Have you ever looked at your testimonials and thought, “Hmm, they’re nice, but they don’t really wow”? You know, they’re positive, polite, and complimentary, but they’re not the kind of reviews that make future clients think, “I have to work with this photographer!”

As a photographer, I know the feeling. We put so much effort into capturing those unforgettable moments, so our testimonials should do more than just say, “We loved our photos!” We want them to reflect the connection, creativity, and style that make our work stand out. But getting testimonials that truly capture this feeling isn’t always easy. Often, clients rush through a quick review or aren’t sure what to say. So, how do you help them create impactful testimonials that highlight what makes you unique? I’ve got three essential tips that will turn client feedback into your best marketing tool. Ready to make your testimonials shine? Let’s get started!

Why Testimonials Matter (And the Mistake Most Photographers Make)

We all know testimonials are important. They build authority, show potential clients what it’s like to work with us, and help our SEO if they’re posted on Google. But here’s the problem: a lot of us photographers either don’t ask for testimonials or get stuck with ones that are way too generic. Imagine you get something like, “Bobbi’s great! We loved our photos!” Sure, it’s technically positive, but it doesn’t say what makes you unique or why someone should choose you over someone else.

For testimonials to work, they need to speak directly to your ideal client. You want a future bride, groom, or family member reading that review to think, “Yes! This is exactly who I want to capture our day!” So, instead of sending a quick message like, “Hey, could you leave me a Google review?” (because let’s be real, we all know what that ends up like), take control of the process. Let’s create testimonials that make clients say, “Wow!”

Timing Is Everything, Get That Testimonial While Excitement Is High

You must be wondering, “So, when’s the best time to ask for a testimonial?” Timing is key here. If you wait until everything is wrapped up and clients have the full gallery, you might not get the energy you’re looking for. Why? Because by then, they’re probably a bit overwhelmed or focused on what to do with their photos, like creating an album or deciding on prints.

Here’s my trick: ask for the testimonial after you deliver the highlights. This is the sweet spot because they’re excited, but they’re still looking forward to seeing the entire gallery. I’ve found that if you ask right after they get those first 150-200 photos, they’re so pumped and ready to share their experience with you. The excitement is fresh, and they’re in the mood to gush about the experience.

I’ve tried waiting until the end of the process, but the responses just don’t have the same spark. So, take advantage of that window when they’re still riding high from seeing those first few glimpses. That’s when they’ll give you the most genuine and passionate feedback.

Ask the Right Questions, Don’t Just Say, “Leave Me a Review”

Now, here’s the game-changer: don’t leave the review up to them. If you say, “Leave me a review,” they’ll probably write something brief like, “Bobbi was fun. She took amazing photos. Highly recommend.” Again, it’s fine, but we don’t want fine. We want testimonials that tell a story.

Here’s what I do: I send them a list of specific questions. These questions guide their responses and help them focus on the parts of the experience that future clients will want to hear about. Here are some questions I recommend:

• Why did you choose me as your photographer? This tells future clients what drew them in and may resonate with others who are on the fence.
• What part of the experience did you enjoy the most? Helps showcase what makes working with you special.
• Did you have any concerns before the wedding? If so, were they resolved? This is especially helpful for showing you understand and alleviate client worries.
• What would you tell a close friend about working with me? This question gets them thinking about how they’d describe the experience more personally, which usually leads to heartfelt and relatable responses.

These prompts turn a simple review into a thoughtful reflection on their experience. Plus, you’ll get tons of juicy quotes that you can sprinkle throughout your website and marketing materials to showcase your style and approach!

How to Turn These Answers into Google Reviews

One little hiccup that’s tripped me up before is sending clients the Google review link before they’ve provided their full testimonial. Here’s what happens: they get excited, click on the link, and quickly type something short and sweet, missing out on all the good stuff you’re hoping for.

Here’s what I do now instead. First, I send the questions, wait for their thoughtful responses, and only then do I ask them to post it as a Google review. I’ll say something like, “Thanks so much for those beautiful words! Would you mind copying and pasting this into a Google review? Here’s the link.” This way, they’re just transferring their answer, and you’re sure to get the full, detailed testimonial you want.

Why Testimonials Aren’t Just for “Bragging Rights”

Think of testimonials as an investment in your business. They’re not just nice comments for your website; they’re part of your brand story. Each testimonial helps future clients see not only the quality of your work but also what it feels like to be around you, how you handle the day, and why they should be excited about choosing you.

By focusing on getting quality testimonials that really highlight the client experience, you’re creating a library of social proof that works for you even when you’re not around. It’s like having past clients telling your future ones, “Hey, if you want an unforgettable experience, this is your person!”

How to Effectively Use Testimonials

Once you have these testimonials, use them everywhere! Here are a few ways to make them work for you:

• On Your Website. Place them on your homepage or dedicated testimonial page, especially ones that mention specific aspects of your style or personality.
• Social Media. Turn testimonials into posts or stories. A heartfelt quote from a client makes for a great Instagram post!
• Client Guides. Include them in guides for potential clients. It gives them a preview of what they can expect.
• Google & SEO. Encourage your clients to leave their reviews on Google to boost your SEO and help others find you more easily.

Each testimonial is a piece of your brand puzzle. The more they resonate with your ideal client, the more effortlessly you’ll attract the right people. That’s the beauty of a killer testimonial—it does the talking for you.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! To recap, the key to great testimonials is all about timing, guidance, and process. Ask for feedback while the excitement is fresh, right after you send the highlights. Make it easy for clients by asking specific questions that encourage them to share the details future clients care about most. And finally, when you’re ready for them to post their testimonial, send the Google review link so they can simply copy and paste their thoughtful responses. 

These steps may take a bit more effort, but the payoff is worth it: you’ll build a library of engaging testimonials that not only tell your story, but also connect with potential clients on a personal level. Testimonials like these are one of your best marketing tools, helping clients see the value in working with you and setting you apart from the crowd. So go ahead, use these tips to gather testimonials that truly resonate and make your work shine. Good luck!

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