Launching a product is like throwing a party. You’ve spent months (or years) planning, building, and perfecting every little detail. The big day arrives, and everything goes off without a hitch—or maybe with a few hiccups that you expertly cover up. But now that the confetti has settled, you need one crucial thing to keep the momentum going: glowing testimonials.
The problem? Asking for testimonials can feel like begging for compliments. No one wants to sound desperate or pushy, and let’s be honest, customers are busy. They might love your product, but unless you nudge them in the right way, their kind words will remain trapped in their minds instead of gracing your website.
So, how do you get those golden words of praise without making it awkward? That’s exactly what we’re going to cover. Let’s dive into the best strategies for requesting testimonials after a product launch, ensuring they are authentic, impactful, and easy for your customers to provide.
Why Are Testimonials So Important?
Before we jump into how to request a testimonial, let’s talk about why they matter.
Build Trust and Credibility
According to a BrightLocal survey, 98% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. A testimonial serves as social proof, assuring potential buyers that your product isn’t just hype—it actually delivers.
Influence Purchase Decisions
A study by Spiegel Research Center found that products with reviews have a 270% higher chance of being purchased than those without. Testimonials work because they come from real users, making them more relatable and persuasive than any marketing copy.
Strengthen Brand Loyalty
When customers share positive experiences, they feel more connected to your brand. This not only increases the chances of repeat purchases but also turns them into brand advocates.
Now that we know why testimonials are crucial, let’s discuss how to request a testimonial without making it awkward.
When Is the Right Time to Ask for a Testimonial?
Timing is everything. Ask too soon, and the customer might not have had enough time to experience your product fully. Ask too late, and the excitement may have worn off. Here are the best times to make your request:
- Right after a successful interaction – If a customer expresses satisfaction via email, chat, or social media, that’s your golden moment.
- After a set period of use – For digital products or services, wait until customers have had enough time to see results.
- When they repurchase or upgrade – A repeat customer is a clear sign of satisfaction.
- During follow-up emails – A well-crafted post-launch email sequence can include a testimonial request.
Now, let’s explore the best ways to make the ask.
How to Request a Testimonial: Proven Strategies
Make It Personal and Direct
Nobody likes generic, mass-produced emails. A simple, personalized request goes a long way.
Example Email Template:
Subject: Quick Favor? We’d Love Your Feedback!
Hi [Customer’s Name],
We hope you’re loving [Product Name]! We’d really appreciate it if you could share a few words about your experience. Your feedback helps others and means the world to us!
It only takes a minute—[insert link].
Thank you for being a part of our journey!
Best,
[Your Name]
Use a Testimonial Form or Survey
Make the process effortless. Instead of a blank “Please share your thoughts” message, provide a structured form with guiding questions like:
- What problem did [Product Name] solve for you?
- What results have you seen?
- Would you recommend it to others?
Offer an Incentive (Without Being Bribey)
While you shouldn’t buy testimonials, a small incentive can encourage participation. Offer a discount, exclusive content, or a feature spotlight in exchange for feedback.
Example:
“Submit a testimonial and get 10% off your next purchase!”
Leverage Social Media & User-Generated Content
Encourage customers to share testimonials as posts, stories, or comments. Repost these as social proof on your website and marketing materials.
Showcase Existing Testimonials for Social Proof
Seeing others leave testimonials encourages participation. If you have previous testimonials, highlight them in your request.
Automate the Process
Use tools like Type form, Google Forms, or customer review platforms to automate and streamline testimonial collection.
How to Make Testimonials More Persuasive
Not all testimonials are created equal. To maximize their impact, guide your customers to provide specific and detailed feedback.
Great Testimonials Answer These Questions:
- What was your problem before using our product?
- How did our product help?
- What specific results did you achieve?
Example of a Weak Testimonial:
“Great product! I love it.”
Example of a Strong Testimonial:
“Before using [Product Name], I struggled with [problem]. After just [timeframe], I saw a [specific result]. I highly recommend it!”
Where to Use Testimonials for Maximum Impact
Once you collect testimonials, put them to work! Here’s where they’ll shine:
- Homepage – The first thing visitors see
- Product Pages – To reinforce buying decisions
- Landing Pages – To increase conversions
- Emails – For trust-building campaigns
- Social Media – As user-generated content
- Ads – To enhance credibility in paid campaigns
FAQs
How do I ask for a testimonial without sounding pushy?
Keep it casual, polite, and customer-focused. Frame it as an opportunity for them to help others rather than a favor to you.
What if a customer says no?
Respect their decision. Instead, ask if they have any feedback to improve the product.
Can I edit testimonials?
Minor edits for clarity are okay, but never change the meaning or intent. Always get customer approval before posting edited testimonials.
Should I use video testimonials?
Absolutely! Video testimonials are more engaging, credible, and effective than text-based reviews.
What if I don’t have any customers yet?
Start with beta testers, early adopters, or influencers who have used your product.
Testimonials Are Marketing Gold
Requesting testimonials after a product launch doesn’t have to feel awkward or salesy. By making it easy, personal, and valuable for the customer, you’ll gather powerful social proof that fuels your brand’s growth.
Now that you have your strategy in place, it’s time to go out there and collect some amazing testimonials!
