I still remember my very first elopement clients. They were the definition of a dream and totally my “ideal client.” Since then, my business has only grown, booking amazing couples who want my style of photography and my unique services! In fact, this past year I hit my 6 figure income goal and did it with under 500 followers on Instagram. Sounds too good to be true? Here is how to build your business without Instagram!

Search Engine Optimization
What I found most effective for my business and lifestyle wasn’t to market on social media. In fact, I found that the number displayed in my profile had very little to do with my success as a photographer. What works for me, and most businesses, is focusing on where I sit in Google’s ranking for specific keywords.
This is where SEO, search engine optimization comes in. And if you don’t know a lot about it, that’s okay! Most photographers don’t. But after working with an SEO expert, here are the five most helpful things I found to build your business without Instagram.


Keywords
The right keywords and variations make all the difference! Sometimes, what we think our ideal client is searching for while looking for a photographer just isn’t what they are typing into Google. Know what keywords your dream clients are searching for, and then strategizing against your competitors is key to a strong beginning!


SEO Blogging
I have a blog that is optimized with my strategized keywords going out every week. That may seem like a lot, and it is. But it is so worth it! By producing regular content, search engines put more value on your website and will raise your ranking. And pairing that with an SEO keyword strategy will bring authority and traffic to your site!



Site Optimization
This is similar to SEO blogging in the way that optimizing your site will add authority and bring positive traffic. Adding your keywords to every page in descriptions, image alt text, and an on-site copy is typically only done once and then updated quarterly, depending on your website’s performance.


Google Search Console
This may just be the most valuable tip I can give! As you are optimizing your site and writing SEO blogs you may not see growth as quickly as you would like. And that may be because Google doesn’t know you are putting in all of this effort. Head over to Google Search Console and manually index your website pages and blogs to bring to Google’s attention that you are creating more valuable content!


Outsource
One the greatest things I have done, and that you can do to build your business without Instagram is to outsource. As a Jackson Hole photographer, I would never recommend that a couple go into the Tetons and try to take their wedding pictures by themselves. They wouldn’t have the right equipment, knowledge of the land, expertise in lighting and so on.
This is the same with SEO. You are not expected to know it all, and honestly, you don’t have the time to perfect your photography skills and SEO skills. So, instead, outsource to someone you can trust. I personally have been working with Krystin at Jack Robin Co. since 2021. She helps me with SEO blogging, website optimization and management, and Pinterest. She brings new strategies to the table, offers insights and collaborates with me.


Whether you love social media or not, there are ways to market your business that fit your lifestyle. You can build your business in a way that is easy for you and productive! Book a mentor session today, and let’s create a plan for you to reach your goals!
