How SEO Helped Me Grow My Photography Business in Victoria, BC
Relocating my photography business to Victoria, BC six years ago was exciting and challenging. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was ensuring potential clients could find me online. I spent countless hours on trial and error, researching everything I could find about getting a site to the first page of search results. It was a long journey, but it paid off. Today, my portrait photography website consistently appears within the first three organic results for "family photographers Victoria BC" and "headshot photographers Victoria BC”, among other keyword results. Here’s a screenshot to show you the results of my hard work:
My success didn’t happen overnight. It required dedication, patience, and a lot of learning. Here are some of the tips and strategies that helped me achieve my SEO goals, and I hope they can help you too:
1. Use All the Built-In SEO Tools Squarespace Has to Offer
Squarespace offers a variety of SEO tools that are incredibly user-friendly. Make sure you're utilizing these tools to their fullest potential. This includes setting up SEO page titles and descriptions, customizing URL slugs, and using image alt text effectively.
2. Make Your Website a Resource
Your website should be more than just a portfolio. Make it a resource for people interested in the services you offer. Provide valuable information on topics that your clients are interested in learning more about as they make their purchasing decision. This not only helps with SEO but also positions you as an expert in your field.
3. Blog About Frequently Asked Questions
If a lot of clients ask you the same questions, turn those questions into full blog post topics. This was a game-changer for me. Not only does it help with SEO by adding fresh content to your site, but it also serves as a helpful resource for potential clients. For example, I wrote posts about the best locations for family photos in Victoria, what to wear for a headshot session, and how to prepare children for a photoshoot.
4. Research Keywords and Use Them Naturally
Spend time researching the keywords that potential clients might use to find your services. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest can be really helpful. Once you have your keywords, use them naturally throughout your site and blog posts. But avoid keyword stuffing, as it can hurt your SEO more than help it.
5. Keep Your Content Fresh and Updated
Regularly updating your site with new content helps to keep it relevant in the eyes of search engines. This could be new blog posts, client testimonials, or portfolio updates. Fresh content signals to search engines that your site is active and valuable.
6. Optimize for Local SEO
Since I moved my business to Victoria, BC, it was crucial to optimize for local search. This means including local keywords like "Victoria BC" in my content, setting up a Google My Business profile, and encouraging clients to leave reviews.
By following these tips and using the tools available, I was able to significantly improve my website's SEO and attract more clients. To help you get started on your own SEO journey, I’m offering a free SEO checklist when you sign up for my newsletter. This checklist includes all the key steps you need to optimize your site and boost your visibility online. Join my mailing list today to grab this valuable resource and receive ongoing tips and updates to keep your website performing at its best!
I hope you find these tips helpful and that they inspire you to take your own website’s SEO to the next level. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more personalized advice!
