We’ve all read reviews that help us decide where to eat, which shows to stream, or even which products to buy. But when it comes to choosing a photographer, or any small business for that matter, reviews are even more essential!
Not only does it help your photographer grow their business with social proof, it also gives future clients a glimpse into what working with them is really like.
But how do you write a compelling review? Let’s take a look.
What To Include In Your Review
Writing a review doesn’t have to be like writing a novel, but crafting a compelling personal review does take some thought beyond “The photos were great, definitely recommend!”
Think of this – if you were looking to hire a small business, what kind of information would you be looking for in the reviews? Your eye will likely be drawn to the longer reviews, those with 4-6 sentences that describe a specific experience and the results of the service.
Start with Your Experience
Photography is about so much more than the photos themselves. Your experience from start to finish matters, and it can reflect in how you feel when you see those images.
• Did you talk with other photographers first?
• How was the communication, were your questions answered in a timely manner?
• Did you have any concerns or specific requests?
Example: “From the moment we walked into the studio, Crystal made us feel right at home…”
Highlight What Stood Out
Did anything specific happen during the photo session that made you feel extra relaxed or excited? Was this experience different than others you may have had before?
Example: “I was blown away by her ability to capture my child’s personality in every shot, especially when…”
Describe the Results
Rather than simply saying the photos were “great,” explain how they made you feel and what made them special. Did they capture a unique emotion? Did you leave feeling confident and taken care of?
Remember to include specific terms related to the type of session (e.g., newborn photography, wedding, family portrait) to help the review appear in relevant searches.
Example: “Our newborn photos are stunning, it’s clear that so much thought went into personalizing the sets for is so that we could take home something truly unique. Every time I look at them, I’m reminded of that beautiful moment…”
Mention the Value or Impact
Why are these photos important to you or your family? Do they hold extra sentimental value?
Example: “The road to bring this baby into the world was not easy, and these photos will be cherished by our family for years, we’re so grateful…”
Bonus: Add A Photo!
Most platforms will allow you to upload a photo, which adds some extra personalization to the review.
A thoughtful, personal review can be a wonderful way to thank your photographer and help others feel confident in booking their session!
Where To Leave Your Review
Facebook is a popular choice for many people because they’re already spending time daily in that space. It’s familiar and it’s easy. Many small businesses rely strongly on social media and reviews help give social proof that a business is real and trustworthy.
If we had to choose just ONE place to leave a review, it would be this. While social media is the easiest place to leave a review, Google can boost a photographer’s local search visibility and is one of the first things potential clients see.
The Knot or Wedding Wire
For weddings, The Knot and WeddingWire are incredibly helpful in getting photographers in front of newly engaged couples.
Each review you provide is a small gift back to your photographer and a beacon for future clients looking for an experience as wonderful as yours.
So take a few moments to reflect, write from the heart, and help others find the perfect photographer to celebrate and document their life’s biggest moments!
