Wedding Planning SEO 101
When I got into SEO, I was a wedding photographer who desperately needed new clients. I had photographed everyone in my community, and I knew I needed to be found by new brides who would also refer me business in the future.
I was super excited by the idea that I could manually do things on my website and blog to help complete strangers find me. But (there is a big BUT), I felt very unwelcome in the SEO world. It was incredibly technical and felt like a men’s country club where this Brazilian mom of two small boys was not welcome or wanted.
Still, I listened to my curiosity. The excitement of being found by new clients spoke louder. I finally had the opportunity and ability to pursue my dream. So, I continued to learn everything I could. I made SEO practical, and I applied the things I did understand. Guess what? I started seeing results. My SEO was a bit ghetto back then, but the important thing is that emails that stated “I found you on Google” began rolling in. So, how did I break down SEO? Simple, I created scenarios and stories to help understand it in MY way.
Today I want to share with you some Wedding SEO 101 tips.
What is SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, which basically means ways to help search engines (like Google, Yahoo, and Bing) find your website when users type in keywords related to the services you offer. If you are a wedding planner, you would most likely want to be found in your local market.
There are two major types of SEO: one is called on site. This refers to actual changes on your website’s front and back end that you do to help get found online. Then there is off-site SEO. This refers to things on other websites that can help you rank better in Google results. This can include getting backlinks for your domain, being listed in online directories, getting reviews, guest posting, and checking your online reputation.
Tip * Everytime you hear the word optimization think boost. When I first learned this, I would give the example of a car tire. If you are going for a long trip, you check your tires. If they need some air, you give them a boost, so they are ready for the road.
How does Google Work?
I created a story to understand how Google works. The main character of this story is (who else?) Mr. Google. Watch the video below (click on image) to learn the three main things that search engines do.
Now that you know that search engines scan the internet daily searching for new content, you also know how vital content, aka text on your website, is. This text is known in the SEO world as keywords.
Google Bots
Google sends out bots or spiders. They read the technical language behind the scenes and follow specific prompts. For example, if the bot finds a link, it will go to that link and the next page. It then scans for text and sees what else it can find.
Now, many wedding planners have gorgeous websites with tons of videos and stunning wedding imagery. These websites are mostly naked in the eyes of Google.Text matters and will be the first step in getting started with SEO.
What are keywords?
Keywords are the words that you want to be found for when a user types in a term in their search bar. Keywords can be one word, two words, three words, or even more.
- Wedding
- Wedding Planner
- Dallas Wedding Planner
- Event Coordinator
- Day of Coordination
Keywords with more than four words are known as long tail keywords.
How to Create a Keyword List?
The basics of your keyword list have to do with what you do and where you do it. The problem is that most wedding planners think they should only be found for what they do and where they do it. This means one or two keywords.
So, a Dallas Wedding Planner might think the only keyword she needs to be found for is Dallas Wedding Planner. The beauty of SEO is that you want to embrace as many keywords as possible in order to maximize traffic and capture more leads.
Here is how you get started with your list:
First, you will list the type of event services you offer. List out all your services.
- Day of Coordination
- Baby Shower Events
- Weddings
- Bridal Showers
- 1st Communion
Next, you will list the cities or areas that you offer these events in. Figure out what the locals call your geographical location as well. Do they use counties, towns, or nicknames? Write it all down.
Wedding SEO Action Steps
Once you have this list, then you will need to do two things.
First, you will need to check if your website has a page for each primary service you want to be found for. We call these “money pages.” If you do not, I strongly recommend that you create new pages and add content. Talk about the individual services you offer and provide a lot of detail. You want to have at least 500 words on each of these pages. Sometimes, after doing your SEO research, you’ll even want to have more than 500 words.
The second thing you want to do is to look for more keywords, especially for blogging. Join my Free Keyword course so you can learn more about keyword opportunities and how to find them.
How Does SEO Help My Wedding Planning Business?
Overall, we are in a local business, and local SEO is its own beast. There are only ten spots for page one search results, and you are competing with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of professionals in your city. Therefore, you can not afford to ignore SEO. You need Google to love your website, so they push it up towards the top of the page. Then you can be found by amazing clients and book weddings at the venues you would love to work at
Want to learn more about event venue keywords? Sign up for my free Image SEO email course. Learn how to optimize your photos and be found for wedding venues.
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