Photo Concept

Honest and real client testimonials are one of the most powerful ways to market your photography business – hands down. I get asked a lot – “what are the best ways to get testimonials?”

Well, here are 6 important points about testimonials – which are SO IMPORTANT in your marketing and advertising:

1. Get the testimonial at the right moment – which is right after they have either seen their photographs for the first time, or when they come in to pick up the finished photographs. These are the two times when emotions are the highest, and when they will be most willing to give you a raving testimonial.

2. Get the testimonial on video, or at least on audio, if at all possible. Most of your clients will be happy to give you a wonderful testimonial if you just ask them nicely, and this includes audio and video testimonials. So have a simple video camera available, and also one of those digital recorders, so you are ready to get the testimonial.

3. Also transfer the testimonial into writing. If you got it on video or audio, simply transcribe it. This way you can use it three different ways – video, audio and in print.

4. With just a little coaching, you can guide them to mention one of your “Unique Factors” or “USP’s” in their testimonial – which is even more persuasive to a prospective client. Ask them to mention your guarantee, or your incredible service, or the fact that you met them ahead of time to plan everything so wonderfully, etc.

5. Always use their photograph with the testimonial, since you are a photographer! This accomplishes two things. First, it shows off your photography skills. Secondly, it adds more credibility to the testimonial. I have a rule. Never use a photograph in any marketing without having a testimonial from that client with it; and never use a testimonial without having their photograph with it. They go together like peanut butter and jelly.Always get their permission to use their full name, city and state at the end of the testimonial. This makes it much more believable. Instead of just using “J. Jones” you use “Dr. John Jones, Grand Rapids, MI.”

6. Make sure all your testimonials are real. This seems obvious, but it must be said. Don’t make them up. Be honest. You don’t build a long term successful photography business by being anything other than totally honest and real.

Hope this was helpful,
Chuck Lewis

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