Let me be real with you. I used to struggle to stand out in the crowded space of photography and videography. I felt like I wasn't attracting enough clients. And the clients I was attracting had low budgets and were a nightmare to work with. Then a mentor showed me this strategy. Something I haven't seen any photographers doing. I'm talking about social proof.

What is Social Proof?

Social proof is all about gathering those golden nuggets of validation. Reviews, testimonials, and case studies are your best friend here. When choosing a restaurant, do you choose the 2-star or the 4.5-star option?

Potential clients feel more assured after reading testimonials about your services.

It's all about creating trust with your potential clients.

When I was trying to create a niche for myself in product photography, I struggled to land clients. Even though I had a fantastic portfolio, something was missing. That's when my creative business coach shed light on the magic of testimonials. I dove right in. I started collecting reviews on Google. But I'll be honest, the initial apprehension was real. What if clients had negative things to say?

I ignored my fears and started asking for reviews. And then the reviews started coming in. Clients loved my service. Every positive review not only boosted my confidence but also served as a way to attract more clients.

Understanding the Impact

Seeing a perfect portfolio does give clients an idea of your skills. But it doesn't mean they're going to work with you. Pairing your portfolio with testimonials, though? That's a game-changer.

It elevates their perceived likelihood of achievement.

Simply put, they not only see the quality of your work but also believe in the promises you make.

Positive testimonials bring in a ripple effect:

1. Boost Credibility: Past clients vouching for your services solidifies your brand image.
2. Attract New Clients: Each positive review works like a magnet for potential clients.
3. Strengthen Client Loyalty: Clients who leave you a testimonial are likelier to remember the experience and return for more.

Yet most creatives ignore this step of the process. Here's the simplest thing you can do starting today.

The Simple Three-Step Framework to Leverage Social Proof

1. Deliver Excellence: Before considering testimonials, ensure you offer unmatched services and results. The aim is to exceed client expectations.
2. Ask For Testimonials: It might feel intimidating initially, but remember that you'll never get what you don't ask for. A simple, well-crafted email can make all the difference. (P.S. For those in Creative Biz Launch, you have access to the exact scripts that work wonders and get positive testimonials)
3. Showcase Your Testimonials: Don't just collect – display them! While polished testimonials look nice, authenticity matters more. I personally vouch for screenshotting reviews directly, emphasizing their genuineness. For inspo, check out how I organize my CBL testimonials at the bottom of this page.

Why This Matters Even More

Social proof is a no-brainer. More new clients and more repeat clients. While that sounds fantastic, there's a lurking fear for many: What if I get a negative review?

And that's where the true beauty of this strategy comes to light. Knowing that you'll be getting feedback pushes you to deliver better work. Every project becomes an opportunity to excel, and this in itself is a growth driver for your business.

Dive into the world of testimonials, embrace them, and watch your business soar.