everywhere at once.

Want to build a complete blogging and visibility system for your photography business? Check out The Blogging and Organic Visibility System for Family Photographers for the step-by-step framework.’

🎙️Listen to the entire podcast here

What Is SEO and Why Should Photographers Care About It?

SEO (search engine optimization) is how potential clients find your business when they search for a photographer on Google, Yahoo, or any other search engine. It is organic visibility, meaning you are not paying for ads to show up.

Here is the thing most photographers miss: SEO is a long game, but the payoff is real. Becca shared that in her first year or two of business, she committed to blogging once a week, even when her analytics showed only three readers per post. Years later, those same posts now bring her consistent traffic and client inquiries without any effort on Instagram.

The difference between SEO content and social media content comes down to lifespan. An Instagram post gets traction for 24 hours. A reel might last a week. A well-optimized blog post continues working for your business as long as it stays relevant. If your marketing feels like it disappears into thin air every time you post, SEO gives you content that compounds over time instead of evaporating overnight.

Why Is YouTube a Smart SEO Platform for Photographers?

YouTube is a search engine (not just a social media platform), which means your videos can rank on both YouTube and Google simultaneously.

Becca went all-in on YouTube as her primary content platform after asking herself: If I could only pick one platform, which one gives me the best return on my time?

YouTube won for three reasons. First, it functions as a search engine, so people actively search for the kind of content she creates. Second, YouTube content lives indefinitely. A video with minimal views at first can accumulate thousands of views a year later. Third, YouTube videos also rank in Google search results, giving one piece of content two chances to be found.

This is a principle every family photographer can borrow: pick the platform where your content has the longest lifespan. For many photographers, that means investing in blogging, YouTube, or both, rather than pouring energy into platforms where content disappears within days.

What Is the PIGFL Content Distribution System?

PIGFL is a 5-platform content distribution system that turns one core piece of content into visibility across Pinterest, Instagram, Google Business Profile, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Here is how it works step by step:

Step 1: Create your core content. This could be a blog post, a podcast episode, or a YouTube video. One platform, one piece of content. That is where you spend your creative energy.

Step 2: Turn it into a blog post. If you started with video or audio, embed it into a blog post on your website. Jot down the key points and then add keyword phrases where they fit naturally. Do not stuff keywords into every sentence (Google penalizes that). Weave them in where they read smoothly.

Step 3: Create two graphics. Open Canva and make a vertical Pinterest graphic and a horizontal YouTube thumbnail. These two images will be repurposed across your other platforms, so you won’t have to create custom graphics for every channel.

Step 4: Push it out using PIGFL.

P = Pinterest. Upload your Pinterest graphic, fill out the pin details with keyword-rich descriptions, and link it back to your blog post. This takes about three minutes.

I = Instagram. Post the same Pinterest graphic to your Instagram Stories with a link sticker directing people to your blog post (not your YouTube). You want traffic to your website because it signals to Google that your site has useful content, which strengthens your SEO.

G = Google Business Profile. Post an update with a graphic and a link to your latest blog post. Google rewards you for using their own tools. (More on this below.)

F = Facebook. Post the blog link on your Facebook business page. You do not even need a custom graphic for this one. Facebook will automatically pull an image from the link. Done.

L = LinkedIn. Same process as Facebook. Post the link, let the platform pull a preview, and move on.

The entire PIGFL distribution, after your core content and blog post are done, takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Five platforms sending traffic back to your website, each one contributing to your organic visibility.

Looking for more marketing systems like this one? Inside The Family Photographer’s Marketing Society, I walk members through repeatable marketing plans every month so you always know what to post, when, and where.

Why Is Google Business Profile So Important for Photographers?

A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is free, ranks in the Google Maps pack before organic results, and can put you on page one of Google on day one of your business.

Here is why this matters for family photographers specifically: when a potential client searches “family photographer near me,” the Google Maps results show up at the very top of the page, above all other website listings. If you have a Google Business Profile with a few reviews and consistent updates, you can show up in that top spot even before your website ranks organically.

Here are practical tips for getting the most out of your profile:

Set up your profile with your service area. If you are a local family photographer, add your specific city or region. This helps you rank higher for location-based searches.

Get reviews. Even three to five reviews will significantly boost your ranking in the maps section. Ask a few past clients to leave a Google review. It takes them two minutes, and it makes a measurable difference.

Post updates regularly. Every time you publish a new blog post, add an update to your Google Business Profile with an image and a link. Google rewards you for using their tools.

Use keywords in your profile description. Include terms like “family photographer in Nashville” or “newborn photographer serving [your area]” so Google knows exactly what you do and where.

Should Photographers Have Two Google Business Profiles?

If your business covers two distinct services (like photography and education), having two separate Google Business Profiles can help you rank for both.

Each profile can target different keywords and different service areas. A Nashville-based family photographer would set their photography profile to serve the Nashville metro area, while an online education profile could serve the entire United States. The profiles are free, so there is no downside to creating both as long as they represent genuinely distinct services.

How Long Does SEO Take to Work for Photographers?

Most photographers can expect to start seeing meaningful SEO results within three to twelve months, depending on how competitive their market is and how consistently they publish optimized content.

Becca shared an example of a death doula who took her SEO course and ranked on page one of Google within a single month. Why? Her niche was extremely specific with very few competitors. For a more common niche like “family photographer in a major city,” it takes longer because there is more competition.

The key takeaway: SEO is a slow burn, but the results compound. Becca mentioned that almost all of her course sales come from Google, from content she created months or even years ago. That is what a long-term marketing strategy looks like. If you are only investing in short-term attention (Instagram) and never building long-term visibility (SEO), you are leaving money on the table.

Want to start building your blogging habit but not sure where to begin? Grab the Lead Magnet Master Idea List for free to see how a single freebie can tie your SEO content back to your email list.

How Do You Find the Right SEO Keywords for Your Photography Business?

The right keywords are the specific phrases your ideal clients type into Google when they are looking for a photographer like you.

Keyword research does not have to be complicated. Here are a few free places to start:

Google Autocomplete: Start typing your service into Google (like “family photographer in…”) and see what suggestions pop up. Those suggestions reflect real searches people are making.

People Also Ask: Look for the “People Also Ask” box in Google search results. Each question is a potential blog topic.

Your own inquiry emails: If potential clients email asking “what should we wear for family photos?”, that is a blog post waiting to happen.

Google Search Console: If your website is connected to Search Console, check which search terms already bring impressions to your site. You might find keyword opportunities you did not know existed.

Once you have a list, naturally incorporate keywords into your blog posts, page titles, meta descriptions, image alt text, and headings. Not crammed in awkwardly, but woven in where they read smoothly.

If you are not yet on Showit and want to ensure your site supports your SEO, you can get 1 month of Showit free with this link.

How Do Blogging and Email Marketing Work Together for SEO?

Blogging brings people to your website through search, and email marketing keeps them connected to your business after that first visit.

Becca sends every new blog post to her email list, which drives additional traffic to the post (signaling to Google that your content is valuable) and keeps her audience engaged between posts.

For family photographers, this pairing is especially effective. A potential client might find your blog post about “what to wear for fall family photos” through Google. At the bottom of that post, you offer a free session prep guide in exchange for their email address. Now they are on your list. You send them your next blog post. Then your seasonal mini session announcement. Then your booking link for spring. That one blog post just turned a stranger into a subscriber into a booked client.

Need an email marketing tool to get this system running? I use and recommend Flodesk, and you can grab a discount through my affiliate link.

What Is the Best Way to Get Started With SEO as a Photographer?

Start with one blog post per week (or every other week) targeting a single keyword, and distribute it using the PIGFL system.

You do not need to overhaul your entire marketing strategy overnight. Here is a simple starting plan:

1. Pick one keyword related to your photography services (like “fall family photos in [your city]”)
2. Write a blog post targeting that keyword
3. Create a Pinterest graphic and a horizontal image for social sharing
4. Use PIGFL to push the post to Pinterest, Instagram Stories, Google Business Profile, Facebook, and LinkedIn
5. Send the blog post to your email list
6. Repeat next week (or every other week)

Consistency matters more than volume. Becca blogged once a week for her first two years, and that investment still pays off years later. Start with biweekly if weekly feels like too much. The point is to build a rhythm you can maintain.

Ready for the full system? The Blogging and Organic Visibility System for Family Photographers includes blog templates, promotion checklists, and AI-assisted writing tools trained on your brand voice.

Frequently Asked Questions About SEO for Photographers

Do I need to be on Squarespace to use these SEO strategies? No. The principles Becca shared (keyword research, blogging, PIGFL distribution, Google Business Profile optimization) apply to any website platform, including Showit, WordPress, and Squarespace. The platform you use matters less than whether you are publishing consistent, keyword-rich content.

Is SEO still worth it if I only get a few blog readers at first? Yes. Becca started with only three readers per blog post and now gets consistent traffic and course sales from those same posts years later. SEO results compound over time. The posts you publish today are an investment in future visibility.

How often should I update my Google Business Profile? Every time you publish new content. Whether it is a new blog post, a mini session announcement, or a behind-the-scenes update, post it to your Google Business Profile. Consistent activity signals to Google that your business is active and relevant.

Can I use these strategies even if I am brand new? Yes. In fact, this is especially valuable for new photographers. A Google Business Profile can get you on page one of Google through the maps section before your website ranks organically. Blogging builds your long-term visibility from day one.

Should I still post on Instagram if I am focusing on SEO? Instagram still has value for brand awareness and community building. The PIGFL system does not require you to create original content for Instagram. You are simply repurposing your blog content there. If you have extra time, create a reel or carousel. If not, a Story with a link sticker pointing to your blog post is enough.

Meet Your Favorite Marketing Strategist and Business Coach for Family Photographers (Dolly DeLong Education)

Hi, I’m Dolly DeLong, a Nashville-based family photographer, marketing strategist, and systems educator for family photographers who want structure, clarity, and consistency in their marketing.

My photography journey began in 2006, and over the years, I built a sustainable family photography business while navigating motherhood, client work, and the realities of running a solo creative business. Along the way, I discovered something unexpected: I loved the backend just as much as the creative side.

What started as organizing my own workflows turned into helping other family photographers simplify their marketing, build repeatable systems, and stop relying on last-minute posting or panic marketing.

Today, I focus exclusively on helping family photographers intentionally market their businesses (not with trends but with consistently showing up).

I offer two ways to work with me:

• The Family Photographer’s Marketing Society: a systems-first membership that provides a clear weekly marketing cadence for Instagram and email, so you always know what to focus on without starting over.

• 1:1 Strategic Marketing Support for established family photographers who want hands-on guidance in building a sustainable, SEO-supported marketing system.

Through my blog, podcast, and YouTube channel, I teach family photographers how to think like marketers, plan ahead, and create marketing rhythms that support both their business and their family life.

I still photograph families around Nashville because it’s one of my greatest joys. But helping family photographers build calm, consistent marketing systems that actually fit real life is a close second.

I’m so glad you are here, reading this blog, listening to the podcast, or watching the embedded YouTube video. I hope this educational content was helpful. Please let me know what future systems content you would like me to create!