Why Women-Owned Photography Businesses Are Getting the Highest Yelp Ratings

There’s a vast landscape out there, and women are making huge strides in the small business arena. Businesses owned by women provide jobs for over 11 million people and generate $2.1 trillion each year, but those figures only scratch the surface. Today, women-owned photography businesses are playing a vital role in this impact.

The true impact is seen in the level of service offered. A fintech company called OnDeck recently analyzed Yelp data from more than 12,000 businesses across 431 U.S. cities to identify the top-rated businesses. Their findings could surprise you, as they did me. They might just back up what you suspected: photography is leading the small business scene right now, especially among women-owned photography businesses.

Why Photography Is Dominating the Charts

Interestingly, six of the ten highest-rated women-owned small businesses in the U.S. are photography companies, with wedding photographers leading the way. This makes complete sense to me. When hiring someone to document your big day, it’s a very personal choice. You’re not just buying a service. You’re also choosing someone whose style and demeanor will help you feel at ease, whether you’re in a tux or a wedding dress.

At the top of the list is A Tale Ahead Photography, based in Pacifica, California. Run by Annie Zou and her husband David, they’ve received an impressive 391 five-star reviews. Can you imagine that? Nearly 400 clients said “everything was perfect.”This is a testament to how women-owned photography businesses excel in both technique and client care.

Annie shared with OnDeck that her approach involves a limited client list. She prefers to focus on giving personal attention to each couple rather than operating at high volume. It seems her strategy of “quality over quantity” really works. If you’re freelancing, it might be worth considering her method. She also points out that, at first, she had to present herself as a confident expert to gain trust. Now, she feels her reviews do most of the talking for her. It seems she’s found that sweet spot where her work truly shines on its own.

The Heavy Hitters in the Top Ten

While Annie takes the crown, she’s not the only photographer making a mark. Genevieve Elaine from Virginia and Vitalia Kotik from New Jersey took second and third place. On a wedding day, the pressure is high, and these women are like performers. One missed shot means there’s no take two.

But photography isn’t the only successful industry. Blackbird Floral in Austin, Texas, is another standout, run by Lea M., who has received 152 five-star reviews for her beautiful floral designs. She recommends building your business on the side to avoid financial stress. It’s a refreshing perspective. Instead of the usual advice to “quit your job and chase your dreams,” she emphasizes being cautious while still pursuing what you love.

In the top ten, there’s an interesting variety of businesses, including a gym equipment installation service in Oakland and a notary service in Belmont. This variety shows that whether it’s lifting weights or handling legal documents, customers appreciate the personal touch that women bring to service.

Exploring the State-by-State Winners

In New York, the top-rated service isn’t a photographer or a florist. It’s actually the dogs. Brooklyn Tails & Trails Dog Walkers on Staten Island boasts a perfect 5.0 rating and has been operating for 14 years. Almost like a century for a small business.

One customer mentioned that the pictures the dog walkers send during their walks are a big plus. It’s creative how photography plays a role here, too. Even in dog walking, those visuals really attract customers. It seems to me that if you want to succeed in any service industry today, you need to be at least a little bit of a content creator. Furthermore, women-owned photography businesses are inspiring other women to integrate photography into their own services.

The Reality of the “Revenue Gap”

I want to get a bit technical with you for a second, because we can’t just celebrate the wins without looking at the hurdles. While these women are having incredible success, the business environment isn’t fully equal. Women run about 22.3% of employer businesses, but they account for only about 4.84% of total business revenue.

This shows a significant gap. It indicates that although women are starting businesses and satisfying their customers, they may not have the same access to funding or big contracts as men do. According to OnDeck, issues like hiring biases and the gender wage gap could be pushing women to start their own businesses because the corporate world isn’t fair.

I see this revenue gap as a big chance for investors. If these highly rated businesses can thrive on tight budgets and personal effort, imagine how much more they could achieve with proper support.

How You Can Support the Movement

Annie Zou mentions that her biggest challenge was leading with clarity. In your own career, skip the “fake it ’til you make it” strategy and instead focus on being clear and authentic. People tend to appreciate genuine leadership.

Personally, I think the future of small businesses in America is leaning more toward women, and if Yelp reviews are any indicator, we’re in good hands. As more women-owned photography businesses emerge and grow, they leave a lasting mark on both the entrepreneurial landscape and creative industries.

I’d love to know what you think. Are you surprised that photographers are so popular, or do you believe that the rise of social media has made them more important? It looks to me like, as long as we want to capture our special moments, these women will be the ones we call to help.

[via ondeck; Image credits: Envato]

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