SEO is the key to getting your wedding photography website found by couples searching for their dream photographer. But the foundation of any successful SEO strategy? Keywords.

Keywords are the words and phrases your ideal clients type into search engines when they’re looking for a wedding photographer. Choosing the right ones can make the difference between getting lost in the crowd and standing out to your dream clients. Here’s how to identify, refine, + implement the perfect keywords for your website.

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1. Understand the Types of Keywords You Need

Keywords come in a few different forms, and understanding them will help you target the right audience:

• Short-Tail Keywords: General phrases like “wedding photographer” or “engagement photos.” These have high search volume but are highly competitive.
• Long-Tail Keywords: More specific phrases like “boho wedding photographer in Dallas” or “intimate elopement photographer in Sedona.” These are less competitive and more likely to attract your dream clients.
• Location-Based Keywords: Phrases that include your service area, like “Charleston wedding photographer” or “best venues in Austin.” These are especially important for local SEO.

Pro Tip: Focus on long-tail and location-based keywords to connect with couples who are specifically looking for what you offer.

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2. Research What Your Dream Clients Are Searching For

Keyword research is all about figuring out the exact phrases your ideal clients are typing into Google. Here’s how to start:

• Brainstorm Common Questions: Think about what your clients ask you. Are they looking for venue recommendations? Tips for choosing a photographer?
• Use Keyword Research Tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, and Ahrefs can help you find keywords related to your services.
• Check Out Your Competitors: Look at other photographers in your area to see which keywords they’re ranking for.
• Test Phrases in Google Search: Type potential keywords into Google and check the “People also ask” and “Related searches” sections for ideas.

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3. Choose Keywords That Match Your Services + Style

Your keywords should align with the type of photography you specialize in and the clients you want to attract.

Ask Yourself:

• What type of weddings do I want to shoot?
• What style of photography am I known for?
• What locations or venues do I want to book more of?

Examples of Niche-Specific Keywords:

• “Romantic fine art wedding photographer in New York”
• “Adventurous destination elopement photographer”
• “Candid wedding photography in Napa Valley”

By narrowing your keywords to match your unique services and style, you’ll attract couples who are a perfect fit.

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4. Use Keywords Naturally Across Your Website

Once you’ve chosen the right keywords, it’s time to weave them into your website content. But here’s the trick: Don’t overdo it. Keyword stuffing can hurt your SEO and make your content feel unnatural.

Where to Place Keywords:

• Page Titles: Include keywords in your homepage and service page titles, like “Boho Wedding Photographer | Austin, TX.”
• Headings: Use keywords in H1 and H2 tags to help search engines understand your content.
• Body Text: Incorporate keywords into your website copy, blog posts, and descriptions naturally.
• Alt Text: Add keywords to the alt text of your images (e.g., “Bride and groom at [Venue Name] in Charleston”).
• Meta Descriptions: Write engaging meta descriptions with your keywords to improve click-through rates.

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5. Monitor + Adjust Your Keywords Over Time

SEO isn’t a one-and-done process. The keywords that work for you now might not be as effective a year from now, so it’s important to regularly review and refine your strategy.

How to Track Keyword Performance:

• Use tools like Google Analytics or Google Search Console to see which keywords are driving traffic to your site.
• Test new keywords in blog posts and landing pages to see how they perform.
• Stay updated on trends in the wedding photography industry to identify new keyword opportunities.

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Bonus Tips: Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Keywords

To get the best results, avoid these common keyword mistakes:

• Being Too Broad: Keywords like “wedding photography” are too general and highly competitive. Focus on specific niches and locations instead.
• Ignoring Your Clients’ Language: Use the words your dream clients would actually search for, not overly technical terms.
• Keyword Stuffing: Keep your content natural—Google rewards quality, not repetition.

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Final Thoughts: Keywords Are the Gateway to Your Dream Clients

Choosing the right keywords for your wedding photography website isn’t just about improving SEO—it’s about connecting with the couples who are searching for someone exactly like you.

By focusing on specific, intentional keywords and weaving them naturally into your website, you’ll attract clients who align with your style, values, and vision. And as your business grows, so can your keyword strategy.

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CTA (Call to Action):
Not sure where to start with your SEO strategy? North + South Agency specializes in helping photographers identify the perfect keywords to attract their dream clients. Contact us today to learn more!