Closing the Loop: How to Encourage Clients to Leave Feedback + Reviews (Without Being Pushy)Closing the Loop: How to Encourage Clients to Leave Feedback + Reviews (Without Being Pushy)

In today’s competitive industry, few things are more impactful than a strong reputation. But modern consumers don’t want to hear about your brand’s value from you; they want to listen to your clients sing your praises. Word of mouth is no longer just a recommendation between friends, but now encapsulates millions of online reviews that serve as social proof. When your ideal client stumbles upon your website, they care more about what your past clients have said about you than what your brand messaging says. 

In other words, reviews offer third-party validation to help potential clients make informed purchasing decisions. But the value of client feedback goes beyond marketing.  

Reviews can shed light on what you’re doing well and where there’s room for improvement, empowering you to refine your services and address any gaps in the client experience. However, asking for reviews can feel unpleasant. If done wrong, it can come across as pushy or self-serving, making it unlikely that you’ll get quality feedback. 

So, how do you close the loop with customers in an authentic way that inspires them to leave thoughtful feedback and glowing reviews? Here are five ways to do so and maintain a professional, approachable tone that doesn’t come on too strong. 

Ask at the right time 

 Asking for a review in the middle of a wedding reception or corporate gala won’t go over well, and certainly fits the criteria for pushiness. However, you don’t want to wait so long that your client has moved on from the event. 

When requesting a review, “timing is most important,” assures Colton Simmons, owner of Colton Simmons Photography. “You want it to be as close as possible to the end of service or deliverable of goods so that you can capitalize on their recency bias and feelings associated with your work.” Simply put, you want the event fresh in their mind! 

For weddings, however, owner of EBJ & Company Casey Cannon suggests waiting a bit with a sweet spot of about a week.  

“If you send it the day after or even a few days after their big day, they likely won’t see it,” Cannon explains. “They are still riding the high of seeing friends and family and likely traveling for their honeymoon. By waiting a week, you’ll be able to catch them when they settle back into their new routine and can reflect back on their time working with you.” 

The ideal timeline for requesting a review ultimately depends on the client, so get to know their communication habits and post-event plans before reaching out. 

Explain the value of their feedback 

When you deliver a top-notch experience for your clients, they’ll want to reciprocate the favor however they can. Writing a review might seem trivial at first, but people are more inclined to share feedback when they understand how much it benefits your company. 

“Happy customers often want to support you, and sharing their experience can make a big impact,” assures Mary Angelini, founder of Key Moment Films. “Let them know how helpful their feedback will be, not only for your growth but also for others who are considering your services. People like to help those who’ve served them well, and their words can make a difference.” 

Of course, earning their goodwill starts with providing a stellar client experience. So, if you aren’t receiving many reviews, it’s a good sign to revisit your customer journey and look for ways to improve it. Make it so they can’t wait to shout your name from the rooftops after their event wraps up! 

Take the pressure off 

Some clients may have nothing but glowing remarks to share in person but are hesitant to publish their thoughts online. Respect their preferences and avoid pushing them outside of their comfort zone, even if it means sacrificing a coveted five-star review. 

“Some people prefer to share their thoughts privately rather than on a public platform,” confirms Craig Peterman, owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t gain valuable insight from their feedback. 

“Letting clients know that even a private note would be appreciated takes the pressure off and often encourages them to share their experience more comfortably,” Peterman adds. While you may not have something to post on your website or social media, you’ll still get meaningful feedback to refine your client experience and business operations. 

Make it easy 

One of the best ways to earn more reviews is simply to remove barriers standing in the way of your clients completing them! Angelini recommends “providing direct links to platforms like Google Business, Yelp, or The Knot” to make it as easy as clicking a button. 

If you leave clients to find your directory listing or figure out where to leave a review, you’ll lose plenty of them to distractions or frustration. 

If you’re hoping to receive reviews on multiple sites, Angelini says event pros should “encourage clients to use the same review across multiple platforms, letting them know duplicating their feedback is perfectly fine.” 

Would it be wonderful to get three unique testimonials from a client? Sure! But one solid review is better than none, so it’s best to offer the path of least resistance and accept their efforts graciously. 

Follow up once (and only once) 

After an event ends, people go back to their lives—whether that means jetting off on a honeymoon or digging themselves out of an overflowing inbox. In any case, don’t take it personally if your clients don’t respond right away (or ever). 

Schedule a follow-up a week or two after your initial request, catching them once the post-event buzz has calmed down. But “one follow-up is enough,” Simmons assures. “Don’t continuously follow up with them after asking. If they don’t do it after that, move on from the client.” 

Encouraging clients to leave reviews doesn’t have to feel like a chore—for you or them. As you integrate feedback collection into your offboarding workflow, remember that authenticity and respect are paramount. There’s nothing wrong with asking them to share their experience, but mind their boundaries and know when enough is enough. With a little effort, you can turn satisfied clients into loyal brand advocates who spread the word about your business for years to come.