Get killer client testimonials for your business using this easy-to-follow system. Download free checklist and email templates.

Showing client testimonials is one of the most powerful ways to get people to buy from you. What your past clients think of you is much more persuasive than any other form of advertising. They act as social proofs that your services are worth the investment. If you are not currently displaying testimonials on your website, you are missing out on powerful free marketing, and revenue on the table.

Not all client testimonials are the same

You want them to be compelling and persuasive. If you ask a client for a testimonial outright, what comes back can often be bland and uninspiring. Even worse, you may not get a response at all.

In this blog post, I'm going to show you how I get compelling testimonials from my clients.

What makes a compelling testimonial?

1. Specific

"I loved working with you. You're the best!" doesn't quite cut it. It's too generic. Anyone could have written it. You could have written it yourself! A great testimonial should talk about specific problems, solutions, features and outcomes.

2. Authentic and natural

Forget about convoluted flowery language. The testimonial should be in your client's natural, conversational voice.

3. Follow the "Problem - Solution - Result" structure

- Thorn in finger (problem)
- Thorn removed (solution)
- Finger is healed (result)

What was your client's problem? What solution did you provide? A great testimonial shows potential clients what results they can expect from working with you.

How do you go about getting a killer testimonial?

1. Ask for feedback, not a testimonial

First of all, don't ask for a testimonial. Ask for feedback. Sometimes people can get nervous when you ask them to give a testimonial. "What should I say?" Using the word "feedback" not only helps reduce that anxiety, it also helps you get more a more natural response because people don't usually mind sharing feedback.

2. Ask specific questions

Instead of asking your client an open-ended question like "Can you give me some feedback?", provide directions by giving your client structured questions that will give you the kind of responses you need. Frame your questions to highlight specific benefits and experiences.

3. Format the responses to craft a testimonial

Once you get the responses back, format them together into a couple of short paragraphs. Tada! There's your testimonial!

Important: When you format your client's responses, stay true to their natural language and meaning. What you are doing is just combining the answers into a flowing, cohesive testimonial. Don't twist their responses to get a more glowing testimonial than is intended.

When you're finished, send your client the formatted testimonial and ask for permission to use it on your website and marketing materials. Ask them if there's anything they'd like to edit. Also ask if you can use a photo as well as link the testimonial back to their website.

Happy clients are usually only too willing to sing your praises. So far I have never had a client who doesn't give permission for me to share the testimonial publicly.

When to ask for feedback

It's best to ask for feedback while you are still fresh in your client's mind. I usually do so a week after I finish working with a client. Don't worry if you have left it a little late asking for feedback though. It's absolutely okay to reach out to past clients that have worked with you in the past 6 months.

Over to you

Now that you have this testimonial system in place, you can use it time and time again to get killer testimonials to use for your business. Go ahead, try it out and let me know how you get on.

How to Promote Your Business With Powerful Client Testimonials

How to Promote Your Business With Powerful Client Testimonials

How to Promote Your Business With Powerful Client Testimonials

How to Promote Your Business With Powerful Client Testimonials

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