Get Booked: A Photography Marketing Podcast

Get Booked: A Photography Marketing Podcast

byAlison Bell, Melissa Arlena

ArtsVisualBusinessMarketing

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...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Season 5 - Episode 98
98: How to Work From Home With Kids This Summer
Summer is coming in hot, and so are the kids — so we're breaking down exactly how to keep your photography business running when your whole house becomes a daycare. From mindset shifts to real-deal strategies (and yes, chore lists that actually work), this one's for every photographer-mom who refuses to let summer derail the business she's built. On this episode: How to decide your summer work mode — full on, full off, or somewhere in between Work strategies that actually fit around kids at home (including the early morning goldmine) Age-by-age tips for keeping kids busy so you...
Published: May 11, 2026Duration: 22m 45s
Season 5 - Episode 97
97: Quarterly Catch Up Q2 - The Episode We Nearly Forgot
We set goals in January. We recorded a quarterly review episode in April. And somewhere in between, we genuinely forgot what those goals were. Relatable? Probably. This episode is our real, unfiltered quarterly business review — Q1 wins, Q1 flops, and the Q2 goals we're actually going to look at this time. On this episode: How our Q1 goals actually shook out — what hit, what flopped, and what we'd do differently What a sustainable Q2 looks like when summer busy season is coming fast How we're structuring our work schedules with kids home for summer — and why it act...
Published: May 4, 2026Duration: 25m 39s
Season 5 - Episode 94
96: Mini Mentoring with Morgan Walworth in Minnesota
We're looking for photographers to be featured on future Mini Mentoring episodes! Click this link to throw your name in the hat! Mini Mentoring is a series where Alison & Melissa get the low down on a real life business owner in need of more business. Whether that's because they've relocated, or pivoted niches we're walking through their business can giving them our recommendations to Get Booked. If you're in the early years of your photography business and wondering why being busy doesn't always feel like progress, this episode is for you. We sat...
Published: Apr 27, 2026Duration: 21m 47s
Season 5 - Episode 95
95: Ways to Make Money Without Your Camera
If you've been searching for ways to make money as a photographer during slow seasons, after a move, or while you're rebuilding — this episode is going to feel like permission. Melissa and I broke down four real income avenues that use the skills you already have, no camera required. On this episode: How to audit your skills and find the income opportunity that fits your life right now Four income avenues for photographers: digital products, consulting, virtual services, and teaching/coaching Why military spouse photographers and anyone who moves frequently have a serious advantage with portable in...
Published: Apr 20, 2026Duration: 22m 37s
Season 4 - Episode 94
94: 3 Types of Blog Posts Every Photographer Should Be Writing
If you've been wondering about the right blog content strategy for photographers, this episode is your answer. We're breaking down the three types of blog posts your photography website actually needs — and why getting the ratio right could be the thing that finally makes Google take you seriously. On this episode: The three blog post buckets every photographer needs — and exactly how many of each Why your FAQ posts are secretly your hardest-working SEO content How local feature posts help (and hurt) when you get the balance wrong Tired of being invisible on Google? Learn the...
Published: Apr 13, 2026Duration: 18m 24s
Season 5 - Episode 93
93: Tax Deductions You Might Be Missing
DISCLAIMER: We are not CPAs or financial advisors. This is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified tax professional about your own specific tax situation, including local and state tax laws that may apply to your photography business. Tax laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. A certified public accountant or tax attorney should review your business expenses and tax strategy. If you've been wondering which photography business tax deductions you're actually allowed to take — and which ones are slipping through the cracks — this episode is for you. We're getting into the dedu...
Published: Apr 6, 2026Duration: 23m 39s
Season 5 - Episode 92
92: Local Lead Magnets for Photographers (That Build Your List)
We're digging into one of the most misunderstood tools in a photographer's marketing kit — the local lead magnet for photographers. If your freebie is attracting followers from across the country (or across the ocean) instead of clients in your city, this episode is the fix. On this episode: Why generic lead magnets fill your list with the wrong people — and how to make yours hyper-local Lead magnet ideas by genre: destination, newborn, family, senior, wedding, branding, and pet photography How to repurpose your existing blog content into a powerful, city-specific freebie without starting from scratch Get Alis...
Published: Mar 30, 2026Duration: 20m 5s
Season 5 - Episode 91
91: How to Build a Marketing Plan for Mini Sessions
If you've been wondering how to market mini sessions for photographers the right way — not the last-minute, panic-post-and-pray way — this episode is your step-by-step blueprint. We're walking through exactly how to build a repeatable marketing plan that fills your mini session calendar, creates real FOMO, and gets clients booking before you've even finished your morning coffee. On this episode: Why starting 3–4 months out is the difference between booked out and crickets The 4-phase marketing timeline: lock the details, tease & build, launch, sustain & close How to use your email list, blog content, FOMO t...
Published: Mar 23, 2026Duration: 22m 1s
Season 5 - Episode 90
90: Citations, Backlinks & Domain Authority, Oh My!
If you've ever wondered how to build local SEO for photographers without playing the exhausting game of chasing magazine features, this episode is for you. We're breaking down citations, backlinks, and domain authority — why they matter more than ever now that AI is recommending local businesses, and exactly what you can do about it today. On this episode: What citations vs. backlinks actually are — and why both matter for getting found Domain authority: the credit score for your website (and why changing your domain is like closing all your credit cards) How to audit, fix...
Published: Mar 16, 2026Duration: 17m 34s
Season 5 - Episode 89
89: The Policy Episode Nobody Wants To Have
We're tackling the episode nobody wants to have — but every photographer needs. In Episode 89, we are breaking down the photography business policies that protect your time, your income, and your sanity before a difficult client situation forces you to figure it out the hard way. On this episode: Weather, sickness, and reschedule policies Model release policies and how to navigate pushback Late client policies — and how communication is your secret weapon The Contract Club - Alison's favorite contract lawyer Tired of being invisible on Google? Learn the 5 SEO mistakes keeping photographers from getting found (and how...
Published: Mar 9, 2026Duration: 23m 14s
Season 5 - Episode 88
88: Mini Mentoring with Christian Grant Moving from TN to GA
We're looking for photographers to be featured on future Mini Mentoring episodes! Click this link to throw your name in the hat! Mini Mentoring is a series where Alison & Melissa get the low down on a real life business owner in need of more business. Whether that's because they've relocated, or pivoted niches we're walking through their business can giving them our recommendations to get booked. Relocating your photography business doesn't have to feel like driving off a cliff without knowing where you'll land. We sat down with Christian Grant, a...
Published: Mar 2, 2026Duration: 20m 24s
Season 5 - Episode 87
87: Running a Photography Business While Homeschooling - Systems That Actually Work
Managing a homeschool and business from home requires more than just hustle—it requires strategic systems, clear boundaries, and the confidence to prioritize what matters most. We sat down with operations expert and fellow military spouse Mikel Dyer to talk about the real-life strategies that make it possible to be both a present homeschool mom and a thriving business owner. From setting working hours that protect your family time to batching tasks by energy level, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for ambitious moms who refuse to choose between motherhood and entrepreneurship. Mikel Dyer is an Op...
Published: Feb 23, 2026Duration: 30m 21s
Season 5 - Episode 86
86: 7 Ways to Make Money When Photography Business Is Slow
How to Generate Income During Photography Slow Season We're diving into creative ways photographers can monetize their downtime and turn their "sawdust"—those byproducts of your primary business—into real revenue streams. Whether you're facing seasonal slumps or looking to diversify your income, there's something here for every photographer. On this episode: Studio rental opportunities and side income ideas Local business partnerships and product photography gigs Associate shooting and volume photography strategies Here's what we cover: The beauty of these income streams? You don't have to advertise them...
Published: Feb 16, 2026Duration: 20m 17s
Season 5 - Episode 85
85: Refine & Review: Your Slow Season Strategy
Its our 2-year podcast anniversary! Diving into one of the most crucial business practices for photographers: using the slow season to refine & review workflows and systems. If you're wondering how to streamline your photography business workflows during slow seasons, this episode is packed with practical strategies for reviewing and refining everything from client onboarding to product offerings. On this episode: Using the slow season as your dedicated time to refine workflows and systems (not just working in your business, but working on it) Updating top-performing content like blog posts, lead magnets...
Published: Feb 9, 2026Duration: 26m 33s
Season 5 - Episode 4
84: Digital Organization - Files, Folders and Finally Getting Your Sh*t Together
Last call! Map Out Your Marketing pop-up workshop with Alison is on February 4th—60 minutes to get your entire year planned so you can stop reactive marketing and start getting booked. Get all the details here! DM Alison on Instagram @‌alisonbellphotog with questions ________________________ We're diving into the backend systems that keep a photography business running smoothly—because staying organized with photo file organization systems isn't just about tidiness, it's about saving time and reducing stress when you're juggling client work, blogging, and marketing content. Whether you're restructuring your business or relocating, having a clear...
Published: Feb 2, 2026Duration: 26m 23s
Season 5 - Episode 3
83: Image SEO Made Simple for Photographers
Map Out Your Marketing pop-up workshop with Alison is on February 4th—60 minutes to get your entire year planned so you can stop reactive marketing and start getting booked. Get all the details here! DM Alison on Instagram @‌alisonbellphotog with questions ________________________ We're breaking down exactly why image SEO for photographers matters and giving you the actionable steps to stop sabotaging your website's performance while increasing visibility in Google image search where real clients are actually looking for you. On this episode: File naming strategies that actually drive SEO traffic Imag...
Published: Jan 26, 2026Duration: 17m 3s
Season 5 - Episode 82
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 Fathom re...
Published: Jan 19, 2026Duration: 22m 3s
Season 5 - Episode 1
81: The Quarterly Catch Up: Q1 2026
Big News: We're officially Get Booked: A Photography Podcast as of January 12, 2026! Same hosts, same real talk about building profitable photography businesses, new name that reflects our mission to help you get booked with your ideal clients. If you've been struggling with setting quarterly business goals that actually stick, you're not alone. We're kicking off the new year (and our new podcast name!) by sharing our Q4 wins, misses, and what we're tackling in Q1 2026 for our photography and mentoring businesses. Want these notes sent to you? Sign up here! On this episode:<...
Published: Jan 12, 2026Duration: 32m 10s
BONUS: New Look, Same Show
This will be same show, same content, and same purpose, just with a new look and new name. Listen in to hear why we decided to change it!     Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify 5 SEO Mistakes Killing Your Photography Business Webinar Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa's Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌alisonbellphotog Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com
Published: Jan 8, 2026Duration: 8m 20s
Season 5 - Episode 81
80: Photography Website Redesign SEO Checklist
We're breaking down the common photography website redesign mistakes that tank your Google rankings—and how to protect your SEO while giving your site a fresh look. Whether you're changing platforms entirely or just updating your design, this episode covers the strategic planning and technical steps you need to know. On this episode: Planning your redesign strategy before you start rebuilding Preserving headers, redirects, and internal linking structure for SEO protection Submitting sitemaps and cleaning up old code and pop-up forms Tools & Resources Mentioned Use Go Full Page Chrome plugin to screenshot your entire website be...
Published: Jan 5, 2026Duration: 20m 28s