As a photographer, building backlinks to your website is crucial for improving your online presence and reaching a wider audience. Backlinks not only drive traffic to your website but also signal to search engines that your website is a trustworthy and authoritative source. In this article, I will explore eight ways for photographers to earn backlinks to their websites. 

Now, if you are new to digital marketing, it may be worth reading my article on SEO for photographers first before moving onto this one. If you have a good idea of SEO and how it works, carry on reading here.

Before we dive into the 8 ways photographers can use to build backlinks, let's look at... 

What are backlinks and why are they so crucial? 

Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are links from other websites that direct traffic to your website. In other words, a backlink is a link on another website that points to your website. 

Backlinks are critical for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) because they signal to search engines that other websites consider your content to be valuable and relevant. When search engines crawl the web and see that multiple websites are linking to your content, they interpret this as a signal that your website is a trustworthy and authoritative source of information. This can boost your website's search engine rankings, making it more visible and easier to find for users searching for relevant keywords. 

However, not all backlinks are created equal. Search engines prioritize backlinks from high-quality websites that are relevant to your niche or industry. Backlinks from low-quality or irrelevant websites can actually harm your website's SEO, so it's wise to focus on building high-quality backlinks from authoritative sources. 

Now, in the world of backlinks, you have 2 different kinds: nofollow and dofollow links. 

Dofollow links are the standard type of link used in most cases. These links allow search engines to crawl and index the linked website, passing on link equity, also known as link juice, to the linked website. In other words, dofollow links are seen as a vote of confidence or endorsement for the linked website, and they can help to boost its SEO. 

On the other hand, nofollow links are links that have an HTML attribute, called rel="nofollow", added to the link code. This attribute instructs search engines not to follow the link or pass on any link equity to the linked website. Nofollow links were introduced as a way to combat spammy and low-quality links, and they are commonly used for links in blog comments, forum posts, and other user-generated content. 

Nofollow links are still valuable for referral traffic, as users can still click on the link and be directed to the linked website. However, they do not pass on any SEO benefits to the linked website. 

While dofollow links are more valuable for SEO, it's wise to have a mix of both dofollow and nofollow links in your backlink profile. A natural and diverse backlink profile with a mix of both types of links can help to improve your website's authority and visibility on search engine results pages. 

Backlinks are a key component of any successful SEO strategy. By earning high-quality backlinks to your website, you can improve your website's authority, drive more traffic to your website, and ultimately achieve better search engine rankings. 

Let's now look at the 8 ways photographers can build backlinks to their websites. 

Guest blogging 

Guest blogging is a strategy in which you write a blog post for another website or blog that is related to your photography niche. In return, you get a backlink to your own website. 

Here are some steps to take when looking for opportunities to guest blog: 

• Identify potential websites or blogs: Look for websites or blogs that cater to photographers, or those that feature photography-related content. You can use search engines, social media, or directories to find potential websites. 

• Research their guest blogging guidelines: Most websites have guest blogging guidelines that outline what kind of content they are looking for, what format it should be in, and how to submit it. Make sure to read these guidelines carefully before visiting the website. 

• Pitch your idea: Come up with an original and interesting idea for your blog post that fits within the website's niche and aligns with their content. Write a pitch that outlines your idea and how it can benefit their audience. Make sure to highlight your expertise and why you are qualified to write about the topic. 

• Write high-quality content: Once your pitch is accepted, write a high-quality blog post that is well-researched, informative, and engaging. Make sure to include a link to your website within the post, and also in your author bio or byline. 

• Promote your guest post: Once your guest post is published, share it on your own website and social media platforms. This will help drive traffic to the website and also help you build your own online presence. 

Guest blogging can be a powerful way to increase your website's visibility and gain backlinks, but it requires effort and patience. Keep in mind that it's important to focus on creating valuable and engaging content that benefits the audience, rather than just promoting your own website. 

Offer your images for use 

Offering your images for use can be an excellent way to build backlinks to your website while also increasing your exposure as a photographer. Here are some steps to take when offering your images for use: 

• Identify potential websites: Look for websites or bloggers that might be interested in using your photos for their content. This could include photography blogs, online magazines, or even businesses that might need photos for their websites or marketing materials. 

• Reach out to them: Once you have identified potential websites, reach out to them with a proposal to use your photos. You can do this by sending an email, a direct message on social media, or even by commenting on their posts. 

• Show them your portfolio: When you reach out to potential websites, it's important to include a link to your portfolio or website so they can see your work. Make sure your portfolio showcases your finest work and is easy to navigate. 

• Negotiate terms: If a website is interested in using your photos, you'll need to negotiate terms such as how many photos they can include, how they can use them, and whether or not they'll provide a backlink to your website. Make sure to clarify these terms in writing before giving permission for them to use your photos. 

• Get a backlink: If a website agrees to use your photos, ask them to provide a backlink to your website. This will not only help drive traffic to your website, but also improve your search engine ranking. 

• Follow up: After your photos are published, make sure to follow up with the website to see if they've provided a backlink. If they haven't, politely remind them and provide them with the link to your website. 

Remember that offering your images for use can be a powerful way to gain exposure as a photographer, but it's also crucial to protect your work and negotiate fair terms. Make sure to only offer your photos to reputable websites and always clarify the terms of use in writing. 

Participate in photography communities 

Participating in photography communities can be an excellent way to connect with other photographers, share your work, and build backlinks to your website. Here are some steps to take when participating in photography communities: 

• Find photography communities: Look for photography groups on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, or photography forums like Reddit and Flickr. You can also look for online communities that cater to your specific niche or style of photography. 

• Engage with other members: Once you've joined a photography community, engage with other members by commenting on their posts, offering advice, and sharing your own work. This will help you build relationships with other photographers and establish yourself as an active member of the community. 

• Share your work: Share your own photography work in the community, but make sure to follow the community's guidelines for posting. Many communities have specific days or threads dedicated to sharing your work, so make sure to follow these guidelines. 

• Add a link to your website: Most photography communities allow you to add a link to your website in your profile or signature. Make sure to include a link to your website so other members can easily find and visit your website. 

• Participate in discussions: Participate in discussions in the community, offering advice and sharing your own experiences. This will help establish you as an authority in your niche and attract more attention to your website. 

• Offer to collaborate: Offer to collaborate with other photographers in the community on projects or promotions. This will not only help you build relationships with other photographers, but also give you the opportunity to gain exposure for your work and website. 

It is worth remembering that participating in photography communities takes time and effort. However, it can be a very effective way to build relationships with other photographers and gain exposure for your work. Make sure to follow the community's guidelines for posting and engaging, and always be respectful and supportive of other members. 

Submit to online directories 

Submitting your website to online directories can be a great way to build backlinks to your website and increase your exposure as a photographer. Here are some steps to take when submitting to online directories: 

• Find online directories: Look for online directories that cater to your niche or style of photography. Some popular directories such as Photography Directory Project.

• Check the directory guidelines: Before submitting to a directory, make sure to check their submission guidelines. Some directories have specific requirements for the type and quality of work they accept, while others may require a fee for listing. 

• Submit your website: Once you've found a directory that matches your niche, submit your website for consideration. This typically involves filling out a form with your website information, a brief description of your work, and your contact information. 

• Include your website URL: Make sure to include your website URL in the submission form so that the directory can link back to your website. This will help improve your website's search engine ranking and drive traffic to your website. 

• Follow up: After submitting your website, follow up with the directory to make sure that your website has been added to the directory. If it hasn't been added, politely ask for an update on the status of your submission. 

Submitting to online directories can be a powerful way to build backlinks to your website, but it's key to be selective about the directories you choose to submit to. Make sure to only submit to reputable directories that match your niche and style of photography. Also, be sure to follow the directory's guidelines for submission to improve your chances of being accepted. 

Participate in contests 

Participating in photography contests can be an excellent way to gain exposure, showcase your work, and earn backlinks to your website. Here are some steps to take when participating in photography contests: 

• Find photography contests: Look for photography contests that match your niche or style of photography. You can find contests online or in photography magazines. 

• Read the contest rules: Before entering a contest, make sure to carefully read the contest rules and guidelines. Some contests may have specific requirements for the type and quality of work they accept, while others may have restrictions on the number of entries you can submit. 

• Submit your work: Once you've found a contest that matches your niche, submit your work for consideration. This typically involves filling out a submission form with your contact information, a brief description of your work, and the images you wish to submit. 

• Follow up: After submitting your work, follow up with the contest organizers to make sure that your work has been received and to ask for any updates on the status of the contest. 

• Promote your work: Once the contest results are announced, promote your work and your website on social media and other online platforms. Share your winning images and mention the contest and its sponsors in your posts. 

• Earn backlinks: Many photography contests will feature the winners on their websites or in their publications, which can provide you with valuable backlinks to your website. Make sure to include your website URL in your contest submissions to improve your chances of being featured and earning backlinks. 

Remember that participating in photography contests can be a great way to gain exposure and earn backlinks to your website, but it's important to be selective about the contests you choose to enter. Make sure to only enter reputable contests that match your niche and style of photography. Also, be sure to carefully read the contest rules and guidelines to ensure that your work meets the requirements for entry. 

I have an article that lists 10 annual photography competitions that are worthwhile entering. You can read it here.

Partner with other photographers 

Partnering with other photographers can be a great way to network, gain exposure, and earn backlinks to your website.  

It is worth saying at this point that I would love to explore partnering with other photographers. If you want to partner with me on a project, please reach out via the Contact page. 

Here are some steps to take when partnering with other photographers: 

• Find photographers: Look for photographers who share your niche or style of photography. You can find other photographers through online communities, social media groups, or by attending photography events. 

• Reach out: Once you've found potential partners, reach out to them and introduce yourself. Let them know that you're interested in collaborating and building a mutually beneficial relationship. 

• Collaborate on projects: Work with your partners to collaborate on photography projects. This could involve working on joint photo shoots, creating a shared photography blog or website, or partnering on a photography workshop or event. 

• Share your work: Once you've collaborated on a project, share your work and promote your partners on your website and social media channels. This will help to increase your exposure and earn backlinks to your website. 

• Earn backlinks: When partnering with other photographers, you can earn backlinks to your website by cross-linking to each other's websites and social media channels. This will help to improve your website's search engine ranking and drive traffic to your website. 

Partnering with other photographers can be a great way to network and earn backlinks to your website, but it's important to be selective in the photographers you choose to partner with. Make sure to only partner with photographers who share your niche and style of photography and who have a similar level of professionalism and expertise. Also, be sure to collaborate on projects that showcase your work and highlight your strengths as a photographer. 

Create shareable content 

Producing shareable content is an effective way to earn backlinks to your website. When you create content that others find valuable or interesting, they are more likely to share it with others and link back to your website. Here are some tips for creating shareable content: 

• Identify your niche: Start by identifying your niche or area of expertise. This will help you to create content that resonates with your audience and establishes you as an authority in your field. 

• Choose a format: There are many different formats you can use to create shareable content, such as blog posts, infographics, videos, or podcasts. Choose a format that aligns with your skills and interests. 

• Focus on quality: When creating shareable content, focus on quality over quantity. Make sure that your content is well-researched, informative, and engaging. 

• Optimize for SEO: To increase your chances of earning backlinks, make sure that your content is optimized for search engines. Use relevant keywords, meta tags, and descriptions to help your content appear in search engine results pages. 

• Promote your content: Once you've created your shareable content, promote it on your website, social media channels, and other online platforms. Encourage others to share your content by including social sharing buttons and calls to action. 

• Monitor your results: Track the performance of your shareable content using analytics tools. This will help you to identify which types of content are most popular and which channels are driving the most traffic to your website. 

Creating shareable content is an ongoing process. Continuously identify upcoming topics and formats that will resonate with your audience and establish you as an authority in your field. With time and effort, you can create content that others will want to share and link back to, helping you to earn valuable backlinks to your website. 

Collaborate with bloggers and influencers 

Collaborating with bloggers and influencers can be a powerful way to earn backlinks to your photography website. Here are some steps to take when collaborating with bloggers and influencers: 

• Identify relevant bloggers and influencers: Start by identifying bloggers and influencers who are relevant to your niche or target audience. Look for bloggers and influencers who have a large and engaged following, as well as a strong online presence. 

• Reach out: Once you've identified potential collaborators, reach out to them and introduce yourself. Explain why you think a collaboration would be beneficial and how it could help both parties accomplish their goals. 

• Offer value: When collaborating with bloggers and influencers, it's imperative to provide value. This could involve providing high-quality images for their blog or social media channels, offering them a discount on your photography services, or creating an original photography project or event that they can promote to their audience. 

• Promote each other: When collaborating with bloggers and influencers, it's critical to promote each other's work. Share their blog posts, social media posts, and other content with your audience, and encourage them to do the same for you. 

• Earn backlinks: As you collaborate with bloggers and influencers, you can earn backlinks to your website by including links to your website in your collaborations. This could involve linking to your website in a blog post or social media post. It could also involve including a link to your website in a photography project or event that you're collaborating on. 

Remember that collaborating with bloggers and influencers is a two-way street. Be sure to offer value and promote each other's work to maximize the benefits of collaboration. With time and effort, you can build strong relationships with bloggers and influencers, earn valuable backlinks to your website, and reach a wider audience of potential clients. 

Building backlinks for photographers – conclusions 

Earning backlinks to your photography website takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can build a strong online presence, reach a wider audience, and establish yourself as an authority in your field. Keep in mind that building backlinks is an ongoing process, so be patient, persistent, and always on the lookout for new opportunities to earn valuable backlinks to your website.