How To Elevate Your Online Presence: Mastering SEO for Photographers

Having just completed a basic SEO certification and advanced SEO certifications from Google, I have learned some really interesting new things when it comes to SEO and for putting it into your business. I also received my certification in Advanced Digital Marketing as a way to improve my reach on the web and also to help others! Here’s some info I learned that I think will be beneficial to all photographers in 2024!

In the dynamic realm of online marketing, SEO emerges as a potent strategy for photographers, surpassing even PPC in lead generation.

According to the majority of marketers online, SEO is better than other marketing strategies. Of ANYTHING! Including your PPC (pays per click) for generating leads.

Discover the keys to enhance your website's SEO with these insightful strategies:

• Consistent Publishing for Success:

• Boost your blog traffic by posting regularly—research suggests that having at least 24 blog posts increases traffic by 30%, while exceeding 50 posts results in a remarkable 77% boost. Opt for longer posts for improved SEO and enhanced visitor engagement.

• Niche Focus Yields Results:

• While exploring creative avenues is crucial, honing in on a niche can significantly benefit your photography business. Specializing allows you to stand out and be recognized as an expert in that specific field.

  Find your niche! They say riches are in the niches!

• Timeframe Realities:

• Understand that SEO results don't happen overnight. It can take three to six months, or even up to 12 to 18 months, to witness significant traffic growth. Patience is key as search engines need time to index and rank your content in the competitive digital landscape.

• Harness the Power of Backlinks:

• Backlinks are vital for SEO success. Regularly submit your sitemap to Google Search Console to ensure effective crawling. Additionally, submit updates to keep Google informed about changes, especially after adding new content.

• SEO Tailored for Photographers:

• Explore dedicated SEO practices crafted for photographers. For a comprehensive understanding, check out my guide on SEO for photographers, covering the fundamentals.

• TTC: The Key to Ranking Success:

• Time, Content Quality, and Consistency—these are the pillars of successful SEO. Mastering these elements is crucial for navigating Google's vast universe.

• Content Quality Matters:

• Produce high-quality content that adds value to your audience. Research relevant keywords and strategically incorporate them to enhance your blog's visibility in search results.

• Consistency is Key:

• Regularly update your blog with fresh and relevant content. Consistency not only builds your audience but also improves your chances of ranking higher in search results.

I picked this because eye-catching. The light is gorgeous and I love showing beautiful New Jersey!

For example statistics show that if you publish consistently (on your blog) after launch. Studies show that if you have 24 blogs to start with, it will increase traffic to your blog by up to 30%. If you up that and have more than 50 blogs, you will see a 77% boost in traffic. The more you blog on a constant basis (they say to start with two blogs per week). The longer your blogs and how informative they are, the more traffic you will see! Longer well-researched content is better for your search engine optimization and for your visitors coming to your site!

Remember, SEO success is a journey, not a sprint. By implementing these strategies, photographers can strengthen their online presence and attract a wider audience over time.

My keywords are an example below. I am a Southern New Jersey Photographer that lives right outside of Philadelphia, so below would be my main keywords to target. My keywords are generally based off the topic I write.

To kickstart your photography blog endeavors, consider focusing on keywords like photographers, south, Jersey, NJ, New Jersey, Philly, portraits, photographers in Philadelphia, photographers in Haddonfield (the shoot location), NJ photographer, family photo shoot. Additionally, showcasing the locations you've photographed at can enhance your Google keyword and location rank for your general area, giving customers insight into your capabilities at specific local sites.

Showing my work.. Also, showing work repeatedly creates a mental image in your client’s memory bank! Post consistently even old stuff! Seriously, it works!

SEO For Photographers

Why is SEO for Photographers so important? 

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is important for photographers for several reasons:

We will cover all these areas. 

• Visibility

• Competition

• Targeted Traffic

• Credibility

• Local Optimization

• Cost-Effective Marketing

• Analytics and Insights

In summary, SEO is essential for photographers because it enhances their online presence, increases visibility, and helps them stand out in a competitive market, ultimately leading to more potential clients and business opportunities. I am going to help walk you through every single process and provide you with the tools to succeed!

Here is a PDF FREE for you to download that helps to walk you through the basic steps in getting started!

Happy Shooting, my photography friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Spring in South Jersey: A Season of Renewal

As the warm sun rises higher in the sky, South Jersey comes alive with the vibrant colors and sweet scents of spring. The arrival of spring heralds the awakening of nature from its winter slumber, transforming the landscape into a picturesque tapestry of blooming flowers, lush greenery, and clear blue skies.
The cherry blossoms in Haddonfield, the tulip fields in Hammonton, and the daffodil gardens in Vineland burst into a riot of color, drawing locals and visitors alike to witness nature's magnificent display. With the gentle breeze carrying the fragrance of blossoms and the chorus of birdsong filling the air, South Jersey becomes a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

As a photographer at Shooting Star Photography LLC, I am captivated by the ethereal beauty of spring in South Jersey. It offers a myriad of opportunities to capture the essence of this season of renewal. From the tender buds unfurling against a backdrop of clear blue skies to the delicate dance of butterflies and bees among the blossoms, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring moments to preserve through the lens.

Walking through the verdant landscapes and quaint townships, I am inspired by the sense of new beginnings that permeates the atmosphere. The picturesque settings provide the perfect backdrop for capturing the joy and vitality that spring brings to the region. Whether it's a family frolicking in a field of wildflowers or a couple strolling hand in hand along a tree-lined path, the beauty of spring in South Jersey lends itself to creating timeless and evocative photographs.

Spring in South Jersey is more than just a change in the weather—it's a celebration of life, beauty, and the promise of new beginnings. As the natural world comes alive with color, light, and energy, I look forward to capturing the essence of this enchanting season through my lens, preserving fleeting moments that encapsulate the spirit of spring in all its glory.

Oh... my.... goodness!!!  The weather has been FANTASTIC lately. For March, it has been pretty mild! EEEEEEK!!!! The magnolias have bloomed earlier than normal.. I have a terraced garden and it's truly incredible to look out at what is in bloom.  The narcissus, magnolia, white willow, magnolias, hellebores, hyacinths and periwinkle giving me a beautiful dance right now. It's like winter's hibernation is finally over and spring is officially here!!! It's new beginnings for me this year and am treading on different waters. I am starting off fresh and offering something very different to the entire Philadelphia area... STYLIZED SESSIONS!!!! Yes, you got that right!

Stylized Sessions To The Spring Mix

Why waste money on something you may only wear once or twice?  I bring a great selection of gowns with me to every single session in your size and time permitting, you can slip on anything you like. My house is starting to look more like a boutique, haha! I want you to feel like a million buckaroos!!! I am so happy to be able to provide this to all my clients!  I want my clients to feel and look beautiful as this is will be a very special memory that I will be capturing for a lifetime.Currently, I am offering clothing/dresses for all girls ages 2-14.  I have a variety of different styles and colors.  ALL MATERNITY SESSIONS ARE STYLED.  I have just started purchasing gowns for women (so please inquire, I MAY have your size) and boys.  I have a few suits, ties, suspenders, hats. I will eventually have some pieces for men. I also provide headpieces in beautiful chiffons, silk, lace, crowns, feathers and everything in between!!! My goal is to provide a luxuriant service to all my customers!  From start to finish!

This is why we've only been in business for a year and have had clients return 4 or 5 times! We LOVE them! and guess what? I love you, too!

New Photography Locations!

On the horizon are unique session offerings. I will be offering sessions in azalea, lavender, daylily, sunflower and gladiola fields.  Unfortunately, the peonies and cherry blossoms have been sold out this year!  But... maybe again for next year? However, I have hundreds of scouted locations (including some private properties that I have available). We will do our best to give you what you want!!! I think in my next posting, I might show a little of the dresses I have accumulated! I think you will fall in love! I have over 30 more dresses coming in and a few special order princess crowns!How we work is... you tell us your size or sizes needed... and I bring a hand-picked selection for you to choose from. I also bring headpieces!

You can have as many wardrobe changes within your session time period. I want you to enjoy your experience. I also bring an assistant with me to give you the best we have to offer!  This assistant helps with getting smiles, helping you dress, watching for any fly away hairs, getting you a drink, if you need it... They are here to help!!! 

We've also opened up to servicing Delaware (love me some Delaware, it's actually not the far from me), the Philadelphia metro market and even central Jersey this year!!! YES!!! We will come to you!

 Well... I look forward to hearing from you soon!  Thank you for stopping by and happy shooting, my friends!!!

Dee Giumetti

Maternity Session at Cooper River Park NJ- Robin Hood’s Castle

NJ Maternity Session at Cooper River Park in NJ!

Another beautiful maternity session in the books. I had the pleasure of doing another gorgeous maternity shoot, here in South Jersey!  Maternity is my ultimate favorite thing to shoot in this whole wide world!  My one true passion is history as I have written books about South Jersey, so I like to incorporate a bit of South Jersey history into my sessions!!!I had discovered between some mutual friends of a place in the Cooper River Park area in Pennsauken (or Collingswood) depending on which side of the river!  There are quite some folklores on this place, but has been in existence for about 80 years and looks like it will be around for quite some time!!!The locals refer to it as Robin Hood's castle!  Now, us South Jerseyans love us some history so am going to add a bit of it here in this blog post!!Now, here is the "REAL" Nottingham's Castle... aka Robin Hood's castle and as you can see they don't compare.  

Capturing Beauty at Cooper River Park, NJ

Cooper River Park in New Jersey is a hidden gem that offers photographers a plethora of enthralling opportunities to capture breathtaking images. Nestled in the heart of Camden County, this park provides an idyllic setting for a photography shoot, drawing both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike. It can be a wonderful place especially with the fall colors and warm vibrant tones!

Serene Natural Beauty

One of the main reasons why Cooper River Park is a perfect location for a photography shoot is the abundance of serene natural beauty that surrounds it. The park boasts a picturesque, tree-lined lake, which reflects the mesmerizing colors of the changing seasons - from the vibrant foliage in the fall to the delicate blossoms in the spring.

Versatile Shooting Locations

Cooper River Park offers a diverse range of shooting locations to suit various styles and preferences. From the paved paths that wind through the park, perfect for capturing candid shots of people enjoying nature, to the charming stone bridges that add a touch of classic elegance to any portrait, there is no shortage of interesting backdrops and landscapes.

Vibrant Wildlife

Photographers with a passion for wildlife will revel in the opportunities to capture vibrant and intriguing creatures in Cooper River Park. The park is home to a variety of bird species, such as herons, egrets, and ducks, providing ample chances for stunning avian photography. Additionally, the park's migratory bird population adds a dynamic element to any shoot, enhancing the possibility of capturing rare and beautiful birds in action.

All smiles and looking beautiful in the park!

Year-Round Attractions

Regardless of the season, Cooper River Park offers year-round attractions, making it a favorite destination for photographers throughout the year. In the summer, the park is bustling with activity, with boaters, bikers, and runners, all adding life and energy to the scenes. In the winter, the frost-covered lake and snow-dusted trees create a magical atmosphere, providing opportunities for breathtaking winter landscape photography.

Easy Accessibility

Sweet kisses and a beautiful loving moment!

Cooper River Park's convenient location and easily accessible amenities make it an ideal location for a photography shoot. The park offers ample parking space, ensuring hassle-free arrival for both photographers and subjects. Additionally, the park's close proximity to major highways and public transportation makes it easily reachable for those traveling from near or afar.
In conclusion, Cooper River Park offers photographers an ideal setting for capturing beautiful and memorable moments. With its enchanting natural surroundings, versatile shooting locations, vibrant wildlife, year-round attractions, and easy accessibility, it is no wonder that Cooper River Park in New Jersey is a top choice for those seeking a captivating photography shoot.

Robin Hood's castle in Nottingham UK not South Jersey.

Robin Hood in actual Nottingham, England. We went to visit a few years ago!

Robin hoods castle in Cooper River Park. I love her smile!

When Robin Hood’s castle was built. It has ultimately been the same for almost 90 years! Isn’t that awesome!

Robin Hood's castle. It’s pretty cool eh? Kids use to play here and pretend they are kings and queens back in the day!

(Actually, the real castle at Nottingham burned down around the last 150 years and this was built as it's replacement).The term Robin Hood's castle was derived up from the local Collingswood kids who use to play here! The name has kind of stuck through the last few decades.Here's a lowdown of our local South Jersey castle.The Works Progress Administration (renamed in 1939 as the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest and most ambitious American New Deal agency, employing millions of unemployed people (mostly unskilled men) to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads.   It was a Federal project to help stimulate the economy prior to WWII. 

Almost every community in the United States had a new park, bridge or school constructed by this awesome agency. At its peak in 1938, it provided paid jobs for three million unemployed men!What is cool is there are MANY well intact structures built by the WPA all over South Jersey! Like this one!  Yes, a lot of the parks we see today are from around this time frame especially in Camden County and Gloucester Counties.  It's neat to see some of the history unfolding right here in our backyard that generations have probably enjoyed for decades!!!

Mom and dad soon to be at Robin Hood’s castle in Cooper River Park.

Beautiful maternity session taken at Cooper River Park, in Camden County NJ.

Now, I will probably have to use it for some upcoming shoots as I love the old Pennsylvania stone! Maybe another maternity session who knows? There is plenty of shaded areas of Cooper River park and an old historic house not too far from this location as well! My only one complaint is there is a ton and I mean a ton of geese droppings... so if you don't mind landmines then go for it!

This momma nailed her entire session! From what to wear to dealing with the heat! It was almost 100 degrees this day!  Also, they have now introduced their bundle of joy to the world!!! Congratulations, mama and daddy!!!I hope you enjoyed this history lesson! I love getting to include a little bit of local South Jersey flavor into my sessions!

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti

Book Your Maternity Session With Us Today!

South Jersey’s ultimate maternity photographer!