Customer reviews are incredibly important for businesses like photography to show the quality and reliability of the photographer’s services. Along with building credibility, they often determine if someone will even consider reaching out to you and how high you rank on Google.
With nearly 84% of people valuing online reviews as much as word-of-mouth recommendations, having strong Google reviews has become a must for a successful photography business. They provide clients with social proof that your photography service delivers exactly what you promise in your consultations.
However, getting good review for your photography business can be challenging, and many photographers find it tricky to collect them consistently, even from happy clients.
But not anymore! Let's explore 14 strategies for getting more customer reviews for photography business for a strong business reputation.
Ways To Get Google Reviews For Photography Business
Photography is personal, and clients often want to know if a photographer can capture their unique style and make them feel comfortable while clicking memorable moments.
Getting Google customer reviews builds this trust, helping them feel confident about choosing you. Let’s explore 14 tips to get reviews for your photography business.
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Claim And Optimize GMB Profile
Leaving your GMB profile incomplete or outdated can confuse clients looking for accurate information and affect their willingness to book your service.
By optimizing your GMB with all relevant information, like services, hours, contact details, and high-quality images that show your best work and photography studio, you're showing your professionalism and building credibility in the photography industry.
Once updated, regularly monitor your profile for any client questions, and respond quickly to show you're active. This makes them more inclined towards booking your service and increasing your reviews.
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Ask For Reviews After Delivering Photos
Asking thoughtful reviews from your photography clients is the best and direct way to get more 5 star Google reviews. But keep in mind to not ask for reviews for photography business just after the shoot, as the client might find it inconvenient.
Instead, you can collect more reviews for photography clients after delivering the final photos, ideally within a week. This is usually the peak time when clients are excited and eager to share their thoughts, increasing your review count.
You can send them a quick thank-you message, letting them know you really appreciate working with them and would love to hear their feedback.
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Include A Direct Review Link
Clients are usually busy in their own lives, and expecting them to find your Google review page for review is a time-consuming task that not every client likes to do.
To solve this problem, use a Google review link that saves them time and hassle of searching for the link. When sending thank-you emails or follow-up SMS, include a direct link to your Google review page to make the process easy and less time-consuming.
You can even write something simple like, “It would mean a lot if you could leave a review here [link].” This quick shortcut saves them the hassle of searching for the link.
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Send A Personalized Thank-You And Review Request
Sending generic messages to clients seems very impersonal and repeated, which can lower your chances of receiving reviews. That's why personal messages are the best, as clients really appreciate when they feel remembered, and it makes them more likely to leave a genuine review.
To make your message personal, you can mention something particular from their session, like "It was a joy capturing your family's smiles, especially during that sunset moment."
This shows you were really present and that they weren't just another client for you. You can wrap up with a request for feedback, like, "I'd love to hear how the photos turned out for you!"
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Make Use Of Social Media
Along with using social media for updates, promotions, and uploading photos, get creative and use it to show client testimonials as well.
You can add stories in posts where you can tag clients or do “client shoutouts” with their permission. Show a few of their best shots and thank them for the experience, subtly asking for a review.
This way, it’s not just about asking for reviews but celebrating your clients, making the process feel more personal and less like a review request.
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Ask For Reviews From Repeat Clients
Don't hesitate to ask for a review from repeat clients, as repeat clients are more likely to leave a positive review because of their satisfied experience.
You can send a message like, "It's been amazing working with you again! If you'd like, I'd love to hear your thoughts on how the experience has been over the years."
This keeps your reviews updated and shows your lasting relationships with clients, which new clients love to see for building trust and credibility.
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Include Review Requests In Contracts Or Invoices
Clients are bound to check the photography contract or invoice, and adding the review request in these places surely grabs their attention.
But, instead of making a straightforward request, make sure to keep it more like a thank-you note with a line like “We’re always working to improve! Your feedback would be incredibly valuable.”
Framing it as a request with gratitude and telling how valuable a review is for your photography business makes the review request feel less like a business transaction and more like a genuine ask, which clients are usually happy to give.
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Feature Reviews On Your Website
Before booking you as a photographer, there are high chances that the client will check your work through a website reviews. To make your profile look more trustworthy, try adding testimonials of happy and satisfied clients to show their experience with you.
For better conversion and increasing chances of getting reviews, keep your testimonials fresh and update them from time to time. Also, use testimonials from different types of clients, like weddings, family shoots, corporate events, and so on.
Adding a variety of client photos (with permission) gives new visitors a well-rounded view of your work, and clients love to see how their experience was, encouraging them as well to leave Google reviews.
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Offer Reminders After Special Events
When it comes to getting Google reviews, timing is everything. While you can request them for reviews after the final photos are delivered, you should also request reviews after the special events.
For example, if you did wedding photography for a couple, you can send the reminder to them on their anniversary, saying, “Happy Anniversary! I hope the photos are bringing back beautiful memories as they did for us. We would really like it if you could share your memories and your experience with the world by clicking here: (link).”
This makes the request more personal and also gives them a reason to review your photography business, making them more likely to leave a heartfelt review.
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Provide Excellent Customer Service
If your services are great, leaving a Google review for clients becomes an easy task because of the high satisfaction rate. That's why focus on providing a great customer experience.
Start by making sure what kind of photos they want and what are their concerns. If they have any concerns or doubts, solve them at priority for their peace of mind. And make sure you meet the deadline for final photos as clients eagerly wait for it.
Once their service is completed, you can genuinely ask them for a review to remind them of their experience. If they liked your service, there's a high chance they'll leave a review while promoting your business.
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Host A Giveaway Or Contest On Social Media
Hosting giveaways and contests on social media is a win-win for both photographers and clients, as clients get prizes and you can increase your Google review count.
But, make sure not to focus too much on the prize as it attracts people who are only interested in freebies, which may result in rushed or low-effort reviews. Try to center the contest around their experience instead!
Ask clients to share a favorite moment from their session with you. For example, ask them what made their shoot memorable and tag you for a chance to win. This way, the reviews are more authentic rather than just aiming to win a prize.
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Follow Up With Happy Clients
Happy clients are the best promoters of your business, as they have already liked your service. While sending the follow-up, keep it light with a friendly reminder.
If you don’t hear back, consider a second message after a few weeks to not seem pushy. Make sure to keep your second message casual, for example, “Just checking in if you’re loving the photos! If you have a minute, I’d be so grateful if you could share a quick review.”
This way, you’re showing interest without pressuring them. And when clients feel the request is genuine and the service is great, they are more likely to give the Google review.
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Respond To Reviews
While gaining Google reviews is very important for a successful photography business, it's also important to reply to existing reviews to show that you care about your client's experience.
While responding to the positive and negative reviews, don't be generic and defensive, as this will make you seem less engaged and not so professional. Take a few seconds to personalize all your responses.
For positive reviews, mention something specific they noted or express gratitude for their unique perspective. For constructive feedback, keep it warm and professional, showing you're open to improvement. This motivates other customers as well to leave the review knowing you'll check their feedback.
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Track And Analyze Your Reviews
Track and analyze all your reviews to not miss out on any valuable clients. Every few months, scan through your reviews to see if any compliments or issues come up repeatedly.
For example, if people love a specific style you used or mention a particular missed detail, use that feedback to refine your service. This shows that your clients’ opinions actually shape your work, making them feel valued and building trust.
And when clients see this impact, they're more confident in hiring and recommending you to others, increasing reviews and conversions at the same time.
Once you start getting great reviews from photography clients, your business can see a visible difference in growth. Let’s understand what these differences are in the next section.
Why Are Google Reviews Important For Photography Business?
It’s well-known that positive Google reviews help create a community around your work, encouraging new clients to associate with you. But the benefits don't end there! Let's explore the other advantages Google reviews provide for your photography business.
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Builds Trust And Credibility
Positive Google reviews act like personal recommendations. Seeing that others had great experiences with you makes the new clients feel more at ease trusting you with their important moments.
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Improves Local SEO
The more good reviews you have, the better your chances of showing up in local searches. This results in more local photography clients discovering your business, increasing reach.
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Gives A Competitive Edge
Clients usually like to compare Google reviews before deciding which photographer to go with. Positive reviews help to show your strength and how well you connect with people, which can help them pick you over others.
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Increases Clients Rate
Positive Google reviews give new clients the confidence they need by showing a high customer satisfaction rate. When they read about happy customers, they’re more likely to reach out and book a session with you.
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Influence Decision Making
Clients often turn to Google reviews to help them make choices. When they see real stories from satisfied clients, it makes it easier for them to picture themselves having a great experience with you, influencing their decisions.
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Show Specialities And Style
Google reviews give you a chance to show your photography niches. When clients mention specific moments they love, it helps new clients understand your style and what makes your work special, increasing your authority.
Final Thoughts
Collecting reviews for your photography business is all about connecting with your clients and capturing their experiences. When you invite them to share their thoughts, you’re showing that their opinions matter to you.
However, try to be genuine and not pushy or spammy so your clients can freely express their experiences. And if you want Google reviews fast, you can always buy Google reviews that provide you with the same credibility and visibility for a successful photography business.