How to Rank #1 on Google for Wedding Vendors on the Gold Coast
Let's be honest: if you're not showing up on Google when couples search for wedding vendors on the Gold Coast, you're missing out on bookings. And not just any bookings - the kind that come from couples who are actively ready to hire someone like you.
I've spent years helping wedding vendors get found online, and I can tell you this much: ranking on Google isn't some mysterious algorithm magic. It's strategic, it's doable and yes, it takes a bit of work. But the payoff? Worth every minute.
So if you've been wondering why your competitor keeps showing up above you (even though your work is just as beautiful), this one's for you.
Why Google actually matters for wedding vendors
Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why - because I know you're busy, and you need to know this is worth your time.
When couples get engaged, they don't just scroll Instagram and hope for the best. They Google. A lot. Things like:
"Wedding photographers Gold Coast"
"Best wedding venues Currumbin"
"Affordable celebrants near me"
"Luxury wedding florist Gold Coast"
If you're not showing up in those search results, someone else is. And that someone else is getting the enquiry that should have been yours.
The foundations: What Google is actually looking for
Google wants to show couples the most relevant, trustworthy, helpful result. That's it. So your job is to prove to Google (and to couples) that you're exactly that. Here's what that looks like in practice:
1. Your Google Business Profile is non-negotiable
If you haven't claimed and optimised your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), start here. This is the single most important thing you can do for local SEO.
Here's what you need:
Complete every section. Business name, category (be specific: "Wedding Photographer" not just "Photographer"), service areas, hours, website link, phone number.
Add high-quality photos. Real weddings, behind-the-scenes, your face. Google loves fresh images.
Collect reviews. Ask every happy couple to leave a Google review. More reviews = more trust = higher rankings.
Post regularly. Yes, Google Business has a "posts" feature. Use it to share recent weddings, special offers, or helpful tips.
If your profile is half-finished or hasn't been touched in two years, that's your first job.
2. Your website needs to speak Google's language
Your website is beautiful - I'm sure of it. But is it optimised? Because aesthetics alone won't get you ranked.
What Google needs to see on your website:
Location-specific keywords. Don't just say "wedding photographer." Say "Gold Coast wedding photographer" or "Burleigh Heads wedding photographer." Mention suburbs, venues, and local landmarks naturally throughout your site.
Service pages for every offering. If you do weddings, elopements, and engagement shoots, create separate pages for each. More pages = more chances to rank.
A blog. Yes, really. Blogging is one of the most powerful SEO tools you have. Write about real weddings, vendor tips, local venues, seasonal trends. Google rewards fresh, helpful content.
Fast loading speed. If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load, couples (and Google) will bounce. Compress your images and clean up your code.
Mobile-friendly design. Most couples are searching on their phones. If your site isn't mobile-optimised, you're losing bookings.
3. Keywords: Use them like a local, not a robot
Keywords are simply the words and phrases couples type into Google. Your job is to use those same words naturally across your website.
Examples of strong keywords for Gold Coast wedding vendors:
Wedding photographer Gold Coast
Gold Coast wedding venues
Affordable wedding florist Gold Coast
Best celebrant Coolangatta
Luxury wedding styling Gold Coast
Use these in your:
Page titles
Headings
Image alt text (the description behind each photo)
Blog posts
Service descriptions
But here's the key: don't stuff them in awkwardly. Write for humans first, Google second. If it sounds robotic, rewrite it.
4. Get other websites to link to you
This is called "backlinking," and it's one of the biggest ranking factors Google uses. Essentially, when other reputable websites link to yours, Google sees it as a vote of confidence.
How to get backlinks as a wedding vendor:
Get featured on wedding blogs (submit real weddings to publications like Polka Dot Bride, Hello May, or The Lane)
Partner with other local vendors and link to each other's websites
Join local business directories (Gold Coast Tourism, Easy Weddings, etc.)
Get mentioned in local news or community blogs
The more quality links pointing to your site, the higher you'll rank.
5. Create content that couples actually want to read
This is where so many vendors drop the ball. You have years of expertise - share it!
Blog post ideas that rank well:
"Top 10 wedding venues on the Gold Coast (and why couples love them)"
"What to expect when booking a wedding photographer in 2025"
"Gold Coast wedding timeline: When to book your vendors"
"Real wedding: Sarah & Tom's Burleigh Pavilion celebration"
Google loves long-form, helpful content. Aim for 1,000+ words, use headings, include images, and answer the questions couples are actually asking. And here's the bonus: every blog post is another chance to rank for a new keyword.
The local SEO advantage: Own your area
As a Gold Coast wedding vendor, you have a huge advantage - you're local. And Google prioritises local results for location-based searches.
How to dominate local search:
Mention specific Gold Coast suburbs throughout your site (Burleigh, Currumbin, Coolangatta, Palm Beach, etc.)
Create location-specific service pages (e.g., "Weddings at Summergrove Estate" or "Elopements in Tallebudgera Valley")
Get listed in local directories
Encourage couples to mention your location in their Google reviews
The more you tie your business to the Gold Coast, the more Google will show you to couples searching in this area.
What not to do (because I've seen it go wrong)
Don't copy content from other websites. Google will penalise you for duplicate content.
Don't keyword stuff. If you say "Gold Coast wedding photographer" 47 times on one page, Google knows you're trying too hard.
Don't ignore your Google reviews. Respond to every single one (yes, even the less-than-perfect ones). It shows you care and boosts your credibility.
Don't expect overnight results. SEO takes 3-6 months to really kick in. But once it does, it's one of the most reliable ways to get bookings.
Consistency goes a long way!
Ranking #1 on Google isn't reserved for vendors with big budgets or tech teams. It's for the ones who show up consistently, optimise strategically and genuinely help couples along the way.
If your website hasn't been touched in a while, your Google Business Profile is gathering dust, or you've been meaning to start blogging but haven't - now's the time.
And if this all feels like a lot (because it is), that's exactly what we help wedding vendors with at The Marketing House. We handle the strategy, the optimisation and the content so you can focus on what you do best - creating unforgettable wedding experiences.
If you'd like help getting found on Google, view our services or contact us - we'd love to chat about how we can get you ranking (and booking) consistently.
