SEO Best Practices for Photographers

Optimizing your website and online presence can significantly improve visibility and attract more of the right clients. Here are the essentials:

1. Use Relevant Keywords

  • Identify key phrases people actually search for, such as:
    "professional headshots in [City]"
    "LinkedIn headshot photographer"
    "authentic business portraits"
    "effective headshots for actors"

  • Include these keywords in page titles, descriptions, blog posts, and image captions—but keep it natural.

  • Avoid keyword stuffing—make your writing feel organic and easy to read.

2. Optimize Your Images

  • Label image files with descriptive, keyword-rich names (e.g., "corporate_linkedin_portraits_actors_headshot_boston.jpg" instead of "IMG1234.jpg").

  • Compress images for faster loading without sacrificing quality (JPGs saved at 11 quality).

  • Add alt text to all images to improve accessibility and search engine indexing (e.g., "Professional LinkedIn headshot for business executives in London").

3. Write Strong SEO Titles and Descriptions

  • Keep meta descriptions around 400 characters.

  • Include your name, location, and key services (e.g., "[Your Name], a [City]-based photographer, specializes in professional headshots, LinkedIn portraits, and personal branding photography. Available for studio and location office sessions.")

  • Ensure each page has a unique description to improve search rankings.

4. Optimize Your Website Structure

  • Use clear headings (H1 for main titles, H2 for subheadings) to improve readability and strong SEO.

  • Keep URLs short, clean, and keyword-rich (e.g., "yourwebsite.com/london-uk/corporate-linkedin-portraits-actors-headshots").

  • Ensure each page title has a unique and descriptive title tag, including city location.

5. Build Backlinks & Local Citations

  • Get listed on reputable directories like Google My Business, Yelp, and photography associations (e.g., Headshots Matter).

  • Encourage past clients to leave reviews on Google and LinkedIn.

  • Contribute guest posts to industry blogs or collaborate with local businesses for backlinks.

6. Leverage Blog Content

  • Write posts that answer common client questions:
    “What to wear for a LinkedIn headshot?”
    “What’s the difference between studio and natural light portraits?”
    “How often should I update my professional photo?”

  • Share client success stories or behind-the-scenes insights.

  • Optimize blog posts with internal links to relevant pages on your site to keep visitors engaged.

  • Re-purpose your blog content for LinkedIn articles and other social posts. SEO is more than best practices for your website, it’s also using your content on social to drive potential clients to your website.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

  • FAQs are a great way to add helpful SEO content and frame it as questions, similar to how someone would ask Google a question.

  • Use structured data to help search engines display your FAQs as rich results.

  • Answer common client queries clearly and concisely, including location-based services (e.g., "Where can I get a professional headshot in Toronto?").

8. Enhance Your Social Media for SEO

  • Optimize your Instagram and LinkedIn bios with relevant keywords.

  • Post consistently and use hashtags that match your niche and location.

  • Link back to your website from social media profiles, posts, and stories. Always remember your website is the best place for clients to learn your full story and also book your services.

9. Ensure Mobile & Speed Optimization

  • Use a responsive website design that adapts to all devices.

  • Test your website speed using Google PageSpeed Insights and optimize accordingly.

  • Reduce unnecessary plugins or scripts that slow down your site.

10. Your Domain Name Matters More Than You Think

Your website’s domain name is one of the first clues Google and potential clients get about what you offer—and where.

A domain like ottawaheadshots.com works well because it includes:

  • The city (Ottawa)

  • The service (headshots)

  • And it’s easy to remember and type

This kind of domain signals relevance to both people and search engines. It can improve your chances of showing up in local searches like “headshot photographer Ottawa”—especially when paired with good content and solid page structure.

If you’re just getting started, or you’re thinking about a second site that’s laser-focused on one service, consider a domain that reflects your main location and offering.

Examples:

  • torontobrandingportraits.com

  • berlinheadshots.de

  • vancouverlinkedinphotos.com

  • londonukheadshots.com (available)

Simple. Searchable. Local.

Quick Recap: Why SEO Matters

  • SEO helps the right people find you online—when they’re actively looking.

  • It’s not about becoming a tech expert. It’s about small, consistent steps that build visibility over time.

  • From keywords and image names to blog posts and Google reviews, every little bit helps.

  • Your HSM gallery page is already a step in the right direction—use it, link to it, and build on it.

Whether you’re just starting or refreshing your website, focus on being findable—not fancy. Clients aren’t searching for the trendiest site—they’re searching for someone they can trust to take a great photo!

Examples of SEO in Action

Here are a couple websites and gallery pages using strong SEO principles: