SEO Keywords for Photographers
Match each page of a photography website to a specific search intent by using the phrases potential clients type, combining specialty and location for better local visibility.
If you have ever chosen a broad keyword like 'photographer' without a location modifier and watched it attract irrelevant traffic, you already know specificity matters more than volume.
Key points
- Start with the services you actually offer, not the terms you wish you could rank for.
- Use a location modifier on every service page, such as 'wedding photographer in Brighton'.
- Check competitor site titles and headers to find viable keywords they already target.
- Place one primary keyword per page naturally in title, H1, URL, and one image alt text.
The same keyword, two different results
A wedding photographer in Bristol initially targeted the broad term 'wedding photographer' and received only 5 enquiries per month from search traffic. After switching to the targeted phrase 'Bristol wedding photographer', enquiries rose to 12 per month within three months. They also improved their image filenames to include relevant image keywords seo, which helped their portfolio images appear in Google Images search.
Three common mistakes when choosing photography keywords
- Broad terms only Using 'photographer' alone wastes search intent. Add specialty and location to match what clients actually search.
- Same keyword on multiple pages Using the same primary keyword across pages confuses Google and causes cannibalisation. Understand how many keywords for SEO per page: one primary and a few secondary.
- Irrelevant services Choosing keywords for services you do not offer attracts the wrong audience and increases bounce rate.
Three sources for finding viable photography keywords
- Your own service list List your actual services first. They are the most relevant primary keywords for your site.
- Competitor page titles Examine title tags and headings of ranking photography sites to find viable terms in your area.
- Google Business Profile Review your profile categories for keywords that match local search signals and how you describe your work.
Common questions
Can I do my own SEO?
Yes, you can. Focus on page titles, headings, and image alt text using your primary keywords. Many photographers manage their own SEO.
What are the best SEO keywords for photographers?
There is no single best list. The best keywords combine your specialty, location, and the terms your actual clients use.
How do I search keywords in Google Keyword Planner?
Sign in to Google Ads, go to Tools, select Keyword Planner, then enter a few seed terms like 'wedding photographer London'.
Sources
- Google Search Central Official documentation on search fundamentals and page optimisation.
- Moz Beginner's Guide to SEO Covers keyword research basics and on-page optimisation.
- Ahrefs Blog Detailed guides on keyword research and competitor analysis.