Get Booked: A Photography Marketing Podcast

Stop posting and praying. Start booking. Get Booked is the podcast for photographers who want real marketing, SEO, and business strategies—not another guru telling you to "just be consistent." Your hosts? Alison Bell and Melissa Arlena—two photographers and military spouses with 27+ combined years in the industry. Melissa is an SEO educator who runs Picture Perfect Rankings, teaching photographers how to get found on Google. Alison is a business mentor who's successfully moved her photography business across the country (multiple times) and knows how to book clients fast in any market. Each week, they break down what's actually working: SEO that gets you on page one, marketing funnels that convert, email strategies that book sessions, and the business foundations you need to grow sustainably. It's why thousands of photographers have made this a top 25% podcast. This is the business education photography school skipped.

82: Using AI In Your Photography Business 01/19/2026

82: Using AI In Your Photography Business We're sharing how we're actually using AI in our photography businesses—from client meetings to content creation to email writing. If you're not an early adopter, this episode shows you practical, real-world ways to use AI to enhance your work without replacing your personal touch. On this episode: Practical AI tools for recording meetings, taking notes, and capturing client consultations Creating SEO-optimized alt text and polishing written content with AI assistance Using voice memos and transcription to turn spoken ideas into blog posts and emails Tools & Resources Mentioned records your meetings and generates notes automatically, so you can stay focused on your clients instead of typing during consultations. For creating content from voice, with lets you transcribe your live videos and turn them into written format for blogs, emails, or emails for your audience. and are both powerful for refining alt text, rewriting copy with your brand voice, organizing client questions for FAQs, and turning transcripts into content. Important Reminder While AI is a powerful tool to make your life easier, always review and personalize AI-generated content. Your voice, stories, and personality are what connect with your clients and set you apart from other photographers. Never post AI content without double-checking for accuracy and adding your unique perspective. Get Personalized Guidance If you're overwhelmed figuring out where to start with your website and content strategy, Melissa has created to help you build a foundation that connects with your audience. For one-on-one conversation about your photography business goals, Alison offers a to help you map out your next steps. Tired of being invisible on Google? Learn the 5 SEO mistakes keeping photographers from getting found (and how to fix them) in Melissa's free masterclass: Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings—no ads required: Links: or Get Melissa’s Free Find Alison on IG alisonbellphotog Find Melissa on IG Used #getbookedpodcast on socials! /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/39130760

81: The Quarterly Catch Up: Q1 2026 01/12/2026

BONUS: New Look, Same Show 01/08/2026

80: Photography Website Redesign SEO Checklist 01/05/2026

Replay: Do You Need a Photography Business Coach? 12/29/2025

BONUS: A Chat with Sabrina Gebhardt 12/22/2025

79: Mini Mentoring with Kristina Graff in Washington 12/15/2025

BONUS: Alison's Interview on Conversations with a Hostess to Build Community 12/10/2025

78: Photography Marketing Systems with Dolly Delong 12/08/2025

77: SEO For Photographers: Get Found & Booked 12/01/2025

Replay: Best Photography Business Books on Audible 11/24/2025

Replay: Best Photography Business Books on Audible We're sharing our favorite business books to read during your holiday travels—the ones that actually changed how we run our photography businesses. Whether you're relocating, restructuring, or ready to scale, these books tackle pricing, marketing, niching, and making money as a photographer. On this episode: Website tools and platforms that make updates easy without hiring a designer Five must-read business books every photographer entrepreneur should read How to pick just one actionable idea from each book to implement immediately Top 5 Business Books for Photographers by Donald Miller Your brand isn't about you—it's about your client as the hero. This book teaches you how to clarify your messaging and why your website copy matters. Both of our websites are built on the StoryBrand framework. by Donald Miller This is the practical how-to guide. Step-by-step instructions on website structure, lead magnets, email nurture sequences, and sales funnels. We keep this one dog-eared and highlighted. by Mike Michalowicz Helps you identify which niche you love AND which is most profitable. This book helped clarify that extended family sessions are our sweet spot—high energy, high value, high profitability. by Jen Sincero All about money mindset. If you've struggled with pricing, worth, or believing you deserve to charge premium rates, this book addresses the psychology behind your blocks. by Mike Michalowicz A complete system for managing cash flow in your photography business. Especially valuable when relocating or when your tax structure changes. Re-read this as your business grows. Additional Books Worth Reading Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk - Social media strategy and content Atomic Habits by James Clear - Building systems and routines 100 Million Dollar Offers by Alex Hormozi - Creating irresistible service offers The E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber - Systems for scaling Website Tool Mentioned makes it easy for photographers to design and update their own websites without needing to hire a web designer. No coding required—it's like Canva for websites. Alison saw her SEO search results triple in six months after switching to Showit. Pro tip: Start with a template (find them on Etsy for $50 or in Showit's design library) rather than building from scratch. It's much faster and more effective. Get Your Strategy in Place If you're feeling overwhelmed about which business areas to focus on first, Melissa has created to help you build content and identify what your audience is searching for. Ready to map out your photography business for a move or restructure? Alison offers a to discuss your goals and next steps. About Keep It Moving: A podcast for ambitious female photography business owners who are restructuring, relocating, or scaling their operations while juggling it all. We're here to help you do business better. /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/39130865

76: Email Marketing for Photographers: Getting Out Of The Spam Folder 11/17/2025

75: Quarter 4 Confessions: The Goals We Forgot We Set 11/10/2025

74: Mini Mentoring with Mollie S Moving from Texas to Florida 11/03/2025

73: Why I Finally Hired a Coach (And You Should too!) 10/27/2025

72: Blogging for SEO: How to Blog Photography Sessions That Actually Book Clients 10/20/2025

71: 10 Ways To Get New Photography Clients 10/13/2025

70: Tantrums, Meltdowns and Keeping Your Cool 10/06/2025

69: Mini Mentoring with Melanie near Tulsa, OK 09/29/2025

68: Hotels & Hustle - Get Away to Get It Done with a Workcation 09/22/2025

67: Q3 Check In: The Good, The Bad, & The Chaotic 09/15/2025

66: Stop Marketing Your Photography Business Like a Hot Mess 09/08/2025

66: Stop Marketing Your Photography Business Like a Hot Mess Ever scramble to throw together a mini session at the last minute and then hate your life while trying to market it? Yeah, we've all been there. And honestly? It's exhausting, stressful, and completely avoidable. Marketing your photography business doesn't have to feel like a constant fire drill. In this episode, Melissa and Alison are pulling back the curtain on the ONE thing that will transform your entire approach to marketing your photography business: an actual annual marketing calendar. We know, we know - you've heard you need to be "marketing all the time." But that's not what we're talking about here. We're talking about sitting down with a calendar (yes, like pen and paper), reverse-engineering your year, and creating a marketing runway that has you booking clients WEEKS before your sessions instead of panicking days before. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: Why planning your marketing calendar 8-12 weeks in advance will save your sanity (and get you fully booked faster) The exact timeline you need for marketing Santa sessions, fall minis, and other seasonal events How to reverse-engineer your marketing runway so you're never scrambling again Why blocking off editing time is just as important as blocking off shooting dates The VIP waitlist strategy that lets you test offers before you fully commit How to batch your marketing content so you're not reinventing the wheel every week Why your clients NEED that long lead time (hint: they hate figuring out what to wear too) How to plan around PCS dates, deployments, school schedules, and family life Plus, Melissa and Alison share their own "oops" moments of last-minute planning and what they learned from being reactive instead of proactive. Resources Mentioned: Target $5 annual wall calendars (July to July) Plum Paper planners for VIP list forms Google Calendar for marketing planning Ready to stop the marketing madness? Block off 2 hours this week to audit what worked last year, dump out all your event ideas, and start putting actual dates on the calendar. Then tag us on Instagram @keepitmovingpod with #keepitmovingpod - we want to see your planning process! Tired of being invisible on Google? Learn the 5 SEO mistakes keeping photographers from getting found (and how to fix them) in Melissa's free masterclass: Thinking about a pivot or transition in your photography business? Book a with Alison to talk through your next move. Ready to streamline your content? Melissa's got you covered with her 35+ Blog Post Topics freebie—grab them here: Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings—no ads required: Links: or Get Melissa’s Free Find Alison on IG Find Melissa on IG Used #keepitmovingpod on socials! /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/38109695

Summer Bonus : From Writer's Block to Marketing Machine 09/01/2025

Summer Bonus : From Writer's Block to Marketing Machine Have you been wondering how AI and ChatGPT fit into your blogging strategy? Or maybe you're still stuck on the "should I even be blogging" question altogether? I had the pleasure of chatting with Kim Box on the Motherhood Anthology podcast about all things blogging – from overcoming writer's block to using AI as your brainstorming partner (not your ghostwriter). We covered everything from the evolution of blogging for photographers to practical strategies for turning one blog post into a week's worth of marketing content. Here's the thing about blogging that's changed dramatically since the early days: we're no longer blogging for our past clients who've already booked us. We're blogging for our future clients – the ones who are Googling "what to wear for family photos" at 11 PM or searching for "lifestyle newborn photographer near me" while bouncing a crying baby. Every FAQ you answer, every helpful tip you share, every local resource you recommend becomes a way for potential clients to find you organically. And yes, we talked about the elephant in the room – AI. Here's my take: ChatGPT can be an incredible brainstorming partner, but it should never be your ghostwriter. The moment you copy and paste generic AI content onto your website, you've lost what makes you uniquely valuable to your ideal clients. What You'll Learn: Why modern blogging is about attracting future clients, not entertaining past ones How to turn one blog post into a full week of marketing content across all platforms The right way (and wrong way) to use AI tools like ChatGPT for content creation My simple FAQ strategy that generates endless blog post ideas How to overcome writer's block without sacrificing your authentic voice The biggest mistake photographers make with homepage keywords on blog posts Resources Mentioned: The Blogging Club Membership: Google Search Console Setup Guide: Picture Perfect Rankings: Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: -SEO Self Audit Checklist: -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: -Connect on Social: -Work with Alison: -Free Moving Checklist: -Marketing Funnel Basics: -Connect on Social: /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/37549390

Summer Replay : Marketing Mondays: How to Stop Working IN Your Business 08/25/2025

Summer Replay : Marketing Mondays: How to Stop Working IN Your Business If you're tired of feeling like you're always working IN your business instead of ON your business, this episode is for you. We're breaking down the concept of Marketing Mondays – dedicating at least one day a week to focus on marketing tasks that actually move the needle. The truth is, we've all been there: busy season hits in the fall, we get caught up in client work, and suddenly we stop marketing. Then January rolls around and our calendars are empty because we weren't nurturing our pipeline. Sound familiar? Today we're sharing our real marketing systems – not the pretty Instagram version, but what actually works when you have limited time, kids at home, or a full-time job on top of your photography business. From Melissa's recording days where she batches 10 SEO tips at once, to Alison's Google Tasks system that keeps her accountable, we're pulling back the curtain on how we execute consistent marketing. What you'll learn in this episode: How to identify your "minimum required effort" for marketing each week The tools and systems we actually use to stay consistent (Google Tasks, Meta's native scheduler, and more) Why you don't need to be on every platform – and how to choose the right ones for your business How to batch content creation to save time and mental energy Real examples of how we repurpose one piece of content across multiple platforms Resources Mentioned: Episode 27: Taking One Blog Post and Turning It into a Week of Marketing Episode 46: Time Blocking Your Calendar The Blogging Club: (use code KEEPITMOVING for 50% off first month) Google Tasks for recurring marketing reminders Meta's native scheduler for Instagram and Facebook posts Trello for organizing evergreen content Your Next Steps: Work with Melissa: SEO Self Audit Checklist: 35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: Connect on Social: Work with Alison: Free Moving Checklist: Marketing Funnel Basics: Connect on Social: /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/37380775

Summer Replay : Evergreen Content That Works While You Sleep 08/18/2025

Summer Replay : Our Favorite Keyword Research Tool + How We Use It Daily 08/11/2025

65: The Truth About AI Search (Spoiler: It's Still Just SEO) 08/04/2025

65: The Truth About AI Search (Spoiler: It's Still Just SEO) Have you been seeing those "SEO is dead" headlines all over your feed lately? Yeah, me too. And honestly? I'm getting a little fired up about it. So here's the deal – everyone's trying to tell you that AI has killed SEO and now you need to learn some fancy new "AIO" (AI optimization) strategy. They're launching courses, hosting webinars, and basically trying to convince you that everything you've learned about getting found online is now useless. But I'm here to tell you the truth: it's all BS. I literally tested this myself. I hopped on ChatGPT (not even logged in) and asked it to recommend photographers for a casual, at-home newborn session near Charlottesville. Want to know who came up first? Me. And I haven't done a single "AI optimization" on my website – just good old-fashioned SEO that I've been doing for 15 years. The reality is that AI platforms are pulling their information from the same places they always have: search engines like Google. So if you're not showing up on Google, you're probably not showing up in AI searches either. The secret to being found on AI platforms? It's literally just SEO, guys. What You'll Learn: Why AI searches are actually just pulling from Google (and what that means for you) The real-world test that proved SEO still works for AI platforms How to optimize your website copy for the conversational nature of AI searches Why your social media posts now have a longer lifespan than ever before The four SEO pillars that will get you found in both Google AND AI searches How to beef up your homepage copy to capture those detailed AI conversations Resources Mentioned: Picture Perfect Rankings Done-For-You SEO Services: Group SEO Coaching Program: The Blogging Club with AI Tools: Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: -SEO Self Audit Checklist: -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: -Connect on Social: -Work with Alison: -Free Moving Checklist: -Marketing Funnel Basics: -Connect on Social: /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/37548715

Summer Bonus : The SEO Strategy That Saved My Photography Business 07/28/2025

Summer Bonus : The SEO Strategy That Saved My Photography Business Hey there! While Alison and I are soaking up those summer vibes until September, I'm not leaving you hanging. I'm sharing some of my favorite guest appearances from this past year – the ones that had you frantically taking notes and diving into implementation mode. This week, I'm bringing you my conversation with Colie James from the Business First Creatives podcast. We dive deep into something that literally transformed my photography business from struggling to fully booked: SEO. And before you roll your eyes and think "SEO is too complicated" or "my Instagram is doing just fine, thank you very much," hear me out. I came from a corporate IT background, so when I started my photography business fifteen years ago, I knew I needed more than just a pretty portfolio. I needed people to actually find me. Fast forward to today, and SEO has been the backbone of every successful move I've made – from wedding photography to newborns and families, through multiple relocations as a military spouse. What you'll learn in this episode: Why most photographers are making the same SEO mistakes that are actually hurting their rankings The simple keyword strategy that transformed my business from crickets to constant inquiries How to research blog post topics that your ideal clients are actually searching for (hint: it's not just "what to wear") The truth about SEO timelines – and why 18 months isn't as scary as it sounds How to leverage your local business connections to boost your Google rankings The AI tools I'm using to streamline content creation without losing my authentic voice Why image naming and alt text are make-or-break for photographer SEO Resources Mentioned: Google Search Console (free SEO tracking tool) Keywords Everywhere tool for keyword research Melissa's Keyword Research 101 Course: The Blogging Club membership: ChatGPT for content brainstorming and meta descriptions Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: -SEO Self Audit Checklist: -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: -Connect on Social: -Work with Alison: -Free Moving Checklist: -Marketing Funnel Basics: -Connect on Social: /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/37378715

Summer Replay : Blog Better Than A Bot, How to Stand Out in an AI World 07/21/2025

Summer Replay : Blog Better Than A Bot, How to Stand Out in an AI World AI-generated content is everywhere, flooding the internet with bland, forgettable posts that all sound exactly the same. So how do we make our blog content stand out to both Google and our dream clients in 2025? Here's the thing - we're not anti-AI. Both Alison and I use it regularly in our businesses, and we think you should too. But we're seeing a huge problem with how photographers are using it for their blogs. They're letting AI completely replace their voice, their stories, and their personality - the exact things that make content memorable and convert readers into clients. The result? Blog posts that cover all the right information but fall completely flat. They're thorough, they hit all the SEO marks, but there's nothing that makes you remember the photographer who wrote them. And in a world where we're all competing for the same keywords and topics, memorable is everything. What You'll Learn: How to use AI as your work bestie (not your replacement) to save time on content creation Why Google's E-A-T guidelines favor human-driven content with personal stories and expertise The biggest mistake photographers make when outsourcing or using AI for blog content How to inject personality and stories into your posts even if you "hate storytelling" Why "what to wear" posts don't have to be boring (and how Alison owns her hatred of them) The difference between using AI to create original content vs. repurposing your existing voice How to make your blog posts more memorable than your competitors who are all covering the same topics Why human connection will always win, even in our AI-dominated world Key Takeaways: "I want you guys to use AI to repurpose your content, especially when you write your blog post and repurpose it out. But the biggest thing is I want you to use AI to save you time, but not replace you entirely." "There's no replacement for human understanding, connection, and voice." "You're not producing memorable content. Like, it's just kind of falling flat... There's no stories anymore. There's no personal stories." "If there's nothing that's telling a story... and they all spit out the same information, and there's nothing memorable about it... They're all using AI saying the same thing." "Google may start prioritizing content that with human signals and expertise... success and SEO will come from blending AI with authentic human driven content, offering valuable personal stories and expert opinions." Resources Mentioned: ChatGPT for content assistance and brainstorming Shannon McKinstry's Instagram expertise and storytelling approach Jen Olmstead from Tonic Site Shop (Friday emails) Creative Moms Focus podcast Google's E-A-T guidelines (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) The Blogging Club membership with 50% off first month (code: KEEPITMOVING) Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: -SEO Self Audit Checklist: -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: -Connect on Social: -Work with Alison: -Free Moving Checklist: -Marketing Funnel Basics: -Connect on Social: /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/37378535

Summer Replay : Time Blocking, Calm the Calendar Chaos 07/14/2025

Summer Replay : Time Blocking, Calm the Calendar Chaos Feeling like a ping pong ball bouncing between tasks all day? Constantly switching from editing to emails to client calls and ending up mentally exhausted with nothing meaningful accomplished? We've been there. That scattered, overwhelmed feeling where you're busy all day but can't point to what you actually got done. The research backs it up too - every time we switch from task to task, we waste time and mental energy. As military spouses who've moved our photography businesses multiple times, we've learned that protecting our mental energy isn't just nice to have - it's essential for survival. Between client work, family life, and the chaos of military moves, we had to figure out systems that actually work. What You'll Learn: Why task-switching is draining your brain and costing you precious time How to batch similar tasks together for maximum efficiency (like recording 5-6 videos in the same sweater!) The exact scheduling boundaries we use - including "No Meeting Mondays" and "Free Fridays" How limiting client calls to specific days actually improved our client service Why blocking your kids' school days off immediately is non-negotiable The $39 one-time purchase tool that beats Calendly's monthly subscription Military spouse pro tip: How to block an entire year's worth of holidays using your spouse's Liberty schedule The mindset shift that helped us earn full-time income while working part-time hours Key Takeaways: "There's plenty of research to show that we waste a lot of time when we switch from task to task. So if you can time block and do batch create content or batch edit, then you're saving yourself a lot of time and again, mental fatigue." "I only do client calls Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between twelve and two... I was doing them every single day, and I just was like, I cannot waste more time." "Friday and Monday are completely blocked off on my calendar. So I only do meetings Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday." "I am making a very good amount of money for what I am doing - part time work but it is a full time income." "The first thing I do when I get the school calendar is I immediately go into my work calendar and I block off any days the kids are off school. Every single one of them." Resources Mentioned: Calendly (free version available) TidyCal ($39 one-time purchase) Tave scheduling feature HoneyBook Google Calendar Google Calendar tasks for recurring reminders Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: -SEO Self Audit Checklist: -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: -Connect on Social: -Work with Alison: -Free Moving Checklist: -Marketing Funnel Basics: -Connect on Social: /episode/index/show/0289b5cc-1b7e-4734-aabe-9b7783cccf60/id/37378105

Get Booked: A Photography Marketing Podcast

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