Alright, let’s talk about keywords on Instagram. If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to bring in more eyes, more engagement, and more dream clients who just get your style and approach to wedding photography and filmmaking. Keywords can do exactly that. They’re one of the most underrated tools out there for photographers. Especially as the photography industry is so saturated on Instagram, consistently using the right keywords can set you apart and get more potential clients to find you on the platform. Think of it as doing SEO for your Instagram.
So let’s get into how Instagram keywords work, why they matter, and how to pick the ones that speak directly to your ideal couples.
Why Instagram Keywords Matter for Wedding Photographers and Videographers
Let’s set the scene. So you’ve got some amazing content from a wedding that you’re super excited to post on Instagram. You’ve put all of your creative heart into the imagery in a beautiful Yorkshire wedding venue or in the gorgeous Cotswolds countryside. You’re really excited for the feedback, likes engagement and love to roll in. Then you get a small flurry of likes, a comment from one of your industry friends and then your post falls into the Instagram archive and black hole. Never to be seen again unless someone is on your feed. Does this sound familiar to you?
This is where keywords become your best friend. Unlike hashtags, which have been around forever, keywords for Instagram now help users to find content. Instagram’s search feature doesn’t just pull from hashtags anymore; it also picks up on keywords in your captions and even in your profile bio. So if a couple is looking for “Yorkshire wedding photographer” or “elegant documentary wedding photography,” your posts and profile need to tell Instagram that’s exactly what you’re offering.
Instagram Keywords 1: Know Your Audience
If you’re aiming to attract couples planning a luxury barn wedding or a chic city ceremony, your keywords should match their searches. Start with a list. Think about all the words couples might use when looking for a wedding photographer or videographer. Are they using words like “intimate,” “luxury,” “editorial,” or “fine art”?
Your goal here is to think like your ideal client. What would they type into Google or Instagram to find a photographer like you?
Here’s a tip: ask some of your current clients what words they used when they first started looking. They might surprise you.
Instagram Keywords 2: Keyword Placement
Now, where do you put these magic keywords?
- Profile Bio: Your bio should include a key phrase that sums up what you do and where. Perhaps, “Yorkshire wedding photographer specializing in documentary-style photography.”
- Captions: Don’t just rely on the hashtag pile-up at the end. Use natural-sounding keywords in your captions. A caption for that gorgeous ceremony photo could be, “One of my favourite venues for natural wedding photography at York Minster.”
- Alt Text for Accessibility: Instagram lets you add alt text for accessibility, but it’s also a quiet powerhouse for keywords. Describe your images and include keywords like “editorial wedding photography” or “luxury Yorkshire venue.” When blogging on your website, you’ll do this for your images there. Though you can do it on Instagram too.
Instagram Keywords 3: Find Keywords Using Hashtags
Hashtags and keywords should work together. When you research hashtags, take note of the top posts and the words people are using in their captions. It’s a smart way to discover trending terms in the wedding industry. For example, you might notice that “romantic countryside wedding” is trending. If it matches your style, weave it into your next post.
Here’s a cheat sheet of some solid keywords that wedding photographers can use. Mix and match based on your unique style and target market.
- Location-Based Keywords: These are huge for photographers! Couples often search for local pros, so use phrases like “Leeds wedding photographer” or “Yorkshire documentary wedding photography.”
- Style-Based Keywords: “Candid wedding photography,” “editorial wedding photography,” “moody wedding photography,” or “timeless wedding photos.” Use the words you think your couples will search for, and it’ll resonate with the right couples.
- Event-Specific Keywords: Terms like “destination wedding, “stately home weddings,” or “intimate countryside elopement” attract couples looking for a particular venue style or scale of the event.
Join us for our main events this year in Manchester, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Bristol and Dublin! Free tickets for members, £45 for non-members. 7 cities. 1 mission. Let’s go!
Tailoring your Instagram Keywords to an ever-changing algorithm
Here’s the thing: Instagram’s algorithm is constantly evolving, and it’s leaning more and more toward showing users content they’re actively searching for. In 2024, keywords for Instagram aren’t just a trend; they’re a core part of your Instagram strategy. If you don’t take advantage of them, it’s easy to get buried by the content avalanche. So don’t let those dream clients scroll past you!
It’s important to update your keywords regularly. This doesn’t mean overhauling your profile every week, but as trends and search habits change, so should your keywords. For example, if “luxury barn weddings” are getting a lot of attention, sprinkle it into a few more posts.
If you’re ready to take things to the next level, Fedwed is where you need to be. It’s a platform for photographers and videographers looking to level up. At Fedwed, we dive deep into topics like SEO, client attraction, and yes, how to make the Instagram algorithm work for you. It’s not just about learning what keywords for Instagram work best; it’s about creating a sustainable strategy to grow your wedding photography business.
Ready to take control of your Instagram game? Join Fedwed today and discover a community of photographers dedicated to lifting each other up and sharing the real strategies that work.
Mastering Keywords for Instagram
Your keywords aren’t just words; they’re mini-maps for clients to find you in a sea of content. When you take the time to get them right, you’re not just playing to the algorithm; you’re reaching out to couples who are searching for exactly what you offer.
Use your keywords for Instagram with purpose, stay flexible, and keep your ear to the ground for new trends. Instagram can be a challenging platform, but with the right keyword strategy, you’ll start seeing real engagement from couples who can’t wait to work with you.
If you’re as excited about growing your Instagram as we are, don’t hesitate to check out Fedwed. It’s your next step towards not just more followers but actual clients who adore your work. Join Fedwed and transform the way you approach your wedding photography business!
Happy posting! ✨ Keep those keywords in mind, and here’s to creating more beautiful memories with couples who love what you do.
