How To Ask For Testimonials
If you're not experienced with asking for a testimonial, it can feel like the most awkward, palm-sweaty, uncomfortable conversation ever. You may think that you're bothering the client, or that you're asking for too much. God-forbid, what if they say "NO."
You're not bothering anyone, asking for too much, and nobody ever says "no."
Testimonials are one of the best ways to grow and audience, and grow a brand. People want to know what life is "like on the other side" of working with you and there are few ways to do that better than to share another person's experience.
If asking for a testimonial makes you uncomfortable, this is the necessary reframe you need to make it a non-issue:
A testimonial simply tells others what's been true for someone who has gone before them and bought the thing they're considering buying.
If you've done something awesome for your clients and they've reaped the rewards of your work together, asking them to share their experience should simply just be the natural next step.
Here are a few steps to confidently asking for a testimonial and what to do with them when you get them:
1. You eliminate the fear of asking for a testimonial when you place the focus on the client's experience rather than on you. Rather than assuming the story, experience, or perception, ask your client to write you a testimonial that you can publicly share. If you find yourself humbled and grateful when they say "Absolutely!" then it's because you've done what you've promised and you deserve a glowing review.
When asking for a testimonial, ask the client "if they've enjoyed their experience and found the value in working together would they consider writing a review of their experience." Full Stop.
No need to elaborate. No need to apologize for asking. No need to make it weird. Just ask them to share what their experience was like working with you.
2. Make it easy & effortless: Link two to three places for them to write a review. Yes, link a FEW. They will be happy to and it takes no time at all. I recommend linking your Google Business Page, LinkedIn, and Facebook Business Page (if you have one). If you're active on other platforms that matter to your industry, link there too (ie, Zillow, Podcast review, etc). I ask for testimonials on my Google Business Page and my LinkedIn profile because those are the platforms that matter most for my business.
Note: More reviews on Google is great for SEO and reviews show up front & center when someone searches for you. (Read: It helps people find you faster).
3. Repurpose, Repurpose, Repurpose: Copy and paste testimonials and proudly put them on your website, in your social media content, in your email newsletters, and in any other forms of content where relevant. Break up longer testimonials into soundbites, or snippets, and use them at different times.
Testimonials are gold for growing an audience simply because it's the closest thing to word-of-mouth marketing that we can get.
If you don't have any testimonials, it's not too late. Reach out to past clients and ask them for one. They'll be happy to do so!
Like anything, asking for testimonials gets easier with practice. Come up with a good script that you can modify for each client to take the stress out of asking.
Remember that you've helped another person get to a place where they were hoping to be. They hired you to do just that. Sharing their experience is an opportunity for them to tell how you've helped them be a better version of themselves!
That's something for both of you to be proud of.
Have questions about asking for testimonials? Reach out to me here and I'll help you come up with a personalized script!
Thanks for being here,
Kelly Smith