(a.k.a. The Hidden SEO Details Most Photographers Overlook)

Your website is polished.
Your photos are stunning.
Your clients love you.

But… your inbox is quiet. Your Google rankings are low. And when you search “[your city] wedding photographer,” your site is nowhere to be found.

What’s going on?

Here’s the hard truth:
What your clients see and what Google sees are two totally different things.
And if your site isn’t speaking Google’s language behind the scenes?
✨ You’re invisible. ✨

Let’s unpack what Google actually sees—and how to fix the invisible SEO gaps that are quietly costing you your dream clients.

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1. Your Homepage Header Isn’t Saying What You Think It Is

You might think your homepage says:

“Timeless, emotional wedding photography for couples who love the in-between moments.”

But to Google? It might just say:

“Welcome.”
Or nothing at all.

If your H1 (that’s your headline tag) doesn’t include words like “wedding photographer” and your location, Google literally doesn’t know what you do or where you work.

✅ Fix It:
Update your homepage H1 tag to something like:

Charleston Wedding Photographer Capturing Honest, Emotional Stories

👉 Learn how to make sure your website reflects your vision and ranks

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2. Your Image Files Are Gorgeous—But Meaningless

Your clients see:

A stunning first look in golden hour light.

Google sees:

IMG_0243.jpg

If your images aren’t renamed before uploading (and you skip adding alt text), you’re missing out on huge SEO value. Google crawls image names + alt text to understand what your page is about.

✅ Fix It:

• Rename your files before uploading: boho-bride-red-rocks-elopement.jpg
• Add descriptive alt text: Bride and groom holding hands during sunset elopement in Sedona

👉 Read how to optimize your image SEO for better rankings

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3. Your Meta Descriptions Aren’t Doing Their Job

When someone Googles you, your meta description is the tiny snippet they see under your site link. If you haven’t written one? Google will guess—and it’s usually… not great.

✅ Fix It:
Write custom meta descriptions (under 160 characters) that include your main keywords and a reason to click.

Example:

Charleston wedding photographer capturing romantic, story-driven images for couples in love. Booking 2025 weddings now!

👉 Get meta description tips that actually convert

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4. Your Blog Posts Are Too Pretty (And Too Thin)

Gorgeous galleries with no context = a big SEO nope.

Google needs words.
Your blog needs:

• Headlines with real keywords
• Alt text for every image
• At least 800–1,000 words of helpful content
• Internal links to other blog posts or services

✅ Fix It:
Instead of “L+J Sneak Peek 🌸,” try:

Romantic Spring Wedding at Magnolia Plantation | Charleston Wedding Photographer

Then write 1,000+ words telling the story, sharing vendor details, and naturally using SEO-rich language.

👉 Learn why blogging is still one of the best SEO tools in 2024

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5. Your Links Are Broken, Missing, or Useless

Google follows the links on your site to understand your content hierarchy. If you’re not linking between blog posts or to your main pages, you’re leaving SEO power on the table.

✅ Fix It:

• Add 2–3 internal links in every blog post
• Link to related posts, your portfolio, and your contact page
• Make sure buttons are real links (not just text on an image!)

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Bonus: You’re Not Telling Google Where You Are

If your site doesn’t mention your service area, you won’t show up in local searches. Period.

✅ Fix It:
Add your city and region (and nearby locations) to:

• Homepage copy
• Blog posts
• Your website footer
• Alt text + image names

👉 Read how local SEO can help you book more weddings in your area

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TL;DR: Google Can’t Rank What It Can’t Understand

✨ Beautiful design = client love
✨ Strategic SEO = Google love
✨ You need both to get booked