We’ve all been there—you finish up a project, the client’s happy, and now it’s time to ask for a client testimonial. But here’s the thing: a lot of people simply ask for a “quick review” and end up getting something vague like, “It was great to work with you!” And while that’s still positive, it’s not exactly the detailed, impactful testimonial you were hoping for, is it?
If you want stronger, more thoughtful feedback, it’s time to rethink how to ask for a client testimonial. Over the years, I’ve figured out some simple, no-stress strategies that not only make asking easier, but also lead to much better testimonials! The best part? These testimonials can double as marketing gold.
But first, hi! I’m Colie, your systems and automation expert. Whether you’re aiming to streamline your business with setups in Dubsado, HoneyBook, or Airtable, or just need a little help organizing your workflows, I’m here to make things easier for you. I also have templates designed specifically for busy business owners, so you can skip the stress and focus on what you love doing most. Got any questions or need advice? Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to chat about how I can help you build smoother, more efficient processes!
Alright, let’s get into how to ask for a client testimonial!
Skip the “Quick Review” Approach
One common mistake I see is that business owners will say, “Can you leave me a quick review?” It’s easy, but it usually gets you a basic one-liner that doesn’t really showcase the amazing work you’ve done. If you request a testimonial from a client this way, they might not know exactly what to say or how to summarize their experience, so you end up with a generic response.
Here’s a quick fix: Instead of asking for a vague review, use a feedback form with specific questions (more on this next!). Trust me, when I switched to this method, the quality of feedback I got instantly improved. Forms give clients structure, making it easier for them to focus on the details that actually matter.
Create a Feedback Form For Testimonials
As mentioned previously, when you ask for a client testimonial, sending a form with a few key questions can become your magical unicorn assistant. Not only does it make the process easier for the client, but it also helps you collect more meaningful feedback that you can use in your marketing. I love using tools like Dubsado, HoneyBook, or even Airtable to streamline this process.
Here are a few questions I recommend including:
- What did you love most about working together? – This gets clients to focus on their favorite parts of the experience, which often results in more personal, genuine responses.
- What changes or results did you see after our work? – Specifics are key! When clients mention tangible results, it makes your service more relatable and impactful to potential clients.
- Would you recommend my services? If so, why? – This is a simple yet powerful question. Directly asking why they’d recommend you helps you get that clear, confident endorsement.
Pro tip: Ask for a photo from the client to include with their testimonial! It adds a personal touch and makes the feedback feel more real and relatable to future clients.
Don’t Be Afraid to Edit For Clarity (Just Ask for Permission First!)
One thing I’ve learned through experience is that not all testimonials come back perfectly written—and that’s okay! Your clients aren’t professional writers, and sometimes their feedback needs a little tweaking for clarity or flow. When you ask for a client testimonial, be upfront about your editing process. I always ask for permission to make minor edits while keeping the overall message and tone the same.
Here’s a little pro tip: Always let the client review the edited version before you post it publicly. That way, they can confirm they’re still comfortable with what’s being said, and you avoid any potential misunderstandings. Most clients will appreciate the fact that you took the time to clean up the testimonial so it reads smoothly and showcases them in the best light!
Don’t Be Afraid of Negative Feedback
Let’s face it—no one loves receiving negative feedback. But here’s the thing: negative feedback can actually help you in the long run. When you request a testimonial from a client, there’s always a chance they may include a bit of feedback on areas where things could improve, and that’s okay! If this happens, take a deep breath and embrace it.
Constructive criticism gives you valuable insight into areas where you can improve, and it shows your clients (and potential clients) that you’re open to growth. Plus, addressing any concerns professionally can help strengthen your relationship with that client. Don’t let the fear of a little critique stop you from collecting those valuable testimonials!
Keep Your Testimonials Organized (and Reuse Them!)
Lastly, once you’ve gathered your testimonials, don’t just let them sit in an email somewhere. Keep them organized so you can use them again and again! I use Airtable to store and organize all my testimonials—it’s literally like having a library of feedback ready to go whenever I need it for my website, social media, or marketing.
Better Testimonials Help Market Your Business
When done right, testimonials become one of your most powerful marketing tools. They provide social proof, help establish trust, and give potential clients insight into what it’s like to work with you. But beyond that, well-crafted testimonials can also save you time by giving you ready-to-use “copy banks” for your marketing.
That’s why it’s so important to ask for a client testimonial the right way. The clearer and more detailed the testimonial, the easier it is to show off your expertise and the value you bring to the table. So don’t rush through this process—be intentional about how you ask, what you ask, and how you use the feedback once you get it!
Ready to Collect Better Feedback?
If you’re looking for more ways to streamline the process of collecting client testimonials, I’ve got just the thing! Check out my How to Collect Client Feedback Toolkit, where you’ll find everything you need to request testimonials, organize feedback, and make the whole process easier.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by setting up systems to collect and manage feedback, I can help with that, too! Whether you’re using Dubsado, HoneyBook, or Airtable, I offer personalized setup services to ensure your systems work for you. Let’s make sure you’re collecting, organizing, and leveraging client testimonials in the most efficient way possible! Feel free to reach out to me for more information.
Also, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more tips on business systems, client workflows, and behind-the-scenes looks at how I keep things running smoothly!
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