Client testimonials are one of the most powerful tools in the photographer toolbox to drive more bookings through increased brand authority and improved website SEO. If you’re struggling with how to get more glowing reviews and how to use them more effectively, keep reading!
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Client Testimonials Build Trust in Your Brand
Most photographers start their business by serving clients they already have relationships with, such as close friends and family members. But once you’re ready to move beyond people who already know you, you’ll likely find that convincing strangers to give you their hard-earned money in exchange for your creative labor is tricky.
In general, people are more willing to do business with someone they know, like, and trust – and having great reviews from previous clients helps build trust in your brand and puts leads at ease when they decide to book with you. When they see that other people have had successful experiences working with you, they are more likely to want to work with you themselves.
Client Testimonials Increase Your Website Search Engine Optimization
When prospective clients start searching online for the right photographer for their needs, they’ll often turn to Google first. However, most searchers will not scroll beyond the first five search results. Getting your website to rank highest on Google is a great way to increase bookings, and client testimonials are one of the factors Google considers when assigning your Google rankings.
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If you don’t have a Google Business Profile set up and want to get more organic leads from Google, take a few minutes to get that profile up and get verified. Then, ask your previous clients for testimonials!
Here’s How to Ask for Testimonials
Ask for Client Testimonials Directly
Make asking for clients to review your services part of your regular workflow by creating an email template that you can customize for each client. After you’ve completed a project with your client, send the email while the excitement about the photos is still fresh in their mind. The longer you wait, the less likely they’ll be to leave the review.
In your email, be sure to leave a link directly to your Google Business Profile reviews section but also give them the option to just reply directly to your email with their review if they prefer. Be sure to disclose that you may post their review publicly for marketing purposes.
Don’t be afraid to mention your desire for a testimonial in person when you meet with your client for their session or for their gallery reveal/ordering appointment. Happy clients are often eager to share their experiences to help you get more business!
Make a Social Media Post Soliciting Reviews
A few years ago, I accidentally deleted my Google Business Listing and lost two years’ worth of client testimonials. So, I made a couple of posts on my social media pages asking for new reviews from anyone who had ever loved working with me – and my clients responded enthusiastically!
Simply asking your social media followers to leave honest reviews is a great way to remind clients who may have forgotten to leave a review originally to hop over to Google. It’s perfectly acceptable to make this call for reviews on your social media every few months or annually.
Here’s How to Use Client Testimonials to Drive Bookings
Sprinkle Reviews on Each Page of Your Website
Instead of letting reviews just live on your Google listing or in your Facebook recommendations section, copy and paste them throughout your website. It’s important to remember that most leads will not thoroughly read every single bit of your website and that most people simply scan the text for important information.
By including reviews throughout your website on each page, you are increasing the visibility of these reviews and making it more likely that leads will read them and feel assured that you are the right photographer for them!
Put Reviews in Your Marketing Materials
Think about the printed and digital marketing materials you have for your business. Depending on your unique brand, you might have a pricing guide, wardrobe styling guide, project proposal, pre-booking questionnaire, posing guide, brochures, rack cards, etc.
Any of these can include client testimonials to hammer home the message that YOU are more than just a pretty picture maker: you are a professional problem solver with a proven track record of making your clients happy.
Use Reviews in Your Social Media Posts
Copy and paste your reviews into a static image on Facebook or Instagram. It is an easy way to turn reviews into content. But I encourage you to take the idea a step further!
Create a seamless scrolling carousel by combining images from your client’s session with snippets of their review to create a visually stunning display that keeps the viewer engaged. You can also utilize Reels and TikToks by telling a story about your client’s session to illustrate how you were able to receive such a glowing review!
Get clients. Get paid. Get happy.
Harness the power of client testimonials and book more clients when you ask directly for reviews and then put those reviews to work for you across your website, marketing materials, and social media posts.
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