Why Asking for Testimonials Feels So Awkward (And How to Fix It)
Let’s be honest—asking for a testimonial feels a little like fishing for compliments. You know your service is great, your client knows it too, but the moment you try to ask for a review, you suddenly feel like an overeager salesperson.
Should you be formal? Casual? Offer an incentive? What if they say no? (Spoiler: They probably won’t.)
The good news? Most happy clients are more than willing to leave a testimonial—they just need a nudge. And that’s where a well-crafted text message comes in.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to ask for a testimonial via text message in a way that feels natural, effortless, and (most importantly) effective. Because let’s face it—if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Ready to start collecting powerful testimonials that boost your credibility? Let’s dive in.
Why Testimonials Matter: The Power of Social Proof
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why.
Did you know that 92% of consumers trust peer recommendations over traditional advertising? (BrightLocal, 2023) Testimonials act as word-of-mouth marketing on steroids, helping potential clients feel confident about choosing you.
Here’s what makes testimonials so powerful:
- They build trust. A glowing review from a real customer is worth more than any ad campaign.
- They influence buying decisions. 72% of people say positive testimonials increase their trust in a business.
- They boost SEO. Reviews and testimonials can improve your online presence and search rankings.
Now that you know why testimonials are essential, let’s talk about how to ask for them—without feeling awkward.
How to Ask for a Testimonial via Text Message (The Right Way)
Keep It Short and Sweet
Your clients are busy. A long, drawn-out message will likely be ignored. Aim for 2-3 sentences max that get straight to the point.
Example:
“Hey [Client’s Name], I just wanted to say thanks again for working with us! If you had a great experience, would you mind sharing a quick testimonial? It would mean the world to us!”
Make It Personal
Generic messages feel robotic. Mentioning something specific about their experience makes your request feel more genuine.
Example:
“Hi [Client’s Name], I loved working on [specific project/service] with you! Your feedback means a lot—would you be open to sharing a quick testimonial?”
Offer a Prompt (Make It Easy to Respond!)
Some clients want to leave a testimonial but don’t know what to say. Give them a simple structure to follow.
Example:
“If you’re not sure what to say, here’s a simple prompt: ‘I loved working with [Your Name/Business] because [specific reason].’ Feel free to tweak it!”
Give Them an Easy Way to Reply
Don’t make them hunt for a link. Either let them reply directly or send them a direct review link.
Example:
“You can just text me back, or leave a quick review here: [Insert Link]. Thanks a ton!”
Follow Up (Without Being Annoying)
If they don’t respond, they probably just forgot. A polite follow-up can work wonders.
Example:
“Hey [Client’s Name], just checking in! If you’re still up for it, we’d love your testimonial. No pressure—just wanted to follow up. Thanks again!”
Best Timing: When to Ask for a Testimonial
Timing is everything. Ask too soon, and they might not have fully experienced your service. Ask too late, and they’ve moved on.
Best times to ask:
✔ Right after a successful project or purchase
✔ When they express satisfaction (e.g., in an email or conversation)
✔ After a milestone (e.g., completing a coaching program)
Pro Tip: If a client gives verbal praise, respond with:
“That means a lot! Would you be open to putting that in a quick testimonial?”
What to Do If a Client Says No (Or Ignores You)
First—don’t take it personally. Sometimes people are busy, forget, or just don’t like writing reviews.
Here’s what you can do:
- Make it even easier. Offer to write a draft for their approval.
- Ask again later. Maybe the timing wasn’t right.
- Respect their decision. If they’re uninterested, don’t push.
Most people want to help—they just need a nudge in the right direction.
Examples of Winning Testimonials (To Inspire Your Clients)
If your client asks, “What kind of testimonial are you looking for?”—send them examples!
✔ Short and Sweet:
“Working with [Your Name] was a breeze! Highly recommend!”
✔ Results-Focused:
“After hiring [Your Name], we increased our revenue by 40%! Their service is incredible!”
✔ Emotional Impact:
“I was struggling with [problem], but [Your Name] completely transformed my experience. I couldn’t be happier!”
Giving them a framework makes it more likely they’ll follow through.
FAQs
Should I offer an incentive for testimonials?
You can, but be careful. Some platforms (like Google) prohibit incentivized reviews. A heartfelt thank-you or featuring their testimonial on your website is often enough.
How often should I ask for testimonials?
Whenever a client has a great experience! Just make sure not to ask too frequently from the same people.
What if I get a bad testimonial?
Negative feedback can be valuable. If it’s constructive, use it to improve. If it’s unfair, politely address it.
Can I ask for a testimonial via email instead?
Absolutely! The same principles apply—keep it short, personal, and easy to respond to.
How do I showcase testimonials effectively?
Use them on your website, social media, emails, and even printed materials. The more places they appear, the better!
What’s the best platform for collecting testimonials?
Google Reviews, LinkedIn recommendations, and your website testimonial page are all great options.
The Power of Simply Asking
Getting testimonials doesn’t have to feel awkward. A simple, well-crafted text message can do the trick—as long as you keep it personal, easy, and well-timed.
So, don’t overthink it. Go ahead—send that text! You might be surprised how many people are happy to share their experience.
Now, what are you waiting for? Start collecting those testimonials today!
