How to Find Photography Keywords That Actually Bring Clients
Keywords are the bridge between your photography and the clients who need your services. They are the words and phrases people type into Google when looking for someone like you, but most photographers get stuck trying to figure out which keywords actually matter.
The good news? You don’t need to memorize every SEO trick to start seeing results. Understanding the concepts behind keyword research is the first step toward building a website that gets found by the right customers.
If you haven’t already, check out the full cornerstone guide: Why Every Photographer Should Learn SEO (And How to Start Today) for the complete framework.
What Are Keywords, Really?
Think of keywords as the language your clients use to describe what they’re looking for. They fall into three broad categories:
Local Keywords – People searching in a specific area (e.g., “wedding photographer in [city]”)
Service Keywords – People looking for a particular type of session (e.g., “brand photography pricing”)
Informational Keywords – People who are researching or planning (e.g., “what to wear for engagement photos”)
Each type plays a different role in your SEO strategy, from getting booked to building trust before a client reaches out.
Why Keywords Matter for Photographers
Even the most beautiful portfolio is invisible if clients can’t find it. Keywords help you:
Connect with clients who are ready to book
Show up in search results for the exact services you offer
Build credibility by answering the questions your clients are asking
Understanding the concept of keywords is more important than knowing every technical detail. And it’s the foundation for all your SEO efforts.
How to Start Thinking About Keywords
Here’s what most photographers don’t realize: SEO isn’t about tricking Google. It’s about speaking your clients’ language and giving them exactly what they’re searching for.
Some broad ideas to consider:
Start by thinking about how your clients describe your services
Consider what questions they have before booking
Notice patterns in search suggestions or client inquiries
These are the concepts that will guide your keyword strategy. The exact tools, prompts, and prioritization are what I teach in my SEO for Photographers course, where we turn these ideas into actionable results.
Next Step: Start Your Keyword Strategy
Want to turn these concepts into a structured plan? Start brainstorming your ideas and mapping them to your website. It’s a taste of the full course, giving you a head start without giving away the full blueprint.
Up next in the series is Photography Website SEO: How to Structure and Optimize for Google.
