It’s interesting: The first four letters of the word “testimonial” spell out “test.” And, in some ways, a testimonial can feel a lot like a test. After all, a good, strong testimonial can help your business succeed, while enough bad testimonials can require you to work harder on your marketing and customer service.
Testimonials are important for any business, as they support your credibility, experience, and professionalism. Further, they strengthen your reputation by proving that you can be trusted to provide quality service. Remember, clients generally trust each other more than they trust any sort of marketing technique you put into place. That makes testimonials work like referrals do. And we all know how important referrals are.
In short, a good testimonial can help your business grow by attracting more clients. To assist you in collecting more testimonials for your business, we’ve put together a list of tips on how to properly and professionally ask for a testimonial from a satisfied client.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
I was petrified to ask for a testimonial when I first started my business. I just didn’t like asking people to do things for me. Finally, I realized that I just had to do it. I had a coaching client who felt the same way. When she finally did it at my insistence, she cried at how loving all the testimonials were. It turned out her clients fawned over her. It made her feel really good – and also a bit foolish for worrying so much and not asking sooner.
- Ask Right Away
When asking for a testimonial, it’s best to ask sooner rather than later. You want the client to relay their experience with you and your service while it’s still fresh in their mind. Once you’ve provided your service to the client, ask if they would be interested in sharing their experience with others via a testimonial. Make this automatic – a part of your regular process.
- Make the Process Easy
If providing a testimonial isn’t easy for the client, they won’t want to do it. The process should be quick and easy, taking no longer than a few minutes. There are different ways to go about obtaining a testimonial (i.e. providing links on your website to your Google My Business, Find-a-ProAdvisor, or Facebook review area, asking for a free-form email back, etc.); just ensure that the method you choose is manageable for the client, as well as conducive for your business needs.
- Convey the Importance of a Good Testimonial
Share with the client how important a testimonial can be for you and your business. If you inform the client that word-of-mouth is a great tool to keep your business going or afloat, they may be inclined to assist you. You don’t have to share too many details, but simply state that testimonials are good for business and that you’d greatly appreciate it if they’d take the time to provide one.
- Help Clients Who Don’t Know How to Start
Clients are funny: some are embarrassed about their writing, and others don’t know what to say other than “good job.” Prompt them by asking questions when you send out the testimonial request:
- How were we to work with?
- Did we solve your problems?
- Did you save money or time with our services?
- Have you increased your financial knowledge while working with us?
- Was there a staff member that went out of their way for you?
- Did we respond quickly to your questions?
- How do we compare to other people you have hired for the same service?
Don’t include all of these; just choose a few that you like to get your client started.
Some clients are so embarrassed about their writing that they may be willing to give a testimonial if you write it for them. When that happens, I ask for a couple of adjectives from them. Once they give those, you can word a few sentences objectively that they can review and approve. Embarrassment is avoided, and you get your review.
- Don’t Demand or Beg
Never demand or beg for a testimonial. You don’t want to come off as pushy or needy. Clients don’t want to feel forced or inconvenienced. That is not the way to get a testimonial, and it is definitely not the way to get a good testimonial.
However, people are busy, and sometimes a reminder doesn’t hurt. Email is a good way to ask, and after you’ve asked once, send a gentle reminder a few weeks later, but stop after that.
We recommend you send a general email to your client base once or twice a year. Just before Thanksgiving is the best time of year to ask.
- Respond to the Review
Within a few days of your client posting a new review, be sure to respond to it by thanking the reviewer. In Google My Business, this can be done in the review section by clicking reply and writing and posting your response. This shows the world that you are paying attention.
If someone leaves a bad review, don’t do anything immediately. Walk away, think about it, then come back and deal with it in a professional manner. Here’s more on how to respond to a bad review: https://acceleratorwebsites.com/what-to-do-when-you-get-a-bad-review-online/
- Be Polite and Respectful—No Matter What
Perhaps the most important tip when asking for a testimonial from a client is to be polite and respectful—no matter what. In any case, always thank them ahead of time, and after the fact. A client will always remember that you were polite and professional.
As you already know, more than ever before, it is necessary to provide the best service you possibly can to clients. In doing so, word will travel—with or without testimonials—that you are competent, professional, and offer great service.
