How to get more customer reviews? 5 key tactics for photographers

Nowadays, most people looking for the services of a photographer start their search on the Internet. That’s why having a good selection of reviews from satisfied customers on your website has become an essential tool for building trust. Especially for those users who still have doubts about whether or not to book a photo shoot with you. Including reviews on your website not only adds credibility, it also acts as powerful social proof. Reviews from former clients can convey the quality of your work, the personalised service you offer and the full experience they had with you etc. In this way, visitors to your website will not only see your photos, but also what others think of you, which can be the final push they need to make a decision.

However, it is not just a matter of copying and pasting any comments. For testimonials from satisfied customers to really influence your future clients, it is key to know how to ask for them, when to ask for them and how to present them. In this article we are going to show you how to collect customer reviews effectively and strategically, so that they become one of the pillars of your online presence as a photographer.

 

The more quality customer reviews you collect on your website, the closer you will be to converting your visitors into new customers.

What role do customer reviews play in the decision of your website visitors?

Customer reviews on your photography website are one of the most effective ways to generate social proof – that sign of trust that helps other users feel more confident in hiring your services, even if they don’t know you yet. However, testimonials not only increase credibility, they can also offer you multiple benefits:

• They improve the positioning of your website. Search engines value customer reviews positively, as they provide fresh, authentic and relevant content. Including well-written testimonials on your website can help you improve your visibility in search results and attract more people interested in your services.
• Increase conversions on your website. Conversions occur when a visitor takes a key action, such as contacting you or booking a session. Studies show that including real reviews increases the conversion rate, as it reinforces trust at the decisive moment.
• They help you better understand your customers. Reviews also give you direct insight into how your customers perceive your work, how they are treated and their overall experience. This can give you valuable clues to improve your services and communication.
• They differentiate you from the competition. Testimonials often reveal aspects of your way of working that you yourself do not highlight, such as your approachability, your empathy, your ability to reassure those who are not comfortable in front of the camera, or your punctuality. All of these can become your best letter of introduction to other professionals.

Including client evaluations only brings advantages. Now, do you know how to get useful and credible testimonials? In the following section we share with you some practical tips to collect reviews effectively and turn them into a powerful tool for your photography business.

5 effective strategies to get valuable reviews from your clients

If you want to collect a good amount of valuable feedback from your customers, there are several options available to you. Some of the most effective ones include: asking for them personally after each shoot or delivery, sharing your business profile on Google (or other platforms such as Facebook, etc.) so they can leave their feedback, or using specific tools that allow you to collect and display testimonials directly on your website in a visual and orderly way.

If you choose the first option, the individual request, we recommend that you plan in advance when and how you are going to ask for the review. It’s not just a matter of asking for an opinion; choosing the right timing and context can make the difference between a generic response and an honest, detailed and useful testimonial for future customers. Here are a few steps you can take to help you prepare the right request for recommendations and ensure that the reviews you receive clearly reflect the value of your work and the expertise you offer.

1# Ask short, specific questions to get a good review

Whether you will be soliciting client feedback directly from your studio or you prefer to have your clients send you their reviews by email, leaving a few simple questions prepared can be a great help. These questions not only make it easier for your clients to express their opinion, but also allow you to get more complete and useful feedback to show the quality of your work. Here are some questions you can ask them:

• How did you hear about us?
  More than just a simple opinion, this question will help you identify your most effective recruitment channels. It is also a natural way to break the ice and make the client feel comfortable.
• What did you enjoy most about working with us?
  This is the space where your clients can talk about the positive aspects of your service, from the quality of the photos to the friendly service.
• Was there anything you didn’t like or that you think we could improve?
  Knowing what your weaknesses are is fundamental to your growth. Even if this answer is not part of the public testimony, it will be very valuable to improve your service.
• Would you recommend us to others and why?
  An affirmative answer to this question can be used directly as a testimonial. If the answer is negative or contains doubts, it will help you detect areas you need to work on to strengthen your business.

As you can see, with these four simple questions you can collect quality feedback that will not only help you improve, but will also be very useful to convince future undecided customers.

2# Ask for a testimonial at the perfect time to maximise responses

If you are a photographer, the ideal time to ask your clients for feedback is usually pretty well defined: it’s best to ask for it after they have seen the images from their shoot. However, depending on the type of shoot you do and the way you work, this timing may vary slightly.

For example, if you are a wedding photographer and you deliver the full shoot a month after the event, but you also offer a sneak preview of the 20 best shots just before the couple leaves for their honeymoon, this is the perfect time to ask for feedback. The excitement of the wedding will still be fresh, and seeing those first images often has a much greater impact than when they receive the rest of the album some time later.

In the case of studio shoots, even if you then send the photos through an online gallery, you can take the opportunity when your clients are with you in person to show them a preliminary selection and encourage them to give you their testimonial right then and there.

If your work is more artistic and the post-production process is key to their understanding of your style, it is best to ask for their feedback once they have seen the final edited images in their private gallery.

Finally, if you are selling images online and customer contact is minimal or non-existent, a good strategy is to encourage your buyers to leave a review right after they receive notification that they can download their photos.

3# Incorporate a feedback tool into your strategy

When it comes to sending your customers this simple list of questions, you can choose from several methods. Here are a few ideas for you to select the one that best suits your style and needs:

• Word document. The quickest and easiest option is to send a Word file with the list of questions. It’s a practical method that won’t take up too much of your time, although it is a little more informal than other alternatives.
• Free online surveys. If you are looking for a more professional option, you can use free tools available on the Internet to create online surveys, such as encuesta.com, among many others. This alternative requires a little more time to learn how to use the platform and design the survey, and the free versions often have limitations. However, the end result is much more polished and can make it easier for your customers to respond.
• Automated forms in email services. Platforms like MailChimp allow you to create forms that are automatically sent to a specific list of customers. This option is ideal if you have an organised database and a well-segmented list of subscribers. If this is not your case, you may find this option more complicated to implement.
• Form on your website. If you use a website created with Arcadina, you can design a landing page (a hidden page in your main menu) where you can incorporate a form with the questions already written. This way, when you consider it appropriate, you will only have to send the customer the URL of this page so that they can leave their testimonial quickly and easily.

In our next help article we explain step by step how to create a landing page for this purpose.

>> Arcadina Help. How to create a Landing Page

4# Encourage your customers to leave you a great review

Most of your customers will not be particularly motivated to take the time to write a review, even if they are really satisfied with your work. That’s why it’s essential to “catch them in the heat of the moment“, i.e. ask them for their review when the experience is still fresh and the excitement about the outcome is at its peak. This is the key moment to encourage them to share in writing what it has been like to work with you.

If you want to increase the number of clients who eventually leave you a review, it is imperative that you motivate them and give them an incentive to do so. Offering something in return is a simple but very effective trick that can make a big difference to the quantity and quality of testimonials you receive. For example, you can offer them a small discount for their next photo shoot, give them an extra image or surprise them with an enlargement of the photo of their choice. These small rewards not only encourage participation, but also generate a sense of gratitude and loyalty that goes beyond a simple rating.

Also, when you ask them to share their experience, let them know how much you value their opinion and explain that with this simple gesture they are helping to improve your business and offer a better service to future customers. This approach creates a more personal connection and increases the likelihood that they will be willing to work with you.

5# Request video testimonials for authenticity

If you choose to deliver your photographs in person, you have a unique opportunity to capture your clients’ genuine reaction to seeing their images for the first time. Take advantage of that moment of emotion and connection to record a short video testimonial.

A video testimonial, even a short one, can convey much more than a written review: emotion, tone of voice, gestures and authenticity. All of this creates a stronger connection with future customers and provides much more powerful and credible social proof. You can give advance notice that you will be recording a short clip, ask permission politely and keep your approach natural and spontaneous. The video doesn’t need to be perfect, the important thing is to capture the real, honest emotion of the moment.

In addition, these types of customer reviews are ideal for sharing on your website, social media or in presentations for new clients. Seeing other people get excited about your work may be just what a prospective client needs to decide to hire your services.

Effective ways to show client testimonials on your photography website

 

 Photography website created with Arcadina

Once your clients have sent you their opinions, it is essential to know how and where to use them to get the most out of them. But before publishing them on your photography website, there is one important step you should not skip: sincerely thank each client for their collaboration. This small gesture strengthens your relationship with them and reinforces the image of a professional, approachable and attentive photographer.

If you receive a negative review, do not ignore it. Try to understand the reason for the dissatisfaction and, if you can, find a solution. Constructive criticism is an opportunity to improve your service and, if you manage the situation well, you can even turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one.

When it comes to displaying customer reviews, the ideal is to publish them as you receive them, without modifications. However, it is completely valid to make small adjustments, such as correcting spelling mistakes, eliminating unnecessary repetitions or improving the wording of confusing phrases, as long as you keep the original message intact.

Strategic places to include testimonials on your photography website

• Services page. If you offer different types of sessions (weddings, newborn, portraits, etc.), include at the bottom of each service page specific testimonials from clients who have booked that same photo session. This way you will build trust right at the key moment of the decision.
• About me” page or biography. If some clients mention your approachability, your empathy or the way you work, put those reviews on your personal page. It will help reinforce your professional and human image.
• Forms or contact pages. Including a small positive quote next to the contact form can give that final push to undecided clients.
• Personalised emails. When responding to email enquiries, you can close the message with one or two short testimonials related to the type of session they are requesting. This reinforces your response with effective social proof.
• Dossiers and quotes. Adding testimonials to digital catalogues or PDFs where you explain your rates and services reinforces your value proposition and conveys trust.
• Advertising campaigns. If you run targeted campaigns for a specific type of session, including testimonials from well-selected customers can increase the conversion of visits into customers.
• Social media. Share fragments of testimonials in graphic or video format. They bring closeness, generate engagement and work very well as valuable content.

Collect customer reviews directly through your photography website

 

 Customer testimonials on your website

If you didn’t already know, at Arcadina you have a specific page of opinions available that allows you to easily collect customer reviews. This section can be displayed both on your professional website and in the business area (public and private client galleries), if you so choose. This way, anyone who has worked with you can leave a comment on your service, your treatment or the quality of your photographs.

To ensure that no unwanted or inappropriate reviews are posted, the system is set up so that all reviews go through your approval first. This means that once a customer submits a review, you will receive a private notification informing you that you have a new review pending review. Posting the review is very simple: just log in to your dashboard and go to the General / Reviews section. From there you can read the testimonial and decide whether to publish it or not.

A good practice that makes a difference is to respond publicly to each review once it has been published. Thanking your customers for their words not only strengthens your relationship with them, but also projects a professional image, close and committed to the satisfaction of those who trust in your work.

>> Set up the Reviews page

Connect your Google reviews on your photography website

 

 Google customer reviews linked to your website

In addition to allowing your clients and visitors to leave a written evaluation of your work on the web, we know that there are already many of you who use the Google reviews tool so that anyone can leave a rating of a company, service, etc. That’s why you will also be able to link these important reviews on your photography website.

>> Include Google reviews on your website

The idea is that every time a customer leaves a review on Google, it will be automatically added to the reviews on your website (after your own review, of course). In this way you will have, in a single space, all the testimonials of your customers gathered together. And best of all, your customers will not have to leave your website to read them, an essential detail if you want to improve the conversion of your website.

 

 

 

Real examples of photographers using reviews on their websites to attract new clients

Below is a small selection of websites of some of our photographer clients who are already using the feedback section and some have also been encouraged to link it to the reviews that clients have left them on Google. Thanks to this section, they are able to collect real testimonials from the people who have worked with them and at the same time publicly display their clients’ satisfaction as a powerful trust and marketing tool.

These pages not only serve as inspiration for you, but also demonstrate how the simple gesture of incorporating customer reviews can make all the difference in attracting new customers.

1# Francisco Ruano

Francisco Ruano

We begin this small compilation of photographers who include client reviews on their website with Francisco Ruano, a photographer specialising in nature and landscapes who, as well as offering a carefully curated gallery of images, also shares his personal story on his website and how his passion for this type of photography was born.

On his website, Francisco not only shows some of his work and the exhibitions in which he has participated, but he has also created a very special section called “Guestbook”. In this section, numerous followers and visitors have left very positive reviews of his work, highlighting both the beauty of his photographs and his artistic sensitivity. This space not only adds emotional value to his website, but also functions as a tool of trust for those who are discovering his work for the first time.

2# José Alarcón

 

José Alarcón Photograpy

José Alarcón is a very famous wedding photographer who also shoots for 15 years old, children, professional reportage, sports, etc. On his photography website you will find a multitude of image galleries, a services page where he explains how he works at weddings, a blog with a lot of information and a price guide. In addition, people who are interested in their services will also be able to book directly from the website some of their reports.

Without a doubt, this website is very complete and this photographer has dedicated time and affection to show all the options he can offer his clients, that’s why, as well as explaining how he works, he has wanted his own clients to explain their experiences on his opinions page. And if you go there, you’ll see that some of the reviews have been left directly on the website and others on Google.

3# Caminante de Montes

 

Mountain Walker

Another customer review site that we would like to highlight is that of Caminante de Montes, a site that specialises in landscape photography, with a special focus on high mountain environments. As well as offering a carefully selected range of stunning images, this site also acts as a meeting point for those wishing to take part in organised photographic outings and workshops specialising in nature photography.

On its website, visitors can explore a visually spectacular portfolio, find out about upcoming events and discover the various photographic projects underway. But one of the most outstanding sections is undoubtedly the Opinions section, where clients and amateurs from all over the world have left their testimonials about the experience of learning, travelling and photographing with this professional. This space not only reinforces the credibility of the project, but also conveys the passion and commitment behind each image and activity.

4# CL Fotógrafos

 

CL Photographers

The CL Fotógrafos team specialises in wedding photography and also carries out emotive children’s sessions such as communions, newborn reports, pregnancy sessions, children and young people, mainly in the city of Madrid. On their website you will find a lot of useful information: from their image galleries, to the details of their services, blog posts and a very complete section dedicated to the team behind the camera in the “About us” section.

And if you want to know the real experience of those who have already trusted in their work, you can’t miss the Customer Reviews section, where many families and couples have shared their evaluations, highlighting both the quality of the photos and the close and professional treatment received.

5# Óscar Barea Fotografía

 

Óscar Barea Photography

Óscar is a versatile and experienced photographer who offers a wide range of reportage, from dance photography, books and portraits, to editorial projects, pregnancy sessions, weddings, corporate photography, gastronomy, sports, and much more. On his photography website, visitors can explore a large and carefully selected gallery of images, as well as learn more about his professional career and artistic approach.

In addition, those who want to check the degree of satisfaction of his clients can go to the Reviews section, where numerous real testimonials are compiled, highlighting both the technical quality of his work and the human and close treatment he offers in each session.

Increase your online visibility by including customer reviews on your website

Including client reviews on your website is always an excellent strategy to strengthen your brand as a photographer. Whether it’s asking for a personal review after a session or encouraging your clients to share their experience through your reviews section, these testimonials add great value to your website.

Real reviews not only reinforce the confidence of first-time visitors to your photography website, but also project a more approachable, professional and transparent image of your work . Showing what other clients think of you can be the final push an undecided person needs to decide to hire you. In addition, this practice not only improves your reputation, but also contributes to the positioning of your website, helping you to attract more qualified traffic.

At Arcadina we offer you all kinds of specific business solutions for photographers that will make your day-to-day life easier. Would you like to try them for free for 14 days?

This time we are going to share with you the interview with Maru Serra, a great photographer and friend of Arcadina.

>> “The best option for photographers who want to move forward”, Maru Serra

If you want to read the testimonials of some colleagues who have left us about our service, in the following link you will be able to see some of them.

>> Arcadina customer reviews

And if you would like to leave us a review of our service, you can do so by clicking here.

Finally, we would like to know what method do you use to solicit customer reviews? We’d love to read your ideas in the comments.

 

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