Keep It Moving

We're getting real about why knowledge isn't enough and how accountability changes everything. Alison shares her personal experience hiring a nutritional coach—and the powerful parallels it revealed about what we actually need to move our businesses forward. On this episode: Why you already know enough (but still aren't getting results) The real value of coaching: accountability and application Calculating the cost of not investing in yourself Ready to stop spinning your wheels and start implementing? Melissa has resources to help you create content that attracts your ideal clients—check out her blog post topic guides. If you're ready for someone to get up in your business and help you apply what you already know, book a free 15 minute discovery call with Alison to see if coaching is your next move. Links: Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa's Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

We're diving into the art of blogging your photography sessions the right way—because throwing up a photo dump with three sentences and your main keyword isn't cutting it anymore. Today we're showing you how to turn every session blog post into a client-attracting, SEO-boosting, authority-building powerhouse. On this episode: Creating helpful, FAQ-style blog content that Google (and your ideal clients) actually love Strategic ways to use blog posts throughout your client workflow and marketing Selling yourself with clear calls-to-action in every post 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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/mistakes Thinking about a pivot or transition in your photography business? Book a free 15 minute discovery call 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: https://35topics.com Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings—no ads required: https://mentor.alisonbellphotographer.com/freebie 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 @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

We know you've done all the heavy lifting with your SEO after your move, but waiting 6-12 months for Google to catch up feels like watching paint dry. In this episode, we're sharing 10 creative ways to get in front of your ideal clients right now—no waiting required. On this episode: Strategic networking and community involvement Creating content and collaborating with complementary businesses Getting creative while you wait for SEO to kick in   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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/mistakes Thinking about a pivot or transition in your photography business? Book a free 15 minute discovery call 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: https://35topics.com Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings—no ads required: https://mentor.alisonbellphotographer.com/freebie 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 @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

We're talking about every photographer's nightmare scenario—when sweet little angels turn into tiny tornadoes right in the middle of your session. In this episode, we're diving into proactive strategies to protect your business from disaster sessions that could lead to refund requests and unhappy clients. Key Takeaways: Contract language that protects you When and how to end a shoot early Client communication that saves the day Ready to level up your client management skills? Melissa has put together essential blog post topics that every photography business owner needs to master for smoother sessions and happier clients. Struggling with challenging shoots in your own business? Book Alison's free 15 minute discovery call to strategize solutions that work for your unique situation.   Links: Braden Drake's Contract Club Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Get Melissa's Free Blog Post Topics Find Alison on IG @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

Mini Mentoring is a series where we get the low down on a real life business owner in need of more something.  Whether that's because they've relocated, or pivoted niches we're walking through their business can giving them our recommendations to keep it moving. We're talking to Melanie of Melanie Foster Photography who as switched this year to IPS model. We're discussing her: Follow-up SOP gaps Email list nurturing Tulsa mom groups   We're looking for another photographer willing to jump on the podcast for another episode Mini Mentoring! Complete this form to apply.   Links: Braden Drake's Contract Club Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download Move Your Business Checklist Download Blog Post Topics @‌keep.it.moving.podcast @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

We're spilling the tea on our secret weapon for actually getting sh*t done! You know those massive projects collecting dust while you're playing taxi driver and snack distributor? Time to ditch the chaos and get strategic about your productivity game. Key Takeaways: Escape artist mode activated  Hotel lobby > home office  Baby steps, big wins    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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/mistakes Thinking about a pivot or transition in your photography business? Book a free 15 minute discovery call 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: https://35topics.com Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings—no ads required: https://mentor.alisonbellphotographer.com/freebie 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 @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

We're back after our summer break! Today I'm sharing our quarterly review process and the wins, challenges, and lessons learned from Q2 while juggling business and kids. Key Takeaways: Do quarterly reviews Finding the right associate takes time Plan ahead for time off Melissa's SEO services and Blogging Club help photographers build sustainable online traffic for long-term growth. Book your free 15 minute discovery call with Alison for personalized business mentoring.   Links: Braden Drake's Contract Club Leave a review in Apple or on Spotify Download 39 FREE Ways to Get More Clients Download Blog Post Topics @‌keep.it.moving.podcast @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

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: Kat Schmoyer giant quarterly calendar Target $5 annual wall calendars (July to July) Plum Paper planners Flodesk for VIP list forms Google Calendar for marketing planning The Motherhood Anthology The Blogging Club 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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/mistakes Thinking about a pivot or transition in your photography business? Book a free 15 minute discovery call 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: https://35topics.com Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings—no ads required: https://mentor.alisonbellphotographer.com/freebie 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 @‌keep.it.moving.podcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Keepitmovingpod.com Used #keepitmovingpod on socials!

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: https://thebloggingclub.com (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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit 35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog  

What if we told you that a blog post you wrote almost ten years ago could still be driving traffic and booking clients today? That's the magic of evergreen content, and today we're pulling back the curtain on our best-performing blog posts that keep on giving. We're talking about content that literally works while you sleep – posts that continue to attract your ideal clients months or even years after you hit publish. From Alison's Virginia Beach restaurant guide that still ranks nationally to Melissa's DIY newborn photo tutorial that gets 10,000 clicks in three months, we're sharing the real numbers behind our evergreen strategies. This isn't just about writing blog posts that perform well once. It's about creating content that compounds over time, establishing you as a local expert, and getting in front of your ideal clients before they even know they need a photographer. What you'll learn in this episode: The exact blog posts that drove thousands of clicks and real client bookings Why some evergreen posts outrank your main photography pages (and why that's actually good) How to turn seasonal content into evergreen traffic magnets year after year The difference between awareness content and client education content Why a golf-themed nursery post and a staircase gallery tutorial are still driving inquiries Resources Mentioned: The Blogging Club membership (use code KEEPITMOVING for 50% off first month) Google Search Console for tracking your blog performance Previous episode on turning blog posts into a week of marketing Episode on local expert strategies Your Next Steps: Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit 35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

Ever feel like you're writing blog posts into the void? Like you're creating all this content but nobody's actually searching for it? We've been there, and we have the solution. Today we're diving deep into our absolute favorite keyword research tool that has completely transformed how we approach SEO and content creation. This isn't just another "SEO is important" conversation – this is the actual tool we use every single day to figure out what our ideal clients are typing into Google. You know how we're always telling you to blog consistently and target specific keywords? Well, this one browser plugin is literally the linchpin that makes all of that strategy work. It's how we know what's actually worth writing about versus what sounds good in theory but gets zero searches. What you'll learn in this episode: The $27/year tool that tells you exactly what people are searching for in your area How to spot trending keywords and seasonal opportunities (hello, Santa photos!) Why your competitor's backlinks are pure gold for your SEO strategy The difference between keywords worth a full blog post vs. secondary keywords How to research an entire year's worth of content in just one hour This tool has saved us countless hours of guessing what to write about and helped us focus our efforts on content that actually drives traffic and bookings. Resources Mentioned: Keywords Everywhere Browser Plugin: https://keywordseverywhere.com Melissa's Keyword Research 101 Course: https://pictureperfectrankings.com Google Search Console (free SEO tracking) Moz backlink database Your Next Steps: Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit 35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com Group SEO Coaching Program: https://pictureperfectrankings.com The Blogging Club with AI Tools: https://pictureperfectrankings.com Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com The Blogging Club membership: https://thebloggingclub.com ChatGPT for content brainstorming and meta descriptions Your Next Steps: -Work with Melissa: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog

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: https://pictureperfectrankings.com -SEO Self Audit Checklist: https://pictureperfectrankings.myflodesk.com/self-seo-audit -35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers: https://pictureperfectrankings.com/35-blog-post-ideas -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/pictureperfectrankings -Work with Alison: https://alisonbellphotographer.com/how-to-move-your-business -Free Moving Checklist: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/checklist -Marketing Funnel Basics: https://alisonbell.myflodesk.com/funnel -Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/alisonbellphotog