See what happens when I’m sitting on a bunch of great photo yet can’t post ‘em because of a request by the client? I end up SEO relapsing!
Googled “portland photographers” to see if a recent link swap had helped and sure enough, it did. Depending on how you count, I’m either number 9 or number 5 (I’m pretty sure the middle four listings are paid listings) which is pretty cool considering I was listed lower just a week ago.
Google loves links to your site. If you swap links, you don’t want it to be a direct swap (ie you provide a link to them and they provide a link to you). The best way to do it is to link to a site, and a different site links to you.
While I thought I had sworn off SEO, the reality is that little stuff like link trades done every week improves your listing because google ranks on recent posts and longevity. Having a website url for a couple of years ranks higher than newer urls. And the more you get linked to, the better your rank.
Okay, okay, I swear I have to give up this SEO stuff for good! Search engines are nice but the reality of commercial photography is that’s not where your work will come from. Let’s use this month as an example. I have three commercial shoots booked so far, all with clients I’ve worked for before. A model portfolio shoot coming up and I’m pretty sure she found me via social media. Personal shoot where the model found me on MM. Boudoir shoot where I was found on google but ultimately booked just because I was available and could turn it around fast. Oh, and bidding on two jobs in Florida based on marketing efforts.
So in reality, a decent listing for “portland photographer” on google didn’t actually get me any work. Just something to consider when working on SEO.
Setup a google places plage properly and it will blow your mind :)
- Tyler
Perhaps, Tyler. I have a google places page but still find most of my work is coming from referrals or even FB. And commercial work never comes from google. I get occasional inquires via google, but rarely book shoots that way. It’s human nature. People would almost always work with people who have been recommended by people they know. That’s how I found you :)
Of course :) that’s where nearly all business ones from. I’m just saying if you take an hour you can get two listings up there. One for your site and one for places. You’ll notice places under the A,B,C etc.
Just my two cents… I come here for the models anyways.
Okay, cool, I’ll look into that, Tyler. On the road at the moment with no steady internet connection so it will need to wait a couple of days. Appreciate the tip though!
Exploring my listing on google places Tyler and not seeing how to get two listings. Sure didn’t see the A, B, C either… am I missing something?