Being a creative, whether you’re a designer, photographer, writer, or artist, means your work speaks for you. The challenge is ensuring that the right people see it. Most clients will start on Google when they’re looking for help, and if your site isn’t there, you’re talent may become invisible to them.
SEO for creatives tunes up your portfolio, service pages, and overall online presence, so you can get in front of the people who are actively looking for what you do. Done right, your website uses the gallery of past work to become a steady source of exposure, leads and new projects.
Portfolio & Visual Content Optimisation
Your portfolio is the backbone of your business, but Google can’t “see” it the way people can. If images and videos aren’t correctly set up, they won’t show in search. By adding the right filenames, alt text, and descriptions, we make sure your work is easy to find in Google search, but sometimes, more importantly, Google Images. In your line of work, people need to see what you can provide.
We also make the portfolio itself more user-friendly. Adding short write-ups, clear headings, and keywords around each project helps both Google and potential clients understand the story behind the work. Instead of just looking good, your portfolio starts doing the heavy lifting to bring in leads.
Schema markup adds structure behind the scenes, telling Google what your pages and media are about. It shortens the time Google and other search engines take to understand your work, making it easier for it to disrupt to the right place.
For creatives, this can mean getting extras in the search results and visibility in such a competitive market, like star ratings, event details, or portfolio previews. It’s a way of getting your site up to speed, so it stands out online without changing how it looks to visitors.
For people hiring a creative, finding the right style and the right person to work with is key, and almost as important as finding someone extremely talented. That’s why personal branding matters so much. A solid About page, a proper bio, and precise service descriptions help people understand who you are, what makes you different and in some instances, how you’ll make it special.
Content builds on that. Blog posts, project write-ups, or even short guides about your process show how you think and work. Clients get a sense of what it’s like to work with you, and Google starts recognising your site as an expert source for those topics.
Beyond your site, we look at getting your name out there, with creative directories, industry blogs, and even reaching out to local press. Those links not only help with SEO but also give people extra proof that you’re established and trusted in your field.
For many creatives, the best jobs come from nearby. People search for “wedding photographer Melbourne” or “graphic designer Sydney CBD” because they want someone local, someone they can interact with on a collaborative project. Local SEO makes sure you’re in front of those searches, with suburb-specific keywords and landing pages that match what people are typing in.
Your Google Business Profile is key here. It often appears before your website and can be the first impression someone has of your work. A well-built profile with good photos, service areas, reviews, and up-to-date info makes you look professional and ready to go.
Reviews, in particular, are gold because people want to hear about others' experiences with your process and how easy you were to work with. We help you collect reviews in a way that’s simple for clients and respond quickly so your profile stays active. Combined with strong landing pages, this setup gets you showing up in Google Maps and search, and makes you the obvious choice when someone’s ready to book.
Creative websites often look great but can be hindered by slow performance due to the numerous images and design elements. A slow site turns people off fast and Google will notice too. Technical SEO sorts this out by keeping your site fast, secure, and mobile-friendly.
We take care of the background jobs like fixing broken links, cleaning up duplicates, and setting up redirects. We also make sure Google can properly crawl your pages, and we create simple site pathways so people can easily move from your homepage to your portfolio or service pages. That way, your site not only looks good but actually works the way it should.
What is SEO, and why do creative businesses need it?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is the process of improving your website so it ranks higher in Google. For creatives, SEO makes your work more discoverable when people are actively searching for services like photography, design, videography, or illustration. Instead of relying only on word of mouth, SEO ensures your portfolio is seen by the right audience at the right time.
How long does it take to see results from SEO for Creatives?
SEO is not instant. It usually takes several months before you see noticeable improvements in rankings and enquiries. Over time, as Google recognises your content and authority, the results compound. This means your site doesn’t just bring in leads for a short burst, but continues to grow as a long-term source of new projects and clients.
What are the key SEO strategies for creatives?
The most effective strategies include optimising your Google Business Profile, creating service and portfolio landing pages, publishing content that answers client questions, earning quality backlinks from industry or local sites, and making sure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Visual SEO for creatives is essential, with image optimisation, alt text, and structured data helping your work appear in both search results and Google Images.
How can local SEO benefit my creative business?
Many creative jobs are local, like “wedding photographer Melbourne” or “graphic designer Sydney CBD.” Local SEO ensures you appear when people in your area are searching. By optimising your Google profile and creating suburb or service-specific landing pages, you make it easier for clients nearby to find and contact you. The result is more visibility in Maps and local search, and more enquiries from clients who are ready to book.
Tom Galland — Founder of SEO Growth
Trusted by 100+ growing brands across Australia