If your website is stuck on page 2 of Google, you might as well be invisible. 95% of people never click past the first page of search results. That means your dream clients? They’re finding someone else—before they even see your work.

The good news? You don’t have to stay buried in search results. By the end of this post, you’ll have a step-by-step strategy to rank higher, stand out, and get in front of the right clients before your competition does.

---

Why Page 2 is a Dead Zone

When was the last time you clicked to page 2 of Google? Probably never. And you’re not alone. Studies show that:

• The first result on Google gets 27.6% of all clicks.
• The top 3 results grab over 50% of all traffic.
• Only 5% of users ever scroll past the first page.

For photographers, this means if you’re ranking on page 2, couples and clients aren’t even seeing your business. That’s lost inquiries, lost bookings, and lost revenue. But don’t worry—you can fix this.

---

How to Own Your Niche in Search Results

Step 1: Get Smart with Keywords

• Ditch the generic terms. Instead of “Charleston wedding photographer,” target long-tail keywords like “romantic Charleston elopement photographer” or “fine art wedding photography in Charleston.”
• Think like your ideal client. What would they type into Google? Use that language throughout your site.
• Use location-based SEO. Google loves local results, so make sure your city, venue names, and service areas are naturally woven into your site.

Step 2: Optimize Every Page on Your Website

• Page titles & meta descriptions: These need to be keyword-rich, compelling, and under 60 characters.
• H1 & H2 Headers: Google scans these first, so include targeted keywords in them.
• Image SEO: Rename your image files (ex: charleston-wedding-photography.jpg instead of IMG_12345.jpg), and always add alt text.

Step 3: Create Blog Content That Ranks

Blogging isn’t just for storytelling—it’s an SEO powerhouse. Here’s how:

• Write SEO-friendly blog posts featuring real weddings, venue guides, and tips your ideal clients search for.
• Use internal linking (link to your other blog posts + pages) to help Google understand your site structure.
• Post consistently. Even one high-quality blog per month can boost your rankings.

Step 4: Build Backlinks & Authority

Google ranks websites higher when other credible sites link to them. Here’s how to get quality backlinks:

• Get featured on wedding blogs (like Style Me Pretty or Southern Bride) by submitting your best work.
• Network with vendors and ask them to link to your site from theirs.
• Collaborate with other photographers for guest posts or shared content.

Step 5: Speed & Mobile Optimization Matters

Google prioritizes sites that load fast and look good on mobile. Fix yours by:

• Compressing images (use tools like TinyPNG or RedKetchup.io).
• Improving mobile usability (Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can help you spot issues).
• Using fast website hosting to avoid slow load times.

---

Don’t Let Another Inquiry Slip Away

If your website isn’t on page 1, your dream clients are booking someone else. But the good news? SEO is fixable. You just need the right strategy.

Want to stop missing out on bookings? Get an SEO upgrade now—before your dream clients find another photographer.