What are the biggest keyword research mistakes photographers make when they blog?
Blogging can feel like a daunting task, especially for photographers. You’re an artist, not a writer, right? Blogging is one of the most powerful tools you can use to drive traffic to your website and connect with your dream clients.
The key (pun intended) to successful blogging? Keywords.
We primarily write blog posts for photographers through our Back Pocket Blogger service, and finding keywords is the #1 most important thing we do for our clients. If we didn’t, their content wouldn’t rank.
Unfortunately, many photographers miss the mark with their keyword strategy, and their blogs end up buried in the depths of Google. (Trust me, I’ve been there.) Let’s talk about the most common keyword mistakes photographers make and how you can sidestep them to attract the right clients effortlessly.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Search Intent
Not all keywords are created equal, and some may not align with your business goals. For instance, ranking for “how to become a wedding photographer” might bring in traffic, but if you’re not teaching photography, those visitors aren’t going to hire you.
Bad Keyword Example: How to edit photos in Lightroom
While this keyword might attract other photographers, it’s irrelevant if your goal is to book clients. In the best-case scenario, you’ll just end up with high traffic but zero inquiries.
Think about the searcher’s intent. Are they looking for information, inspiration, or a service? Keywords that match transactional intent (like hiring a photographer) are gold, and those are the ones you’ll primarily want to use.
Good Keyword Example: Questions to ask your wedding photographer
This keyword aligns with the intent of someone actively searching for a photographer to hire. Someone searching for this is most likely looking to meet with potential wedding photographers, and they’re doing their research on what to ask.
Mistake #2: Stuffing Keywords Everywhere (!!!)
Keyword stuffing is so 2010, and Google knows it. Cramming your blog with the same keyword over and over not only makes your writing clunky but can also hurt your rankings.
(Seriously, I cringe a little… ok, a lot… when I see keywords stuffed in content or when a client tells us that’s how they were taught.)
Let’s be honest. Would you want to read an article with the same keyword every five sentences? No? Me neither.
Bad Example: “As a Denver portrait photographer, I love being a Denver portrait photographer. If you need a Denver portrait photographer, contact me!”
This doesn’t sound natural and screams writing for SEO. Google can penalize this kind of behavior, and honestly, someone reading this will probably immediately click exit.
Instead of overloading one keyword, use variations and related terms. By doing this, you’re telling Google you’re covering the topic thoroughly. When doing your keyword research, find alternative keywords to weave throughout.
Good Example: “Capturing authentic moments as they unfold is my passion, and as a Denver portrait photographer, I specialize in creating timeless images for families, couples, and individuals.”
It’s natural, readable, and still includes the keyword in a meaningful way.
Mistake #3: Only Targeting Service-Based Keywords
While service-related keywords are important, they shouldn’t be your only focus. People often search for advice, inspiration, or answers before they’re ready to hire someone. By ignoring these searches, you’re missing a chance to build trust with potential clients!
This is another one of the old-school keyword research mistakes we see around a lot.
Service-related keywords are better for service-specific sales pages. In fact, you should use keywords like this on service pages across your site.
But when it comes to your blog, think about the full client journey, from inspiration to booking. Create content that answers their questions and solves their problems, allowing you to naturally promote your services throughout.
Good Keyword Examples:
- Best photo locations in Joshua Tree
- Tips for a stress-free wedding day timeline
- Family photo outfit ideas for fall
These topics attract readers who may not be ready to book yet but will remember your expertise when they are. And if they are ready to book or aren’t even thinking about having a photographer, you just might get that inquiry.
Mistake #4: Not Focusing Locally (And Instead Using General Keywords)
Most photographers serve a specific geographic area, but many forget to optimize their blogs for local searches. This makes it harder for clients nearby to find them!
In fact, 99% of the time, when writing for clients, we use local keywords. In our experience, these keywords make the biggest impact on photographers.
Bad Keyword Example: Elopement photography spots
This keyword is too vague and doesn’t tell Google where you’re located.
Incorporate local keywords into your blog content to rank for location-based searches.
Good Keyword Example: Yosemite National Park elopement photography spots
This keyword targets people searching for elopement photography locations, specifically in a high-demand area. This makes perfect sense if you often photograph in Yosemite.
By focusing on keywords like this, you’ll be able to target potential clients specifically looking for work in your area.
Don’t repeat these keyword research mistakes!
Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint, but when done right, it can be a game-changer for your photography business.
By avoiding these keyword mistakes and focusing on strategic, client-focused content, you’ll not only rank higher in search engines but also connect with clients who can’t wait to book you.
Your blog should work as hard as you do while you’re out shooting or editing; let it bring in inquiries and build your reputation. It’s time to start blogging smarter, not harder.
And if you’re ready to outsource your blogging, click here to learn more about our service Back Pocket Blogger.
Read these next:
- 5 Benefits of Blogging for Photographers
- Benefits of Increasing Website Traffic for Your Photography Business
- Best Article Length for SEO on Your Photography Blog
KP’s design journey began in book publishing, but she fell in love with the truly limitless possibilities that web design presents. Since then, she’s been helping photographers and creatives become the no-brainer option for their dream clients before they even get on a call.
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1/16/25
Published On:
Krystianna Pietrzak
