You’ve completed a project for one of your clients and done an amazing job. Now, you feel weird asking for testimonials. Don’t worry – I’ve been there too! The truth is, there’s a right and a wrong way to ask for a testimonial, and I’ve definitely done both. But here’s the good news: If you’ve done great work, your clients will want to share their experience.
So, where to begin? The trick is to ask at the right time, the right way, and make it effortless for them. I’m here to walk you through it step by step, and I’ll do my best to make the process as easy as possible. Let’s dive in and get you those glowing testimonials!
1. Ask at the Right Time
Timing is key when requesting a testimonial. You want to catch your clients when they’re happiest and most engaged with your work. This way, you make it easier for clients to say yes – and increase your chances of getting a great testimonial. Let’s review different scenarios:
➡️ Right After Project Completion
The best time to ask is when the work is still fresh in their mind, and they’re excited about the results. If you wait too long, they might forget the details or lose enthusiasm. Send a quick email or message thanking them for their business and casually ask if they’d be open to sharing their experience.
📧 Example:
“Hey [Client’s Name], I loved working on [project name] with you! If you have a moment, I’d really appreciate a short testimonial about your experience. No pressure at all – just a sentence or two would mean a lot!”
➡️ When a Client Shares Their Experience with You
If a client sends a message saying how much they love your work, that’s your golden opportunity! Instead of letting the praise go unnoticed, simply ask if you can use their words as a testimonial. This works because they’ve already expressed positive feedback, so there’s no extra effort required from them.
📧 Example:
“That’s so great to hear! Would you be okay with me sharing your kind words as a testimonial? I can tweak it if needed!”
➡️ After a Client Refers You or Returns for More Work
A client who comes back for more or refers someone else clearly trusts you. This is a perfect time to ask for a testimonial, as they’ve already demonstrated their satisfaction. You can also mention that testimonials help other clients feel confident in choosing your services.
📧 Example:
“I truly appreciate your continued support and referrals! If you’re open to it, I’d love to share your experience as a testimonial. Just a few words about your journey working with me would mean so much!”
2. Make It Quick, Easy, and Stress-Free
People hesitate when something feels like extra work. The goal here is to make the process of providing a testimonial as quick and easy as possible for your clients. By doing so, you’ll increase the chances of them agreeing to share their feedback! Here are a few ways to help them along:
➡️ Ask Direct Questions
Make it easy with a natural, low-pressure ask. Some of them might be ready to write a few lines in seconds, while others might need a little more guidance. You can help direct your clients by asking simple, structured questions. This way, you’ll get the key points for the testimonial, which you can then polish before sending it back to them for approval. For example:
- How did my service help you❓
- What was your favorite part of the process❓
- What would you say to someone considering my services❓
- What was your biggest challenge before working with me❓
- What specific results have you seen since working with me❓
- Do you have any suggestions for the improvement of the provided service❓
👍 Pro Tip: For more convenience, you can create a feedback form using tools like Google Forms or Typeform. You can include all your questions in one place and easily track all the answers you get. It keeps everything organized for you and streamlines the process for your clients.
➡️ Offer Audio or Video Feedback Options
If your client is too busy to write a testimonial, you can ask them to record their thoughts via voice note or video. You can then transcribe it or use their video directly. This works especially well for clients who prefer speaking over typing.
P.S. Once it’s ready, send it over for them to check it. Their approval is very important, so don’t miss this step!
➡️ Provide a Testimonial Template
For even bigger convenience, you can send them a simple, fill-in-the-blank template. You can easily create one in Google Docs or Word, and they just fill in the blanks. Makes it quick and painless! For example:
“Before working with [Your Name], I struggled with ___. Now I feel ___ because ___.”
➡️ Ask for a LinkedIn or Facebook Recommendation
If writing a full testimonial feels like too much, ask clients to leave a recommendation on your LinkedIn or Facebook profile. These platforms are both great for professional, public feedback and can help boost your credibility. Positive reviews on either one make it easier for potential clients to trust you!
➡️ Request Reviews on Design Platforms
Aside from LinkedIn, you can also ask clients to leave reviews on design-focused platforms like Clutch, Behance, or Dribbble. These sites are often visited by potential clients looking for trusted professionals. Having positive feedback on these platforms can help showcase your work and attract more opportunities from people who trust peer reviews!
3. Sweeten the Deal
Some clients need a little extra motivation, so just a small thank-you can make a big difference! Offering a little perk can make them more likely to leave a testimonial. Here are some fun ideas:
🎁 Future Discount
Give them a discount on their next project with you. It’s a win-win – they save, and you get a testimonial!
📣 A Social Media Shoutout
Who doesn’t love a little recognition? Post about them on your social media to show appreciation.
🎟️ Entry Into a Giveaway
Turn it into a fun contest – leave a testimonial and enter to win something cool!
💡 Free Resource or Exclusive Content
Offer a helpful resource like an e-book or special tips. It’s a thoughtful gesture that makes them feel appreciated.
4. Use Ready-to-Go Email & Message Templates
One of the easiest ways to ask for a testimonial is to make the process as straightforward as possible. Having a few go-to email and message templates makes it super simple for you to ask. By giving them a clear and direct approach, you’re more likely to get a response. Let’s review some templates you can use:
✨ General Email Template – A Casual Request
If you’re reaching out after completing a project, try something like this:
“Hey [Client’s Name],
It’s been such a pleasure working with you on [project name]. I’m so glad to hear you’re happy with the results! If you have a minute, I’d love to hear a few words about your experience. A quick line or two would mean so much to me, and I’d be happy to use it as a testimonial. No pressure at all – just whenever you get the chance!
Thank you!
– Your Name”
➡️ This makes it easy for your client to say yes without feeling like it’s too much effort.
✨ Social Media / Direct Message Template – Quick and Casual
If you’re sending a text or a direct message via social media, keep it short and friendly:
“Hi [Client’s Name],
I’m so glad you love the [design/project]. If you’d be willing, I’d really appreciate a short testimonial. Even just a quick sentence or two would be fantastic! Let me know if you’d be happy to share your thoughts!
Thank you for considering.
– Your Name”
➡️ This approach is quick and easy for them to reply to, and it keeps the conversation light and simple.
✨ Follow-up Email Template – If They Haven’t Responded Yet
If you don’t get a response after a few days, follow up politely:
“Hey [Client’s Name],
I just wanted to check in and see if you had a chance to share your thoughts about the [project name]. No worries if you’re too busy – just thought I’d follow up! Thanks again for trusting me with your project!
– Your Name”
➡️ This keeps the tone friendly and respectful, showing that you appreciate their time without pushing too hard.
5. Use Testimonials the Smart Way
Once you’ve collected great testimonials, don’t just let them sit in your inbox! Show them off where they’ll have the biggest impact. Here’s how:
📍 Website
Your website is the perfect place for testimonials. Add them to your homepage to create a great first impression and place them on your services or pricing pages to build trust. You can also create a dedicated “What Clients Say” section or a full Testimonials or Success Stories page where visitors can browse all your glowing reviews in one spot. This works especially well if you have detailed case studies or multiple client success stories to showcase!
📣 Social Media
Turn testimonials into engaging content! Share them as posts, add them to Instagram Stories with a fun background, or turn them into short video clips. For example, if a client sends a great review, you can create a carousel post featuring the feedback alongside snapshots of the project.
🎯 Ads & Marketing Materials
Real client words = instant trust. Whether you’re running Facebook ads, designing a brochure, or creating a portfolio, testimonials make your marketing more powerful. Seeing positive experiences from past clients makes new prospects more likely to take action.
📌 Portfolios & Case Studies
A great way to showcase testimonials is by pairing them with actual projects. Instead of just listing client feedback, place their testimonial next to the work you did for them. For example, if you designed a new logo for a client, include a quote from them saying how it improved their brand. This adds real-world proof of your skills and helps potential clients see the value of working with you.
Pro Tips For Getting Client Testimonials
➡️ Keep updating your testimonials so they stay fresh and relevant.
➡️ Ask your client to attach their preferred profile image for you to use.
➡️ Always ask for permission to use their words before posting your testimonials.
➡️ Don’t be pushy. If they’re not interested, just respect their decision and leave it be. The best testimonials come from clients who genuinely want to share their feedback.
➡️ Always share testimonials! They not only showcase great work but also make designers and developers feel appreciated and respected.
➡️ Provide a backlink and share it on your website and/or social media.
➡️ Share your testimonials section/page with your client, so they know better what to expect.
➡️ Personalize your request to each client’s experience to make it feel more genuine.
➡️ Show appreciation by always thanking your clients for their time and feedback, even if they don’t provide you with a testimonial.
Final Thoughts
Asking for testimonials doesn’t have to be awkward or difficult. Remember to keep it simple, be patient, and make it as easy as possible for your clients. If you follow these steps, I promise you’ll soon have a collection of glowing reviews that can take your business to the next level. And remember, testimonials are a powerful marketing tool, so use them to show off your amazing work and build even more trust with future clients.
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