One of the most common questions I get from photographers is… “How often should I blog?”
It’s a valid question, especially for those who understand the benefits of blogging but feel overwhelmed by the effort it requires.
Many photographers know that a strong SEO and blogging strategy can have a huge impact on their business, but getting it up and running can feel like a lot of work.
My Blogging Journey: From Hobby to Business Tool
Before I give you an answer…let me start by giving you some background about myself and how blogging has become a part of my business in a big way…
Blogging came naturally to me, mainly because writing has always been something I’ve enjoyed.
In fact, it was one of the reasons I studied philosophy and psychology in college—I loved writing papers and thinking critically about different topics. I even started blogging in high school just for fun, which eventually turned into freelance writing gigs on platforms like Fiverr (in the good old days before they got overrun with people!).
From there, I discovered how blogging could generate income through affiliate marketing and ads, which helped support my family. In fact, I run a blog separate from all my other businesses specifically with the goal of driving organic search traffic to my website so I can earn some money this way – this is a passive income website for me.
But I realize that for many photographers, writing might not be a passion.
You’d rather spend time, you know, taking photos and improving those skills…or for many, frankly, just doing anything else. Blogging might feel like a time-consuming task, or even a bit intimidating if you don’t have much experience with it…and I get that.
All this to say – blogging is definitely a great marketing tool for your photography business if you look at the results you can get (and they can be great!). But – actually creating this content can be a journey in and of itself, some will take to it easier than others…but I will say, it’s worth it for everyone and all you need to do is find a good strategy and cadence to get things working for you.
So, How Often Should You Blog?
When I’m asked about blogging frequency, I always want to provide a clear and realistic answer.
Blogging can be one of the most powerful marketing tools for your business, but it does require consistency and effort to see results.
Your frequency will really depend on your goals, so let’s break down what it might look like:
- You want to generate a high volume of traffic and leads into your business. If this is you, you need to be blogging at a high volume and with a good level of consistency.
- You want to generate some more traffic and leads to your business. If this is you, you need to be blogging at a medium volume and still with some consistency.
- You don’t really care about generating organic traffic and leads from your blogs. If this is you, well, in practice you don’t need to blog (and you won’t reap any of the benefits). In reality, you should at least blog your recent work because clients who find you through other channels (like word of mouth, social media, etc.) may still be looking to see this at least.
For most photographers I’d recommend the following:
- Make a goal to create 10-20 high quality pieces of well researched, educational content that targets the clients you want to bring into your business
- Regularly post your recent work (sessions, weddings, elopements, etc.).
This is a good starting point to see results, and we can make refinements from there.
In my experience, around 70% of the leads I bring into my photography business come from organic search engine results, typically landing on blog posts I’ve created.
Think about that—what would your business look like if 70% of your leads came through organic search, without having to spend money on ads?
Setting Realistic Blogging Goals
The key to success with blogging is setting achievable goals and staying consistent. There’s no magic number of blog posts you need to create per week or month. Instead, focus on developing a sustainable routine that works for you.
You might see results quickly from a single, high-quality blog post that ranks well on Google, especially if it targets a popular keyword. However, it’s more likely that consistent blogging over time will yield the best results. The more content you create and the more keywords you target, the greater your chances of attracting your ideal audience.
In my own experience, not every blog post hits the mark. Some posts don’t drive much traffic, while others perform incredibly well and directly lead to new bookings. It’s all part of the learning process, especially if you’re new to blogging or marketing.
Blogging as a Long-Term Strategy
It’s important to remember that blogging is a long-term marketing strategy, too.
Blogs just work differently than things like paid ads or posting on social media – and that’s to be expected!
You’re unlikely to see immediate results, and it might take 6 to 12 months before your efforts in organic search start paying off. But if you’re thinking ahead—one year, two years, or even further down the road—blogging can be a game-changer.
Over time, it can generate a steady flow of leads without requiring ongoing investment.
There are other forms of marketing that can bring (potentially) quicker results, but they all come with a learning curve, sometimes a financial cost, and, well, sometimes both of these things!
In my experience, blogging, if you accept it for what it is, offers a more sustainable, cost-effective way to grow your business over the long term.
How Much Content Should You Aim For?
When it comes to frequency, the more quality content your website has, the better your chances of seeing positive results.
It’s that simple!
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a good starting point is to aim for at least 10 to 20 high-quality, educational blog posts. These are in-depth, valuable posts that address key topics your audience is searching for.
In addition, consider blogging most of your photography sessions and weddings. These posts help you rank for smaller, local search keywords and give potential clients a clear sense of your style and the type of work you do. They also show off your expertise in a specific region, which is especially helpful for attracting local clients.
Need Help Blogging?
If you need help creating better blogs for your photography business, we got you covered!
Start by checking out our SEO and Blogging Course for Photographers.
We go in crazy depth to help you do it right, and include a bunch of templates to make writing your own valuable content that much easier!
Chris is a SEO professional with a passion for helping photography businesses succeed online. With years of experience in the industry, he has a proven track record of increasing website traffic, improving search rankings, and driving revenue growth for his clients.
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