Sound familiar? Then this is the perfect time to start taking a strategic approach. With these eight tips, you can build a review flow step by step that will increase your enquiries and bookings in the short and long term.
1. Choose the right moment
Ask for a review at a well-considered moment in your process. The days or weeks after the wedding party are rarely ideal. The newlyweds are on their honeymoon or are flooded with messages and final paperwork or invoices. Your request will quickly disappear to the bottom of their inbox. On the other hand, don't wait too long, so that it doesn't get forgotten.
Choose a moment when they will consciously reflect on your collaboration again. Some examples:
- For photographers, an interesting moment is when the photo gallery or album is delivered.
- For wedding planners, event venues, caterers or other suppliers, this could be when you send a thank-you email or a final evaluation email afterwards.
- Perhaps you send a standard card, have a final contact moment, or the couple sends you photos or tags you in their photos on social media.
These positive moments are an ideal time to ask for a review. This increases the chance of a strong and convincing testimonial.
2. Integrate reviews into your workflow
Consistently collecting reviews only works if you do it systematically. Therefore, make it a fixed step in your CRM, planning tool or general way of working. For example, with Teamleader or Hubspot, you can automatically schedule a follow-up email – with reminder emails if necessary – and work with a personalised template. This makes it a standard part of your process, so you don't have to think about it every time. Anything that isn't in your system will quickly be forgotten, especially during the busy high season.
3. Keep it simple
The lower the threshold, the greater the chance that a couple will actually write a review. That's why you should avoid long instructions or multi-channel approaches. Send one clear question with one specific action – if necessary, through a short WhatsApp message:
- Add a direct link to the right review platform (recommended: your Google review page).
- Explain in one sentence where they can click.
- Mention that it only takes them a few seconds, and it would make you very happy.
4. Give them a nudge in the right direction
Many couples do want to write a review, but don't really know where to start. Help them on their way with specific, open questions.
For example, you could ask:
- How did you experience our collaboration?
- What gave you confidence in my approach?
- What advice would you like to give to future couples?
More specific reviews increase recognition among potential customers and strengthen your power of persuasion even before the first meeting.
5. Explain why their review matters
Couples are more likely to share their experience when they truly understand why their feedback is important. For example, briefly explain that their review will also help engaged couples in the future to choose their supplier with confidence. This immediately gives their review understandable added value.
Make your question personal and sincere. You can share that word-of-mouth advertising and honest feedback make a big difference to you as an independent entrepreneur.
6. Also ask the question in person
A standard email works; a personal question works even better. When you ask for the review in person, you increase engagement. You can do this during a final appointment, upon delivery of your (after) service such as the photographs, in a short follow-up conversation or via a personal message. By making a visible effort yourself, you increase the chance that they will do the same.
7. Respond to your reviews
Received a review? Seize this extra opportunity to further strengthen your visibility and reputation, and take the time to respond to the feedback online, under their message. Thank the couple and briefly refer to something specific from their experience. This shows that you really read and appreciate their review.
For potential customers, such a response is no less important than the review itself. They see how you communicate and how committed you are. At the same time, previous customers feel recognised once again. This strengthens the relationship and increases the chance of recommendations within their network.
8. Dare to ask again
No response? That rarely means that a couple was dissatisfied. In most cases, your request was simply overlooked.
Send a short, friendly reminder after a week or two. Keep it clear and pressure-free, with a simple action and direct link. Satisfied customers are happy to share their experience; sometimes they just need a little extra push.
Make reviews part of your growth strategy
In an industry where couples value social proof, reviews make the difference between interest and booking. They strengthen your position and shorten your sales process because trust has already been built to some extent.
Take a moment to consider your current situation. How many recent reviews are visible on Google today? When was the last time you actively asked for them?
Those who take a structured approach to reviews strengthen their reputation and build sustainable growth simultaneously. Now is the time to refine your review strategy and make it an integral part of your operations. Good luck!