Google Ads for Photographers can boost client reach by up to 30% with targeted advertising. In this article, we’ll explore the best ad formats for photographers and how to set up a campaign from start to finish, covering keyword research, ad creation, budget management, and performance tracking.
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Why Should Use Google Ads for Photographers?
Google Ads can be a powerful tool for photographers, especially in highly competitive niches such as wedding photography. Here are several reasons why photographers should consider leveraging Google Ads to boost their business, along with relevant statistics to illustrate their benefits:
1. Precise Targeting for High-Intent Leads
Google Ads allows photographers to target specific keywords and demographics, ensuring their ads reach individuals actively searching for photography services. This is particularly beneficial for wedding photographers who can target keywords like “wedding photographer near me” or “affordable wedding photography”.
The top 3 paid ads on search results pages receive 41% of click. This high-intent traffic increases the likelihood of inquiries and bookings.
2. Showcase Visual Work
Google’s display network enables photographers to create visually appealing ads that showcase their best work. This is crucial in a visual industry where the quality of imagery can attract potential clients.
Display ads can increase brand awareness by 80%, making them an excellent tool for photographers to get their work seen by a wider audience.
3. Localized Advertising for Increased Bookings
Geo-targeting features in Google Ads allow photographers to focus their advertisements on specific locations, ensuring they attract local clients who are more likely to book their services. This is essential for photographers who serve particular geographic areas.
46% of all Google searches are seeking local information, and 78% of local-mobile searches result in offline purchases. This local focus can significantly boost bookings for photographers.
Do Google Ads Work for Wedding Photographers?
Yes, Google Ads works effectively for wedding photographers by leveraging precise targeting and measurable outcomes. A WordStream case study shows an average conversion rate of 6.64% for Google Ads in professional services, meaning about 6-7 potential clients per 100 clicks. Using specific keywords like “wedding photographer [City]” attracts local clients, improving click-through rates (CTR) and lowering cost-per-click (CPC) by approximately 20%.
Ad extensions like location and call extensions can increase CTR by up to 10%, and geotargeting boosts local inquiries by about 15%. Remarketing to previous visitors significantly increases conversion rates, with a 70% higher rate compared to first-time visitors. Scheduling ads during peak times, such as evenings and weekends, aligns with when potential clients are most active, optimizing ad spend.
Photographers using Google Ads report a substantial ROI, with HubSpot indicating an average ROI of $2 for every $1 spent. For wedding photographers, this means a high potential for booking more clients, especially during peak seasons. Overall, Google Ads are a powerful tool to increase visibility, attract targeted leads, and grow a wedding photography business through optimized strategies.
Best Google Ad Types for Photographers
With extensive experience in running Google Ads, I’ve identified the most effective ad types for photographers. Here are the top choices based on their unique benefits:
1. Search Ads: Most Recommended
Search Ads are highly recommended for photographers because they target users actively searching for photography services. These ads appear at the top of Google search results, making them highly visible.
Key Benefits:
- Targeted Reach: Targets users actively searching for photography-related keywords.
- High Intent: Captures high-intent users ready to make a purchase or booking.
2. Display Ads: Best for Brand Awareness
Display Ads are excellent for building brand awareness. These visual ads appear on a network of over two million websites and apps, reaching 90% of internet users. Display ads are effective for showcasing your portfolio and brand to a broad audience.
Key Benefits:
- Wide Reach: Reaches a large audience across various websites and apps.
- Visual Appeal: Allows you to display high-quality images of your work, enhancing brand visibility.
3. Video Ads: Great for Engagement and Conversion
Video Ads on platforms like YouTube are great for engagement and driving conversions. Video content is highly engaging and can showcase your photography skills and client testimonials effectively. According to Google, video ads can increase purchase intent by 97% and brand favorability by 139%.
Key Benefits:
- Engaging Content: Video ads capture attention and convey more information in a short time.
- High Conversion Rates: Video ads are highly persuasive, leading to higher conversion rates.
Top 20 Expensive Keywords for Photographers
Here are the top 20 most expensive keywords for photographers on Google Ads, along with their approximate cost per click (CPC):
| Google Ads for Photographers Top Keywords | Cost per Click (CPC) |
|---|---|
| Wedding Photographers | $4.00 |
| Wedding Photography | $3.75 |
| Corporate Photographer | $3.50 |
| Event Photographer | $3.25 |
| Commercial Photographer | $3.20 |
| Professional Photographer | $3.00 |
| Portrait Photographer | $2.95 |
| Boudoir Photographer | $2.90 |
| Newborn Photographer | $2.85 |
| Family Photographer | $2.80 |
| Headshot Photographer | $2.75 |
| Real Estate Photographer | $2.70 |
| Photography Studio | $2.65 |
| Photography Services | $2.60 |
| Freelance Photographer | $2.55 |
| Photography Class | $2.50 |
| Photography Course | $2.45 |
| Photography Workshop | $2.40 |
| Photography Lessons | $2.35 |
| Photography Training | $2.30 |
How to Run a Google Ads Campaign for Photographers?
Alright, let’s get started.
If you haven’t set up a Google Ads account yet, you can do so here. Additionally, ensure it’s linked to your Google Analytics account, which you can set up here.
After logging into your Google Ads account, select “New Campaign”.
On the Account Overview page, click the “New Campaign” button. Next, select “Leads” and then choose “Search”.
Ensure that the “Website Visits” and “Phone Calls” boxes are selected, and enter the website URL and business phone number in the appropriate fields.
Next, go to the General Settings. Rename your campaign to something suitable, like “Boudoir Search”. Ensure the “Search Network” and “Display Network” boxes are unchecked to keep your ads from appearing on non-Google platforms, focusing on warmer leads from Google searches.
Next, scroll down to narrow your target audience. Instead of the entire United States, select “Enter another location”. Since the photographer is based in Miami, enter “Miami, Florida” as the target location.
As we scroll down, it’s time to set the budget. For a photographer planning to spend around $300 per month, start with a daily budget of about $10. Since Google Ads operates on a pay-per-click (PPC) model, the full budget may not be spent each day.
Since we currently have low traffic, we’ll select “Clicks” instead of “Conversions”. Check “Set a maximum cost per click bid limit” and set it to $3, suitable for the Miami market. Note that in other cities, you might need to adjust this limit. Once we’ve spent about $100, we can switch to maximizing for Conversions, assuming conversion tracking is functioning properly.
Scroll down and set your ad schedule to run from 6 AM to 10 PM to avoid getting calls at odd hours. You can also choose specific days if you prefer not to receive inquiries on weekends. For now, click “Save and Continue”.
Now it’s time to set up our Ad Groups and select keywords for our ads. Name this ad group “Boudoir Keywords FL”. Use phrase match and broad match modified keywords. Using quotation marks (”) ensures that the ad will match searches with that exact phrase order. Adding plus signs (+) ensures that the ad includes those words in any order. Here are some example keywords to illustrate this approach.
After clicking “Save and Continue”, it’s time to create your ads. Enter the Final URL, 3 Headlines, and some short keywords into your URL Display Path. Add 2 distinct descriptions. Keep your headlines short, specific, and engaging. Your descriptions can highlight features included in a boudoir session.
Next, create a variation of the ad and click “Save and Create Next Ad”.
Examples of Good Google Ads Headlines for Photographers
These headlines are designed to be specific, engaging, and to clearly convey the value and specialty of the photography services offered.
- Capture Your Special Moments with Our Expert Photography
- Award-Winning Wedding Photographer Available Now
- Professional Portrait Photography in [City Name]
- Stunning Boudoir Sessions – Book Today!
- Affordable Family Photography Packages
- Creative Event Photography for All Occasions
- Miami’s Top-Rated Real Estate Photographer
- Professional Headshots – Enhance Your Profile
- Newborn Photography – Cherish the First Moments
- Exclusive Photography Workshops – Learn from the Best
>>> Read more: Best 20 Google Ads Headline Tips & Examples That Convert
Wrap up
I hope this article has clarified how to use Google Ads for photographers, including wedding photographers. Effective campaigns with the right keywords and compelling ads can enhance your visibility and attract more clients. Using Google Ads can grow your photography business, helping you capture more special moments and increase bookings. Start today and experience the positive impact on your business!
