Asking for Testimonials & Reviews

So, if testimonials are this valuable, how does one go about obtaining them?! Obtaining a killer testimonial can be tricky. For many freelancers and solo business owners, the thought of asking someone to boast about your service seems a little self-righteous. It can be confronting asking a client for their feedback, but the success of testimonials should propel you to ask anyway!

Excitingly, asking for and collecting testimonials has gotten easier than ever – thanks to Google and Facebook reviews. Potential clients can see these testimonials when searching for a business like yours. These reviews act as social proof when it comes to the buying decision-making process. Social proof is the phenomenon whereby individuals follow and copy the actions of others in order to display acceptable or correct behaviour. When you’re browsing a landing page and see a testimonial from someone you respect, that’s social proof. Essentially, it’s borrowing third part influence to sway potential customers. Evidently, testimonials can often be the deciding factor in securing a new client.

So, how do you ask for a testimonial? Let’s be the devil’s advocate for a moment – one of two things can go wrong here. First, there is no response. You ask and do not receive. Second, the right questions are not asked to obtain a quality testimonial or review.

To overcome these problems, it is important to ask for testimonials in the most suitable avenue which is client dependent. Asking through the appropriate channel should be a priority. If you have a client that religiously responds to your emails, email them! Once you have completed their project, ask them via email to leave a review. If you communicate through Instagram or Facebook Messenger, this is where you should ask. Remember, completing a testimonial takes your client's time! They are doing you a HUGE favour. Express gratitude and make the process as easy for them as possible. This will increase your response rate and prevent radio silence!

Let’s get down to business – what do I say and how do I obtain a valuable testimonial? There are multiple ways that you can ask for a quality testimonial. The most popular avenues are:

- Sending a Facebook review link

- Sending a Google review link

- Asking for feedback using a feedback form with products like Type form or Dubsado.

Personally, I have tried multiple ways of obtaining a testimonial. I have used Feedback Forms with my account and just sent an email or message with a link directly to where I would like the client to leave the testimonial.

Sending a message with the attached link has definitely been the most successful way of receiving quality reviews. I’ve also found that the wording of the message is important in receiving the kind of review or testimonial that makes other people want to work with you.