Many photographers do not have to play the paid SEO game, and here’s why.

First let’s clarify, the paid SEO game includes such things as Google Adwords, purchasing an ad in the superpages, yellowpages, or hiring a 3rd party to manage these items for you, along with the content of your site.

The going rate for a search engine optimization service is about $400/month for basic service, and some companies won’t let you in the door for less than $20,000 annually.  So there is obviously some value for some companies, but should you put YOUR money to getting your site a few notches higher?

When you look at the numbers, posting an event for proofing and resales on your site can bring in an enormous amount of traffic.  If you go to a wedding with 200 people, posting the images for reorders on your site could bring in 150-200 people to your site!  Friends of bride and groom are usually the best candidates anyway, and these people are spending a great deal of time on your site looking at your photos.

Same goes with other genres such as portraiture, seniors, and even sports.  Word of mouth marketing is always the best, so give your client a reason to bring their friends and family to your website.

When it does make sense to play the game? If you rely heavily on destination weddings, corporate photography, photo booths, are just jumping into the game, or are in a VERY competitive area, it’s worth looking into.  Everyone should take the time to do the free stuff listed here. But if you fall into any of the above categories, you just found a new game to play.  If you need a coach to get you started, send an email our way seo@morephotos.com!