The Art (and Awkwardness) of Asking for Testimonials
Asking for testimonials in person is a bit like asking someone to describe you in one word—you hope for “brilliant” but fear “adequate.” It’s an art that balances timing, tact, and a little bit of charm.
Done right, in-person testimonial requests can yield authentic, compelling endorsements that build trust and credibility. Done wrong, they can lead to awkward silences, forced smiles, and responses like, “Uh… yeah, I’ll get back to you.”
So, how do you ask for testimonials without making it weird? How do you ensure your clients actually follow through? Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can confidently collect high-quality testimonials without the awkwardness.
Why In-Person Testimonial Requests Matter
Online reviews and written testimonials are great, but nothing beats a face-to-face recommendation. Here’s why:
- Authenticity – Clients are more likely to provide genuine, unscripted feedback in person.
- Higher Response Rate – Unlike email requests that get ignored, an in-person ask increases the likelihood of an immediate response.
- Deeper Connection – Speaking in person allows for follow-up questions and a more detailed testimonial.
According to BrightLocal, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations—but imagine the power of a testimonial that comes directly from the source, in real-time!
So, now that we know why it’s important, let’s move on to the “how.”
The Right Time to Ask for a Testimonial
Timing is everything. If you ask too early, your client might not have enough experience to give meaningful feedback. Too late, and the enthusiasm might have faded.
Best Moments to Make Your Request:
- At the Peak of Satisfaction – Right after your client expresses happiness with your service. Example:
- Client: “Wow, this was exactly what I needed!”
- You: “That’s fantastic! Would you mind sharing a quick testimonial about your experience?”
- After a Successful Outcome – Once they’ve seen measurable results from your product or service.
- During an Event or Meeting – If the client is already speaking positively, it’s the perfect time to ask for an official testimonial.
- When They Offer Praise – If a client emails you with glowing feedback, follow up in person and ask if they’d be comfortable turning that into a public testimonial.
How to Ask Clients for Testimonials (Without Sounding Pushy)
Not all requests are created equal. You want to make your ask smooth, natural, and easy to respond to.
Effective Ways to Ask:
The Casual Approach
Best for long-term clients or those with whom you have a friendly relationship.
“Hey [Client’s Name], I really appreciate working with you. If you’ve found value in our services, would you mind sharing a few words about your experience?”
The Direct but Polite Approach
Best for professional settings where time is limited.
“We’re gathering testimonials from clients we’ve helped, and I’d love to include your feedback. Would you be open to sharing a short testimonial?”
The Social Proof Angle
People like to be part of something bigger.
“Many of our happy clients have shared their experiences, and we’d love to feature yours too! Would you be willing to provide a brief testimonial?”
The Video Testimonial Request
Video testimonials are powerful, but many people feel nervous about being on camera. Ease them into it:
“Your story could really help others who are considering our service. Would you be open to sharing a quick video testimonial? We’ll keep it short and casual!”
Handling Client Objections Gracefully
Not everyone will say yes immediately, and that’s okay! Here’s how to handle common hesitations:
I Don’t Know What to Say.
Solution: Offer a simple structure to guide them:
- What problem did you face before working with us?
- How did our service help you?
- What results have you seen?
I Don’t Have Time Right Now.
Solution: Respect their time and follow up later.
“No problem at all! If it’s easier, I can send a short email with some prompts, and you can reply whenever convenient.”
I Prefer Not to Be on Video.
Solution: Offer alternative formats like a written testimonial or audio recording.
Testimonial Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Even with the best strategy, testimonial requests should be handled with care.
Do’s:
Ask at the right moment when the client is most satisfied.
Make it easy by providing a testimonial template or key points.
Show gratitude whether they agree or not.
Offer multiple formats (video, written, audio).
Follow up gently if they don’t respond immediately.
Don’ts:
Don’t pressure them—let it be a voluntary and positive experience.
Don’t script their words—authenticity is key.
Don’t forget to ask for permission before sharing their testimonial publicly.
Making It Easy: Tools and Resources for Collecting Testimonials
If you want to make the process even smoother, consider using testimonial tools:
Useful Tools:
- VocalVideo – Great for collecting video testimonials remotely.
- Boast.io – Allows clients to submit testimonials via mobile or desktop.
- Google Forms – A free, simple way to collect written feedback.
The easier you make it, the more testimonials you’ll get!
FAQs
How do I ask for a testimonial without sounding desperate?
Keep it natural and position it as an opportunity rather than a favor.
What’s better: written or video testimonials?
Video is more engaging, but written testimonials are easier to collect. A mix of both is ideal.
Should I offer an incentive for testimonials?
It’s best to avoid monetary incentives to maintain authenticity. Instead, offer a thank-you note or social media shoutout.
What if the client gives a negative testimonial?
Use it as constructive feedback and an opportunity to improve. If appropriate, try to resolve their concerns and request an updated testimonial later.
How long should a testimonial be?
Short and impactful—two to four sentences usually work best.
Can I edit a testimonial for clarity?
Yes, but only with the client’s approval. Never change the meaning of their words.
Turning Testimonials into Business Gold
Asking for testimonials doesn’t have to be awkward. With the right approach, timing, and etiquette, you can collect powerful endorsements that boost credibility and attract new clients.
Remember: happy clients are your best salespeople—so let their voices shine!
