Ask.

Ok, it is a little more involved than that, but not much. The key is to make it easy for your clients to help you out. If they can write a review or two in a couple of minutes , they are likely to do it.

Be sure to have a few places set up for them to write reviews, then send your clients an email after their portraits or events.  Email is key because the links are hyper-linked, requiring only a click. The letter could look something like this:

Hey “Awesome Client”

I just created some online profiles and really need your help.
If you’re super happy with the work we did for you, please consider writing an online review for my studio.
This will help other people in search of great images.

Below are a few places where we are listed. Please pick one or two a write a quick review.
Yelp,  Google, Yahoo, ETC, ETC, ETC

It only takes a few minutes, and Karma is a wonderful thing.

You Rock, we can’t wait to get you back in the studio!
Zack Wessels, Photographer

Whether you plan to attend your local state shows or the national trade shows such as WPPI, Imaging USA, or Pro Photo Expo, time is running out to find, schedule, and attend photography trade shows. We know this is your time to relax, so what is the big deal anyway? Well here are 8 big reasons to pack your bags, or a least go for a drive.

1. Get Motivated. Let’s face it, we all get burned out. There is nothing like being surrounded by success to motivate yourself to try new things and get excited again about what you do.

2. Talk to Peers. What are they up to? How are they making money? You mean there are other people out there like me, that can share my hate with Pinterest? etc. etc.

3. Low Cost. Nothing is free, but typically you go to warmer places, get discounted hotels and food, and the whole thing is an educational write off.

4. Industry Strength. The photography industry is going through some quickly changing times. How do we keep it healthy? Work together. Remember the Milk campaigns? That wasn’t one photographer purchasing ads, that was the industry working together.

5. Member Benefits. Equipment insurance, discounts on drive recovery services, legal representation if someone steals your images.

6. Fun. Parties, reasons to do crazy stuff with your images, parties, food, dancing, early mornings, late nights, its just fun.

7. Education. Almost too obvious to mention, but the classes are often taught by renowned photographers with a proven success track they are ready to share.

8. Survival. With all of the above said benefits, you will do better. A motivated you with more education, better ideas, with more contacts to bounce ideas off of, your photography company WILL DO BETTER.

If you are going to earn the income you deserve for your hard work and creativity, we must act now. We must educate ourselves and the public. We must stick together, and we must support each other and the companies that support your organization.

See you at the next show!