How great photos and videos help more people find your business

If you’re a small business owner trying to get noticed online, but all this “SEO” talk feels like a foreign language, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.

Digital marketing, is not all about algorithms and keywords. Sure, that stuff matters, but here is something simple and powerful to learn: people connect with stories, and visuals are one of the fastest and most natural ways to tell them.

And the cool part? Photos and videos can help your business show up better on search engines, too.

Why visuals matter

Here’s the simple version: Google wants to show people websites they’ll actually enjoy and find useful. When someone visits your site and sees real photos of your products or watches a video of you explaining what you do, they’re more likely to stick around and explore. Google notices that kind of engagement, and it rewards it.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real.

People don’t expect perfection – they just want connection

Not long ago, my wife was searching for a dishwasher repair service. She was comparing prices online, but one business stood out, not because it was the cheapest, but because the website showed a few photos of the repair person in action. “It just felt more trustworthy,” she told me. “Like I knew who I was calling.”

That’s the power of visuals. They build connection, even before a word is spoken. And that’s what makes this work so rewarding, helping small businesses show the human side of what they do.

Let’s say you run a florist shop in a small town. Imagine swapping out generic stock images for real shots of your flower arrangements or a short video where you walk people through a bouquet you’re putting together. People would get a feel for your style, and they’d probably stick around longer to see more. That extra engagement can help you show up higher in search results.

Or picture a local café. Instead of using polished but impersonal photos, you post a few honest shots of people enjoying their coffee in your space, sunlight coming through the windows, friends chatting over brunch. That kind of content doesn’t just connect with people emotionally; it also gets shared more often, bringing new eyes to your business.

Simple ways to improve your photos:

1. Use clear, real images
   Your phone is probably good enough! What matters most is good lighting and authenticity. For example, a candle maker working from their home studio might photograph their products near a window using natural light. It feels warm, real, and inviting.
2. Rename your files
   Instead of uploading a photo called “IMG_3245.jpg,” name it something like “lemon-zest-soy-candle.jpg.” This helps search engines understand the image and boosts your chances of showing up in searches.
3. Write descriptive Alt text
   This is a short sentence that explains what’s in the photo. For example, “hand-poured lemon soy candle in amber jar.” Alt text is used by screen readers and search engines.
4. Include your photos in a Sitemap
   This helps search engines find and index them properly. It’s a small step your web developer or media team (like us!) can help you with.

Getting started with video:

1. Be yourself
   You don’t need a professional camera or studio lighting. A simple video of you explaining your process, showing how your product works, or even saying “hi” and sharing what you’re passionate about can go a long way. A bike repair shop, for instance, could make a short video on how to fix a flat tire. No fancy production, just helpful, honest info. That kind of content tends to get shared and revisited, which sends all the right signals to Google.
2. Add helpful info
   Use a clear title like “How to Patch a Bike Tire | Local Bike Repairs” and write a short description with keywords people might be searching for. Subtitles are a great bonus for people watching with sound off.
3. Choose a good thumbnail
   This is like the cover of your video. A clean, well-lit image of you or the product in action makes people more likely to click.

Putting it all together

Here’s how to combine visuals and SEO without getting overwhelmed:

• Use clear, authentic photos and videos that reflect you and your business.
• Place them near related text so Google can understand the context.
• Make sure your website looks good on phones. Most people browse that way now.
• Include helpful words: image descriptions, video titles, and natural keywords.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to be a marketing expert to make a big impact online. Just start small. Use what you already have: your story, your space, your passion.

And if you want a hand with the techy bits or just need someone to bounce ideas off? That’s exactly what we’re here for.

Let’s tell your story and help more people find it.