Get Booked: A Photography Marketing Podcast

Hosted by Alison Bell, Melissa Arlena

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145

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Nov 2026

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About the show

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 that gets you on page one, marketing funnels that convert, email strategies that book sessions, and the business foundations you need to grow sustainably. It's why thousands of photographers have made this a top 5% podcast. This is the business education photography school skipped.

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60 recent

November 2, 2026Episode 11722 min

117: Instagram: Edits, Trial Reels & Hooks for Photographers

If you're still editing reels inside the Instagram app, we love you, but it's time to stop. Today we're breaking down the Instagram Edits app: reusable reel templates, trial reels, hooks, and why you might not need that scheduler after all. On this episode: What the Instagram Edits app does that Instagram doesn't Reusable reel templates (hello, VA handoff) Trial reels and hooks that reach new people Need something to actually say in all those reels? Melissa's 35 Blog Post Topics is full of ideas you can turn into content. Notes taken. Task list made. Delivered to your inbox every Monday. Join the Get Booked podcast list and skip the frantic note-taking in the school pickup line. 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 Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings —no ads required. 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

October 26, 2026Episode 8832 min

116: Q4 2026 Quarterly Catch Up

A runaway dog, a power outage and a canceled field trip couldn't stop this quarterly catch-up (though the chickens of Kāneʻohe gave it their best shot). We're grading our Q3 photography business goals with total honesty and mapping out our Q4 business planning before the year gets away from us. Love the episode but forgot the action steps before you finished the school pickup line? Get the show notes in your inbox every Monday, with notes, action steps and task lists ready to go. On this episode: What worked and what didn't in Q3 Why the freebie PDF might be on its way out Our Q4 goals for marketing, mentoring and photography Ready to run your own check-in? Grab Alison's Quarterly Review and grade your quarter right alongside us. Want your blog working as hard as you are? Melissa put together 35 Blog Post Topics to help you write content that actually gets your photography business found. Mentioned on this episode: Braden Drake's Contract Club 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 Ready to streamline your content? Melissa's got you covered with her 35+ Blog Post Topics freebie —grab them now. Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings —no ads required. Links: Braden Drake's Contract Club Quarterly Review 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

October 19, 2026Episode 11525 min

115: Red Flags In New Inquiries

We've both got the scars (and the one-star reviews) to prove it — so this week we're handing you our full red-flag playbook for spotting a bad-fit inquiry before it ever gets near your calendar. Love the episode but forgot the action steps before you finished the school pickup line? Get the show notes in your inbox every Monday, with notes, action steps and task lists ready to go. On this episode: Why "limiting language" in an inquiry is telling you something real How to turn a missed red flag into a policy that protects you next time The system that makes red flags obvious instead of invisible Listen to Episode 89 — "The Policy Episode Nobody Wants to Have." Need blog post ideas that actually convert instead of collecting dust in your drafts folder? Melissa put together 35 Blog Post Topics to help. Links: Get the show notes in your inbox Join PPA - - Search Alison Bell as referring member 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

October 12, 2026Episode 11424 min

114: Your Biz Bestie Is Your Backup Plan

This is a tough topic this week, but stick with us — because if you died tomorrow, would anyone know how to deliver your clients' photos? We're breaking down exactly how to build a photography business continuity plan before you ever need one. Love the episode but forgot the action steps before you finished the school pickup line? Get the show notes in your inbox every Monday, with notes, action steps and task lists ready to go. On this episode: Why every photographer needs a "biz bestie" backup plan What passwords, access, and information to have ready — just in case How to protect your spouse (and your clients) if the unexpected happens Looking for more ways to grow your photography business? Melissa has put together 35 Blog Post Topics to help you create content that actually works. Too busy to catch every episode? Get the show notes delivered to your inbox — action steps, task lists, and all — every Monday morning. Links: Get the show notes in your inbox 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

October 5, 2026Episode 11330 min

113: Pinterest for Photographers

We're back with Natalie Bardo, Your Pin Coach, for round two on Pinterest — because one episode was never going to cover keywords, boards, AND what to actually pin when you're starting from zero. Love the episode but forgot the action steps before you finished the school pickup line? Get the show notes in your inbox every Monday, with notes, action steps and task lists ready to go. On this episode: Optimizing your Pinterest profile and boards with location-based keywords Turning Pinterest clicks into real email subscribers A realistic pinning workflow for solo photographers with no VA in sight Resources Mentioned Nadalie Bardo, Your Pin Coach, free pin template pack Pinterest checklist from last week's episode: Free Pinterest Profile Checklist Pinterest Templates from Nadalie - Ep 2 - Free Pinterest Pin Templates Tailwind, the Pinterest scheduler Melissa uses and Nadalie recommends 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 Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings —no ads required. 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

September 28, 2026Episode 11242 min

112: Pinterest Explained with Nadalie, Your Pin Coach Part 1

We've been telling you to post more Reels, but what if the real answer was sitting in an app you haven't opened since 2019? Nadalie Bardo — aka Your Pin Coach, and a former wedding photographer herself — joins us to break down Pinterest marketing for photographers and why it might just outwork everything else you're doing. Love the episode but forgot the action steps before you finished the school pickup line? Get the show notes in your inbox every Monday, with notes, action steps and task lists ready to go. On this episode: Why Pinterest works nothing like social media Whether to convert your personal account or start fresh How to optimize your profile, boards, and pins to actually get found Resources Mentioned: Nadalie Bardo, Your Pin Coach, Free Pin Template Pack & Free Pinterest Profile Checklist 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 Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings —no ads required. 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

September 21, 2026Episode 11130 min

111: Email Marketing 103: Email Analytics

We're finally cracking open the spreadsheet on email marketing analytics — the authority stuff, the numbers that actually matter, and why your unengaged subscribers are basically ghosting you and need to go. On this episode: Why email authentication is the foundation of inbox trust Which analytics actually matter (and which ones to stop obsessing over) How to use AI to do the number-crunching for you ________________________ LAST CALL for Email Marketing workshop - 60 minutes to turn that beautiful blog into a growing email list that BOOKS. Alison is going to walk you through the set up, organization, frequency & techy side of email marketing for creatives like you! Save 25% off your first year with Flodesk. 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 Ready to streamline your content? Melissa's got you covered with her 35+ Blog Post Topics freebie —grab them now. Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings —no ads required. Links: Hit Send: Email Marketing for Photographers Save 25% off your first year with Flodesk. 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

September 14, 2026Episode 11025 min

110: Email Marketing 102: Opt-In Options

We're back with round two of our email marketing series — and this time we're getting into the good stuff: how to actually turn random website visitors into people on your email list. On this episode: What opt-ins are and why "stay connected with me" doesn't cut it anymore The four types of opt-in placements (and when to use each one) Real lead magnet ideas you can steal today ________________________ Email marketing not dead, we promise. Turn random website visitors into potential clients with an platform you own.Alison is hosting a 60 minute workshop specifically for photographers - join now! Save 25% on Flodesk for your first year with the discount here . Want more content ideas to keep your emails (and blog) full? Melissa put together 35 Blog Post Topics so you never run out of things to say. Save 25% on Flodesk for your first year? Grab the discount here . 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 Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings —no ads required. Links: Hit Send: Email Marketing for Photographers Save 25% off your first year with Flodesk. 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

September 7, 2026Episode 10925 min

109: Email Marketing 101: CRM vs. ESP

We know, we know — "CRM vs. ESP" sounds like alphabet soup, but getting email marketing for photographers right might just be the missing piece between random Instagram eyeballs and clients who actually read what you send. On this episode: The real difference between your CRM and your ESP Why owning your email list beats borrowing your audience on social media What to look for before you invest in an email service provider Turn random website visitors into potential clients with an platform you own-email! It's not dead, we promise. Alison is hosting a 60 minute workshop specifically for photographers - join now! Want more content ideas to keep your emails (and blog) full? Melissa put together 35 Blog Post Topics so you never run out of things to say. Save 25% on Flodesk for your first year? Grab the discount here . 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 Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings —no ads required. Links: https://flodesk.com/c/0QOFJM Get 25% off your first year 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!

August 25, 2026Episode 10818 min

108: How to Get Repeat Clients as a Photographer (Without Being Salesy)

The easiest clients to book might be the ones who already love you. One Facebook comment. That's all it took. Melissa was doom scrolling when she spotted a video of a store reopening in her old town, two hours away, and recognized a past client family cutting the ribbon (with a brand new baby she didn't even know about). She left a quick congrats comment, the kind you'd leave for a friend, and within a few hours mom had messaged asking if Melissa would travel back to photograph their family again. No promotion, no discount, no "my fall calendar is open, link in bio." Just a comment. In this episode, Melissa makes the case that we pour so much energy into chasing total strangers while the people who already know us, trust us, and have our work hanging on their walls are one quiet reminder away from rebooking. She shares how she stays connected with past clients on social media without being weird about it, why back to school season is the perfect window to reconnect, and how to start locking clients in for next year's sessions right now. What You'll Learn: Why past clients are the easiest people on the planet to book (the know-like-trust work is already done) Melissa's "quiet reminder" approach to commenting on past clients' posts without ever pitching Why back to school season hands you five solid weeks of natural reasons to reconnect How one Instagram comment habit brought an overseas client back for family photos Ways to lock in next year's sessions at gallery delivery, from soft email commitments to deposits for peak fall foliage week How this works beyond family sessions: seniors with younger siblings, baby plans, extended family sessions, and branding clients Why this strategy needs no algorithm, no keyword research, and no funnel Join Alison's Email Marketing Workshop Sept 24! 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 Ready to streamline your content? Melissa's got you covered with her 35+ Blog Post Topics freebie —grab them now. Looking for your next clients? Grab Alison's list of 39 FREE ways to get more bookings —no ads required. Links: Join Alison's Email Marketing Workshop Sept 24! 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 @‌getbookedpodcast Find Melissa on IG @‌pictureperfectrankings Used #getbookedpodcast on socials!