How To Keep Clients and Get Testimonials and Referrals
Oct 30, 2025
We are always seeing lots of articles on "how to get clients" ~ but how about "how to keep clients." In my years of photo styling, my goal has always been to to provide a great experience for my clients, make them happy (so they hire me over and over ;) and be so happy that they refer me. (& give me testimonials!)
We are in a world now where social media and content creation has taken up a lot of our time. We are trying to attract clients "to us" ~ but how about going right to the clients YOU want to work for instead of always trying to find more, more, more clients and trying to "content create" for your socials to attract them to you.
Getting clients, keeping them very happy ~ will keep you very busy and always re-booked. We have some keys to that success for you:
(1) DEVOTE TIME TO EXISTING CLIENTS. Stop constantly trying to get/find more clients. Shift the more, more, more mindset and devote time to taking steps to improve your existing clients’ experience. You will see an increase in your bookings for clients and your referrals. Ask yourself if you are spending too much time on “non-income generating” tasks. For example, you may be spending alot of time consuming others content, or researching and creating reels for your socials. Evaluate your ROI and see how many clients you have received through that method. Are you trying to have clients find you instead of you going directly after them and creating great experiences which = more bookings and referrals? Evaluate your time and effectiveness to income.
(2) USE “I’M AN AUTHORITY” LANGUAGE. Avoid using the language of:
▪︎ “Maybe we should”
▪︎ “I kinda think”
▪︎ “I could be wrong, but... “
These all sound “wishy-washy” You want to position yourself as a strategic partner and advisor. Give your clear and confident opinions, direction, and guidance ~ but in a humble tone. Confidence equals = trust. You will get re-hired and keep clients when you portray (and have) confidence in the work you do, suggestions and advice you give.
(3) ASK (For Everything.) If there is anything you need to complete the job better, more efficient or more timely, ask for it. You want to do the job you were hired to do the best you can. I was once hired to style for a brand, who just did a brand refresh. They were reluctant to give me their new POV (Point of View) Guide because it “proprietary information” and they wanted a surprise release. You CAN NOT hide the POV guide from the Stylist who will bring that brand refresh to life!?!? I just explained to them the importance of me seeing (& using!) it. Get everything (information, visuals, contacts, etc. you need) to do a great job. (Great job equals = re-bookings and referrals.)
Don’t be afraid to ask for anything. And always ask for referrals.
(4) EDUCATE YOURSELF. If you are working with a client (over a few bookings) and find the need for either something you could know more/better about or something that would be valuable/useful if you knew ~ take a class, get consultant help, learn the skills. (& Let the client know you did it!) This will come across as proactive, thoughtful and helpful. (Also, go to your industry trade shows. You want to be up on trends and new knowledge so you can be the best at what you do to serve clients.) Again knowledge equals = re- bookings and referrals. (I have taken InDesign and computer courses, when photo styling was progressing to AI & Professional Floral design when I was taking on alot of commercials with extensive table styling) What could you learn or “brush up” on that could make you more valuable?
(5) ASK - HOW DID THE PROJECT GO? THIS is a BIG one! (Event though it is Number 12!) I went in progression of client booking to relationship to end of project ;) In my years of consulting creatives ~ everyone has told me “ I never ask how it went”? YOU have to show curiosity and interest in the final outcome of what you are helping them with. (It’s difficult to become a member of the team and retain clients if you do not act like a team member.) They are hiring you for many reasons: to make more money, to increase awareness, to complete a task ~ ask how the final outcome was. Don’t complete the job and wait for them to contact you for another. Be proactive in the process.
MORE KEYS TO SUCCESS:
There are more steps to follow to bring you client retention success! Want our Guide of 15 Steps to Client Experience and Retention? Want to improve your client retention, get referrals and testimonials from your clients?
Your client retention and referrals starts with the connection you have with your clients. Our Guide gives you 15 Steps to ensure you provide your clients with the best experience for them and you create life-long clients for your business. The Guide covers in-depth tips on:
▪︎ Mindset
▪︎ Strategy
▪︎ Creative Client Gifting
INCLUDES 2 BONUSES: Client Relationship Record Form and Client Gifting suggestions and links. You HAVE to get creative with your gifts. (No more coffee gift cards!) Get the ideas and links to my favorite gift giving sources.
GET THE GUIDE: 15 Keys To Client Experience and Retention.
Bonnie ~
Image Credit: Adobe
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