55: How to Use the Pic-Time SEO Features

Summary: In this episode, Meredith's husband clarifies how to properly use PickTime’s blogging tool for SEO. He emphasizes that while the tool can help with SEO, it won't automatically handle everything. Website owners must actively use SEO best practices, like selecting proper keywords and adding relevant content, to see results. He warns against relying too heavily on tools without understanding how they work, offering practical steps for photographers using PickTime for SEO.

Blog Post: Using PickTime’s Blogging Tool for Effective SEO

PickTime’s new blogging feature has stirred excitement among photographers looking for a more streamlined way to publish blog posts. The tool promises automation and ease of use, but in a recent podcast episode, Meredith's husband offers a valuable perspective: simply using the tool won’t instantly improve your SEO. It’s essential to understand how to use PickTime, or any blogging tool, effectively to see meaningful results.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key points from the episode and offer practical steps to make the most of PickTime’s blogging feature for SEO.

The Myth of SEO Automation

Many website owners believe that using an SEO tool means their optimization efforts are automatically taken care of. However, as Meredith's husband points out, tools like PickTime or Yoast are just that—tools. They can make things easier, but they won’t do the work for you. This is similar to having a hammer: just owning one won’t help you hang a picture; you still have to swing it. Similarly, simply using PickTime’s blogging feature doesn’t guarantee better SEO unless you take active steps to use it properly.

What Can PickTime’s Blogging Tool Do for Your SEO?

PickTime’s blogging tool offers some automation, such as image optimization and formatting for mobile, which are crucial for good SEO. However, the tool’s real power comes from how well you use it. Proper SEO involves more than just uploading photos and adding a few keywords. The content needs to be engaging, relevant, and informative. The tool can assist with technical aspects, but human input is still vital for content creation and keyword selection.

Key Steps for Effective SEO with PickTime

Here are the essential steps Meredith's husband highlights to ensure that PickTime’s blogging tool actually benefits your SEO:

• Understand Your Blog's Purpose: Before creating a blog post, decide if it's intended to attract new visitors or to engage existing ones. Posts meant to attract new users should focus on SEO strategies, while posts for current visitors can prioritize visual appeal and content without heavy SEO optimization.

• Keyword Research: Know what keywords or phrases your target audience is searching for. If you're a children's photographer in Brooklyn, for example, you might want to target phrases like “children's photography sessions in Brooklyn” or “how to prepare for a family photo shoot.”

• Add Relevant Text: One of the biggest SEO mistakes is relying solely on images. Even with well-optimized photos, Google prioritizes text content. Make sure your blog post includes at least 300 words of relevant, engaging content. This can be descriptions of the photos, client stories, or helpful advice.

• Use Alt Text and Meta Descriptions: When uploading images, make sure each one has an accurate and descriptive alt text. For example, instead of “family photo,” try “family photo session at Brooklyn Bridge Park.” These small details contribute to your SEO score.

• Track and Adjust: Finally, monitor the performance of your blog posts. Check your website's analytics to see which posts are attracting traffic and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Resources

For a detailed workflow on how to use PickTime’s blogging feature for SEO, visit the PickTime blog and search for the post by Dylan Howell. His guide offers helpful tips and screenshots to ensure you’re using the tool correctly.

Final Thoughts

While tools like PickTime’s blogging feature can simplify the process of publishing posts, they are not a substitute for a well-rounded SEO strategy. It’s crucial to understand the role these tools play and how to leverage them properly. By following the steps above, you can create blog posts that not only look good but also improve your website’s visibility in search engines. With a little extra effort, you can make your PickTime blog work effectively for both your audience and your SEO.