Hi, I’m Linnae!
I create high-converting websites for photographers who want a website that stays on top of search results and converts its viewers into profitable clients.
Your SEO strategy will probably FAIL if you do not acquire backlinks for photographers!
I put this article together to give photographers like you a comprehensive guide on how to get the best backlinks to your site and help you reach the top of your potential clients’ Google search.
Thanks for downloading and I hope this answers any backlink questions you may have.
P.S.
If you already know all about backlinks and just want to skip to the good stuff, the link to the 150 ideas is at the bottom of this page.
Backlinks for photographers
Gimme those backlinks, baby!
If Google isn’t impressed by you, you can be stuck in Google’s no man’s land forever.
You need to get Google to fall in love with you and therefore want to put you on top.
Not only that, but you also need to make Google think it’s their idea.
Who knew a relationship with an inanimate object could be so high maintenance?!
But here we are...
At this point, you’ve probably heard of SEO (search engine optimization) and the importance of the right keywords and content on your page, but what do you know about backlinks for photographers?
- and stay there?!
How do you get to the top of Google’s search engine?
Backlink
High authority site
Your site
Put simply, backlinks (aka “inbound” or “one-way” links) are any links posted on any other website that will lead a viewer back to your website.
Scrolling through Facebook or Instagram and click on an article that takes you to another site? BACKLINK!
Reading a blog with a link to another blog for further information on a topic? BACKLINK!
Looking at a spot that has a list of websites for recommended vendors? BACKLINKS!
What are backlinks?
Just like in the real world, who links to you matters.
Your mother saying your photography website is the best is nice, but a gallery owner saying how wonderful your photography is on an entirely different level.
Having other highly respected and established websites create a backlink to your site helps give your site a seal of approval that search engines love.
The opposite is also true.
What if that gallery owner actually deals with fake and stolen goods? Probably not going to be the best reference for your work.
With websites often looking for shortcuts to become #1, many “black hat” options have been created if you are willing to pay.
Often this leads to a website going from 1 to 1000 backlinks overnight. Sounds great right? Well, Google didn’t get where it is by being stupid.
These sites often just add your backlink to an obvious, random assortment of unrelated links. Basically, the complete opposite of a reputable source.
Gaining so many backlinks from only low quality sites will put a giant red flag on your site and can actually put you lower than where you may have been with only one or two legitimate backlinks.
When it comes to backlinks, slow and steady definitely wins the race. Don’t let your misplaced enthusiasm put your website in a bad light.
Avoid black hat methods
Which backlinks are best?
When doing SEO, it is natural to get caught up in the things we have complete control of and can accomplish quickly.
Unlike choosing the right words, content, and layout of your website, gaining backlinks for photographers is usually in the hands of other people and it will take some time before you start seeing any results.
This is the exact reason they are so significant for Google and other search engines.
It’s the difference between you telling someone that you are a great photographer and 5 other people telling the same person how great you are.
When other sources refer back to your site, it tells Google that your website is a reputable source of information and they automatically will put you higher in the rankings. It's like a vote of confidence.
Why are backlinks important?
I don't know everything, but I know a lot about this.
Getting invited to be a guest on a podcast is an incredible way to boost your reputation and to be seen as an expert in the photography field. To make the most of each interview opportunity, provide lots of value. Be generous with your tips and prioritize the needs of the audience you are serving. This is not the time to hold back.
Podcast and Youtube guest
Forums can be a great tool for promoting your website’s link but do not spam. Instead provide high quality opinions and tips to relevant conversations. Contribute more in value than you are getting from placing a link there. It may seem counterintuitive, but the member who appears the most selfless is the one who will get the most benefit. This is because you are giving a lot of value to other members, and you are giving a signal to the moderators of the forum that you are not there to spam.
Forums
Upload your best photography to a public online gallery site. Most will allow you to add keywords so your images can be found more easily within the website. Write a flattering bio and include your link.
Portfolio and gallery sites
You get twice the benefit with these types of sites. You can get a backlink from their site to yours AND start a "Featured on" section on your site where you show off all the contests you've won. If you use Showit, and want me to design this section for you, shoot me a message and I'm happy to help.
Some contests only give you recognition on their social feeds, not their website. This can help get you seen among other photographers, but won't get you a backlink.
Photo features and contests
If you have a quality photography blog, that you update periodically, you may find that other photographers or other types of businesses will likely begin to link to your work when trying to increase content on their site.
You can also link from social media to your new blog articles, if appropriate. Each time, you write something new, make a Facebook post to let your followers know about it. Instagram doesn't allow clickable links from your posts, but you can add a link on your profile. It's possible to create a hidden webpage that can be used as a link tree directing people to your most important articles.
A word of caution, though, Google does not like duplicate content so if you're writing for other websites, don't post the same article on your site too or you may be penalized.
Your own blog
You can offer to write guest blogs for other publications. Write engaging, well-crafted, data-backed content that their audiences will find helpful. Not only will you be able to create backlinks for your site, but also gain some new readers and increase traffic numbers.
My list contains websites where you can offer to write about photography, business and marketing. You can easily find other options that might relate to your niche or expertise by searching "write for us" or "guest post".
Guest Blog posts writer
Make yourself known to quality search directories if a great place to start your SEO work. Most directories aren't considered high authority and don't rank highly as far as backlinks are concerned BUT they're an easy win and natural thing that businesses do.
Directories
Publication categories
Types of backlinks for photographers
Just because other people have to create the backlinks to your website it doesn’t mean you have no control.
There are things you can (and should!) do.
Backlinks are considered important to search engines because they prove you are an expert in your field- so go out and be an expert in your field!
Write blogs, create galleries and enter contest when you can for quality publications in your industry. The more your name and site is out there, the more recognizable you become and the more opportunities you have for people to create backlinks to your site. Most publications post articles daily or weekly so they're often looking for high quality content.
Have a link to your site anywhere you show up online. Did you donate a photography session to a local charity? Have a picture that recently won an award in a local contest? Volunteering as a coach for your daughter’s soccer team? Whatever you are doing, if you have a biography online (or even just a quick mention!) make sure there is a link to your website on there as well.
Be the expert
How to get the right backlinks for photographers?
You will find that as you network and grow your business, backlinks will start happening organically if you are willing to put in the work!
It can be easy to want to take the quick and easy approach, but while there are definitely some shortcuts to get you where you want to be faster, there is no magic pill for immediate results.
You need to make sure your website contains valuable and original information that can be shared easily by other sites. You should be advertising yourself as an authority throughout by making sure everything is in your own words and not just a spin off something from another site or even yours!
Remember that Google does not like duplicate copy or images so keep things fresh and reputable.
If your current website doesn't have a blog, or your website is outdated and ready for a make over, I'd love to be your new web designer. Reach out now!
Some last words
CLICK HERE
150 backlink ideas for photogs
