How To Increase Organic Traffic To Your Photography Website
Imagine this: A steady stream of potential clients finding your photography website—not through ads, but because your content naturally ranks at the top of search results.
This is the power of organic traffic, and for photographers, it’s an invaluable way to attract clients while reducing reliance on paid advertising.
But here’s the catch—Google doesn’t reward just any website. To secure those coveted top spots, your photography website needs to offer genuine value, relevance, and a seamless experience for visitors.
Why Organic Traffic Matters for Your Photography Website
Organic traffic is a cost-effective way to connect with potential clients who are actively searching for your services.
Unlike paid ads, which stop delivering results once your budget runs out, organic traffic is free and grows over time as your content ranks higher for relevant searches.
If you’re not seeing much organic traffic to your photography website, it might be time to rethink your content strategy and overall website experience. To get more organic traffic, you likely need to UP the quality of your content.
Content quality is so incredibly important if you want more organic (free) website traffic.
Related: Four Types Of SEO Optimisation Photographers Can Leverage To Improve Website Rankings
How to Improve Your Photography Website in the Eyes of Google
Google regularly updates its algorithms to reward websites that create genuinely helpful and user-focused content. In contrast, spammy or overly optimized sites that cater more to search engines than real people are penalised.
Here’s how to create a photography website that both Google and your audience will love:
1. Follow Google’s Helpful Content (and Latest) Guidelines
Ask yourself these questions based on Google’s guidelines:
- Does your content demonstrate expertise and in-depth knowledge?
- Is your site focused on a primary purpose, such as showcasing your portfolio or offering photography services?
- Will someone leave your website feeling they’ve learned something valuable?
- Does your content satisfy your visitors’ needs, leaving them with a positive experience?
By addressing these questions, you’ll not only improve your rankings but also build trust with potential clients.
Tip: To dive deeper, check out Google’s Helpful Content Guidelines (August 2022) and their more recent updates (March 2024).
2. Review Your Organic Traffic Data Regularly
One of the best ways to track your website’s performance is through Google Analytics. Regularly reviewing your traffic data helps you identify what’s working and where there’s room for improvement.
How to Check Organic Traffic in Google Analytics (G4)
- Access Reports: Log into Google Analytics and navigate to the left-hand menu. Select Reports, then choose a custom date range in the top-right corner to analyze traffic over a specific period.
- Find Acquisition Data: Click Acquisition in the menu, then select Traffic Acquisition to view a breakdown of visitors by channel.
- Analyze Your Results: Review the bar chart titled “Users by Session Primary Group Channel.” Look for organic search data to see how many visitors are finding your site through search engines.
If organic traffic levels are low, it’s a sign that you may need to improve your SEO strategy and content.
Tips to Drive More Organic Traffic to Your Photography Website
1. Optimise Your Blog Content for Search
Strategic blog posts tailored to your audience’s needs can work wonders for your organic traffic. For example:
- Write posts like “Top 10 Wedding Venues for Photos in [Location]” or “How to Prepare for a Family Photoshoot.”
- Include keywords that your ideal clients are searching for.
2. Strengthen Your On-Page SEO
Ensure your website is optimised with relevant keywords, clear meta descriptions, and alt text for images. Even small tweaks can significantly improve your rankings.
3. Earn Quality Backlinks
Backlinks from reputable websites signal to Google that your content is credible. Network with other photography industry professionals, contribute guest posts, or get featured in photography directories.
Related: 5 Ways to Get More Backlinks for SEO and Boost Your Photography Website
My Results—and How I Can Help You
I’ve applied these strategies to my own website and those of my photography clients. As a result, about 80% of the traffic to my website site consistently comes from Google searches. This is shown in the image below, which is a screenshot from my own Google Analytics data.
This is the power of well-planned content and SEO, and I’d love to help you achieve the same results.
This is a result of content I’ve created on my site over the years, ranking well for relevant keywords and therefore appearing in search results. My photography clients also get much of their website traffic organically via Google because of the strategic, well-optimised blog content I help them create.
Let’s Work Together to Boost Organic Traffic to Your Photography Website
If your organic traffic isn’t where you want it to be, I offer two ways to help:
- Done-for-you SEO and content services: I can handle your keyword research, website optimisation and strategic blog writing, taking it off your plate.
- The Photographer’s Visibility Blueprint: My flagship course and group mentoring programme, where I teach you how to create SEO-friendly content.
Free SEO Resources to Get Started
Not ready to work together yet? No problem!
- Join my PR-Savvy Photographers Facebook Group to connect with other professionals and access free tips.
- Subscribe to my Content Connection emails for actionable advice on SEO and marketing.
Both in the group, and via my emails, I share SEO and marketing tips with you, designed to help you attract more organic traffic to your photography website.
Let’s make your photography website a magnet for organic traffic!
