INTRODUCTION
You can optimise your images.
You can write blog posts.
You can even nail local SEO.
But without backlinks?
Google still hesitates to trust you.
This is the problem most photography websites face:
They focus only on on-page SEO, while competitors quietly build authority behind the scenes.
Here’s the twist
Backlinks are still one of Google’s strongest ranking signals.
And what most photographers don’t realise is this 👇
👉 The right backlinks can outperform dozens of blog posts.
If you wait?
Your competitors are already earning them.
What Are Backlinks in Photography SEO?
Backlinks are links from other websites pointing to your photography website.
Think of them as:
- Digital referrals
- Votes of trust
- Authority signals
When a reputable website links to you, Google reads it as:
“This photographer is worth recommending.”
For photography SEO, backlinks help Google understand:
✔ Your credibility
✔ Your relevance
✔ Your authority in your niche
At Social Media Max, backlinks are a non-negotiable part of any serious SEO strategy.
Key Questions Photographers Ask About Backlinks
Do backlinks really help photography SEO?
Yes they directly influence rankings and domain authority.
Are backlinks more important than content?
They work together. Content attracts links; links boost content.
How many backlinks does a photography website need?
Quality matters more than quantity.
Can local photographers benefit from backlinks?
Absolutely especially from local websites.
Are all backlinks good?
No. Low-quality links can harm your SEO.
Benefits vs Pain Points
5 Benefits of Backlinks
- Higher Google rankings → fixes “stuck on page 2”
- Increased domain authority → fixes low trust
- More referral traffic → fixes low website visits
- Faster indexing → fixes slow SEO growth
- Competitive advantage → fixes crowded markets
Features → Advantages → Benefits
| Feature | Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| High-quality backlinks | Authority signal | Better rankings |
| Relevant websites | Niche relevance | Targeted traffic |
| Local links | Geo trust | More local enquiries |
Before backlinks:
❌ Optimised but ignored
After backlinks:
✅ Trusted, visible, ranked
That’s the SEO shift.
Why Google Trusts Photography Websites with Backlinks
Here’s what competitors don’t want you to know
Google uses backlinks to answer one question:
“Who deserves to rank first?”
Backlinks tell Google:
- Others trust your work
- Your content has value
- Your brand is established
This is why photographers with fewer pages often outrank bigger sites authority beats volume.
👉 Learn how this fits into our off-page SEO strategy
Best Types of Backlinks for Photographers
Not all links are equal. These work best:
✔ Wedding blogs & publications
✔ Local business directories
✔ Vendor partners (venues, planners, makeup artists)
✔ Guest blog features
✔ Photography features & interviews
Scarcity angle ⚠️
High-quality backlinks are hard to get that’s why they work.
Common Backlink Mistakes Photographers Make
🚫 Buying cheap backlinks
🚫 Using spam directories
🚫 Ignoring local link opportunities
🚫 No anchor text strategy
🚫 Building links without content
The #1 mistake?
Thinking backlinks are “optional.”
They’re not.
How to Build Backlinks the Right Way (Expert Recommendation)
To build backlinks safely and effectively:
✔ Create link-worthy content
✔ Build relationships, not spam
✔ Focus on relevance over volume
✔ Earn local and niche links
✔ Track results consistently
This is exactly how Social Media Max helps photographers grow authority without risking penalties.
👉 Explore our Photography SEO services
👉 Learn more about local SEO strategies
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Backlinks are not shortcuts.
They’re signals of trust.
Before:
Invisible, low authority, slow growth
After:
Trusted, ranked, consistently booked
👉 Ready to grow your photography business with powerful backlinks?
Contact Social Media Max today.
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.