In the U.S., Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and this is the time when everyone turns their thoughts to gratitude. That makes November the perfect month to ask your clients for testimonials.
It’s essential to the success of your website that you publish as many testimonials as you can. You get most of your business from referrals, and testimonials are the online equivalent of referrals. Having testimonials on your site:
- Lets prospects know you have a solid body of clients and that they won’t be your first client
- Reduces your sales cycle
- Builds trust
- Lets prospects read and find out a little about your personality without you having to brag or talk about yourself
- Shows prospects what you can do and how they can use your services
- Keeps you from looking like a commodity by personalizing your business
Download our free guide here to learn eight essential components of lead-generating websites
Here’s how to ask for testimonials without feeling like you are bugging your clients. Send them an email worded just like the one below.
Subject: a favor, please
Hi ___,
I appreciate doing business with you and wonder if you would be willing to take 1-2 minutes and write a testimonial for me? Just a couple of sentences back in an email would be great. Please don’t worry about grammar or spelling.
How was our service? Do we help you save time or money? What made a difference if anything? What will you tell friends about?
Thanks so much; your reply will help me keep my marketing costs lower so I can serve you better!
I really enjoy working with you and I very much appreciate your time.
Best regards…
Send each client a personal email. File the replies in an email folder marked testimonials. When you have about 5 or more, send them to us! Correct the grammar and spelling and include the writer’s name, title, company name, and city-state. Keep updating your testimonials page as more come in.
Wait a week and send another request to the clients you did not get a reply from. You should do this every year to keep your testimonials fresh.