The No-Social Strategy: Book Photography Clients Through Blogging & SEO | Build and Bloom Photography Podcast
What if you could consistently book dream clients without posting on Instagram every day?
This might sound too good to be true, but it's not. Welcome to the long game: blogging and SEO.
I love Instagram. It’s a great way to stay top-of-mind and consistently show up. But when it comes to actual bookings—the kind that hit your inbox with zero DM back-and-forth? That’s where your blog (and website) shine. Once a blog post is done, it’s DONE. No algorithm to fight. No need to repost it later. It works for you while you sleep.
Let’s break down why blogging should be part of your business strategy and how to actually make it work without spending hours or getting techy.
Oh, before we dive into the blog post. I also covered this topic over on my Build and Bloom Photography Podcast.
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Instagram vs Blogging
Instagram is amazing for community and visibility. But your blog? That’s your marketing engine.
When someone finds you through Google, clicks into your blog, and sees a session just like what they want—that’s magic. They’re already warmed up. And the best part? They can book you directly through your website, without all the hoops.
Also, your website is your most powerful branding tool. No ads. No distractions. Just your style, your copy, and your offer front and center. (Struggling with your branding? Check out my course, LightsCameraBrand.com—it walks you through defining your artistic voice and standing out.)
Real-Life Example: Columbia University Grads Found Me Through Blogging
I’ve had Google Analytics connected to my Squarespace site for years. And every single month, “Columbia University Graduation Photos” is one of the top search terms that brings people to my website.
I haven’t even blogged about Columbia since 2022—and before that, it was 2018. But in 2024 alone, I had 12 inquiries for Columbia graduation sessions during April, May, and June.
That’s the power of blogging with intention.
Want to see the posts I’m talking about?
These galleries are simple, keyword-rich, and clearly labeled. That’s all it takes.
Why Not Just One Gallery Page?
Here’s a question I get a lot:
“Why not just have one page for all your weddings/portraits/etc instead of individual blog posts?”
Because SEO loves specificity. A main portfolio page is great for branding, but your blog posts are where you can get into the nitty gritty: the venue, the neighborhood, the style of the shoot.
Your homepage might say "Seattle Wedding Photographer," but your blog can get more specific like "Light & Airy Backyard Wedding in Cashmere, Washington," exactly what people are searching for, which helps them find you. Don’t use niche jargon only photographers would understand. Speak like your clients do.
“But SEO Sounds Intimidating…” It’s not. I promise!
“But SEO Sounds Intimidating…” It’s not. I promise!
SEO = Search Engine Optimization. It just means making your website easier to find on Google.
If you’re using Squarespace like I do, it’s super easy to plug in your page title, description, and image settings. Just rinse and repeat for every post.
And if you want to see the tools I use to blog quickly and efficiently, grab my free blogging toolkit here.
Photography Blogging Tools I Use:
Narrative Publish – This is my go-to blog tool for laying out images beautifully without needing a designer. Check it out here.
Google Analytics – Helps me track what people are searching to find me.
My full blogging resources list – Free download here
Website Checklist – Make sure your site is ready to convert visitors into clients
What Makes a Blog Post SEO-Friendly?
An SEO-friendly blog post begins with a specific and descriptive title, like “Golden Hour Maternity Session at Discovery Park in Seattle,” which directly matches what potential clients are searching for. This helps your post appear in relevant search results, attracting a more targeted audience. The layout of your blog should also be clean, with well-structured headers and subheaders that break the content into easy-to-read sections. This not only makes the post more user-friendly but also signals to search engines what your content is about. Inside the body, incorporate keywords your clients would likely search for, such as “maternity photographer Seattle” or “outdoor maternity session,” and make sure they’re naturally integrated into the text.
In addition to titles and layout, adding internal links to other related blog posts helps improve both user engagement and SEO by encouraging visitors to explore more of your content. For example, linking to posts like “5 Best Maternity Photoshoot Locations in Seattle” or “How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session” can increase time spent on your site. Images should also be labeled and optimized for SEO, as search engines index image content, helping your posts rank higher. While alt-text is an added bonus for accessibility and SEO, simply ensuring that your images are well-optimized can still have a significant impact.
By following these strategies, your blog posts will not only attract more traffic but also help convert readers into clients.
Quick Blog Post Ideas
Your top 3 favorite photoshoot locations
A “what to wear” guide for sessions
Behind-the-scenes of a recent shoot
A seasonal post (like “Best Fall Photoshoot Spots in Seattle”)
Highlighting a client session with a mini story
You can keep your posts simple. The key is to start and stay consistent.
You Don’t Have to Ditch Instagram
You don’t have to stop using Instagram altogether—it’s still a powerful tool. But think of your blog as your home base, and Instagram as the rental. The goal is to move people from social to your website.
Because once your website is set up, you’re done. All you have to keep up is your blog—and it keeps working for you long after you hit publish.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Join the Build and Bloom Facebook Group: it’s a kind, encouraging, and inclusive photography community for all levels of photographers. This is the best place to ask questions about your biz with 0 judgment.
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