How to Request a Testimonial From a Client

A store owner can talk about how great his store is. People know that he has an interest in attracting customers. Chances are, they’ll ask their friends what shopping at his store is like. This is the concept behind using client testimonials. They’re important in a promotion for your service. It shows the potential buyers that other “regular people” tried the product and are happy with it.

Instructions

1. Review the emails you get from your clients. If the email praises your service, request from that client whether you could use her statement as a testimonial. Copy that testimonial over to the list that you keep that includes all of your testimonials.

2. Listen for an opportunity to request a testimonial while talking to your clients. Wait till your client spontaneously brags about your product or service, then ask if you could use that statement as a testimonial. Write the transcript of their praise, and email a copy to the client. Remind the client of his approval of your using the testimonial. Receive the client’s email response and corrections. Save this email, and copy the transcript to your testimonial list.

3. Obtain a list of satisfied customers. Formulate a series of questions to ask these clients. Make the questions sound like someone’s doing customer-satisfaction research. Include a question whose answer could be used as a client testimonial. Include another question that the client will see as a customer feedback question.

4. Request a testimonial from a client via the Internet. Set up a section on your website for collecting testimonials. Offer the clients an incentive for giving you feedback, such as a no-cost report, or a discount on her next purchase. Only use the testimonials that come with valid emails.

Tips & Warnings

• You can request a testimonial from your client after he has just purchased your service or product. Let him know that you’re looking forward to hearing their feedback. Inform him that his feedback is valuable to you. Then apply the above steps when he contacts you.

• Sometimes, someone will give a testimonial that isn’t completely flattering. For example, she could say, “It’s so easy to use your service that my not-so-bright son could use it!” Work with the client and see if she will agree with leaving the unflattering parts out.

• Always get permission from the client before you use his testimonial. If he doesn’t want his testimonial published, you have to honor his request.

• Don’t create testimonials out of thin air. This is against the law. If people find out that your testimonials are fabricated, they won’t take the promotion for your service, or you, seriously.

Resources

• FTC guide on getting a testimonial from a client.