If you’ve ever hit “publish” on a blog post and then wondered why no one saw it… you’re not alone. The secret isn’t just writing about your latest session—it’s writing in a way that Google understands. That’s where learning how to write an SEO driven blog post comes in.
The good news? You don’t have to be a tech wizard to create an SEO-driven blog post. Knowing the framework to use is just as important as what you write. Here’s how photographers can write blog content that actually gets found (and the same formula I use for my own blog posts).
1. Start With a Keyword (But Keep It Natural)
Think of a keyword as the phrase someone would type into Google if they were looking for you. For example:
- “best family photographer in Salt Lake City”
- “senior portraits in Pheonix”
- “engagement session at Yosemite National Park”
Pick one keyword or phrase for each blog post and weave it into the title, first paragraph, a heading, and naturally throughout the post. Don’t overstuff—if it reads awkwardly, Google (and your clients) will notice. You want your keywords to read naturally so that when you write an SEO driven blog post, your readers don’t have to think twice about why you’re using those words. (see what I did there?)
2. Write a Title That Sells (and Ranks)
Your blog title needs to do two jobs:
- Grab attention
- Include your keyword
Example: Instead of “The Johnson Family Session,” go with “Annual Family Photos at Mayfield Park in Austin”. It tells Google what the post is about and entices readers to click. It also adds a location, so you can use that location as an outbound link. In this case, you would link Mayfield Park to their website, which is an added boost for SEO. Anytime you can create an outbound link (linking to a website page other than your own), it’s an added bonus.
3. Use Headings to Organize Your Post
Headings (like the ones you see here) make your post easy to skim, but they also signal to Google what’s important. Aim for at least 2–3 H2 or H3 headings and include your keyword or related phrases. You really only need to include your keyword phrase in one of these headings. If you use it more than that, you sound redundant to your readers and to Google.
Example:
- What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session
- Why Fall Photos are Perfect at Tibble Fork Canyon
- Why Lincoln Park is a Hidden Gem for Family Photos in Austin
4. Add Alt Text to Your Images
Photographers love sharing images, but Google can’t “see” them—it reads the alt text. Add descriptive phrases that include your keyword when possible, like:
- “Family photo session at McKinney Falls in Austin”
- “Senior portrait by the river in Wausau Wisconsin”
This boosts SEO and also makes your site more accessible.
5. Wrap It Up With a Meta Description
Your meta description is the little blurb that shows up under your blog title in Google results. Keep it under 20 words and make it inviting.
Example: “Learn how to write an SEO-driven blog post as a photographer and get found by clients on Google.”
Why Google Likes SEO Driven Blog Posts
Writing an SEO-driven blog post doesn’t mean sacrificing your personality—it just means being strategic. By choosing a keyword, crafting a strong title, organizing with headings, thinking through what you want to write, you’ll set yourself up to show in searches and connect with dream clients.
So the next time you share a session or tip on your blog, give Google a little nudge. You’ll be surprised how quickly the right people start finding you. If you have a WordPress site like I do, check out the YOAST plugin. There’s a free version and a paid version. I’ve used both and feel like it’s my favorite plugin to help me know I’m on the right track (you get red smiley faces turned to green when you’re improving your SEO as you write).
p.s….after reading through this blog post, did you figure out what my keyword phrase is? If not, read the post again and you’ll get it!