You’re posting consistently. You’ve updated your Instagram bio. You’ve even sprinkled the words “Charleston wedding photographer” across your site.

But when you Google yourself… crickets. 😬

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still not showing up online, chances are good that one of these sneaky SEO mistakes is to blame. The good news? Every single one of these can be fixed—without tech overwhelm or a total website overhaul.

Let’s break them down.

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1. You’re Using the Wrong Keywords (or None at All)

One of the biggest SEO myths? That “just being yourself” is enough for people to find you online.

While your brand voice and visuals matter, search engines need clarity. If you’re not intentionally using the exact phrases your dream clients are typing into Google, your content is basically invisible.

How to fix it:

• Start by identifying 10–15 core keywords your ideal client might search, like “film wedding photographer in Charleston” or “editorial wedding photography Savannah.”
• Then, use tools like Ubersuggest to find related keyword opportunities. Here’s how we use Ubersuggest to help our clients grow.

Want help finding the right keywords? Our post on beginner SEO for wedding photographers is a perfect place to start.

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2. Your Site Doesn’t Have a Blog (or It’s Gathering Dust)

We say this with love: a blog is not optional in 2025. 💻

Google and LLMs like ChatGPT love fresh, relevant, consistent content. Without it, your website becomes a static brochure—and that won’t cut it in today’s competitive market.

How to fix it:

• Commit to 1–2 blog posts per month.
• Focus each post around a specific keyword or client question.
• Add internal links to other related posts or service pages.

Blogging doesn’t have to be time-consuming—it just needs to be strategic. This post breaks down exactly why blogging still matters even when social media feels easier.

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3. You’re Not Linking Between Your Own Pages

Internal linking isn’t just for tech nerds—it’s one of the most powerful (and overlooked) SEO tools in your toolbox.

When you don’t link between your blog posts, homepage, and service pages, Google has a harder time understanding what your site is about. That means fewer rankings and less traffic.

How to fix it:

• Add 3–5 internal links in every blog post.
• Link to related services, blog posts, or contact pages.
• Use natural anchor text like “Charleston wedding photographer” instead of “click here.”

We wrote a full post on how internal linking boosts rankings without writing a single new word.

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4. Your Images Are Slowing You Down (Literally)

Photographers love big, high-res images. Google… not so much.

Slow-loading websites can hurt your rankings, especially on mobile. And missing alt text? That’s a lost opportunity to boost your SEO.

How to fix it:

• Compress your images before uploading (tools like TinyPNG are great).
• Add descriptive, keyword-rich file names and alt text.
• Use titles like: charleston-wedding-photographer-golden-hour.jpg
• Write alt text like: Golden hour portrait of a couple at Dunes West wedding, captured by Charleston wedding photographer.

Need help writing better alt text? We’ve got examples here.

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5. You’re Relying Too Much on Social Media

Instagram is great for building trust—but it’s not built for long-term visibility.

If your entire business relies on staying visible in the feed, you’re one algorithm shift away from a slow season. SEO gives you control.

How to fix it:

• Think of SEO as planting seeds that grow over time.
• Use your Instagram posts as blog prompts—then turn them into evergreen SEO content.
• Start with location-based posts like: “What It’s Like to Shoot a Wedding at Magnolia Plantation” or “Best Charleston Elopement Locations for 2025.”

Your photos can absolutely stop the scroll—but your words are what get you found. This post dives into that if you’re still skeptical.

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Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—Just Consistent

SEO isn’t a one-and-done checklist. It’s a long game—but the kind that builds momentum the more you show up.

So whether you’re just getting started or realizing it’s time for a tune-up, remember: you’re not behind. You’re building something powerful.

And if you ever want to outsource the overwhelm? Our SEO services for photographers are built to help you grow—without giving up your voice or vision.