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What's the most effective (and ethically valid) way to get a client's testimonial?

by bsummers
23 replies
I'm looking into trending methods in collecting recommendations/testimonials from clients. Do you have a good one to share?

Do you do it directly? If so, how?
Do you do it indirectly? In what way?
#attract #company #content #industry #leadgen #services #smb
  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    The best way I have found is to just ask for it.

    You should never be ashamed or scared to ask for a customers review if you provided them with something of big value. They will have no problem in doing so.

    The word review or feedback sounds better than testimonial also when asking them. Just ask them for their honest feedback or review and once you have that you can ask if they mind you using it as a testimonial.
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  • Profile picture of the author rickdangelo
    The first--necessary--step is to always over deliver. Provide quality service. When you hear kinds words from the customer, that's the perfect time to ask for a testimonial. For example, after delivering the product, follow up on them. ask if they need anything else or if they're having any issues about it. If they say something like,. "Oh, no, no problems at all. It's a very good product,"

    That's the time you can tell them this script..........

    Wow, thank you for your kind words. Would you mind if I screenshot your email and use it as a testimonial? Or... Would you mind posting a review for us at ReviewSiteX dot com? Or... I'd really appreciate it if you can say that on cam. I'd like to use it as a testimonial on my site if you don't mind.

    And again, don't forget to say thanks all the time, whether they agree to your request or not.

    Best of luck,
    Rick
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  • Profile picture of the author Nytshade
    If you provide quality, most of the time you don't even have to ask. And there's nothing wrong with asking them or just send them to a quick survey. To do it direct I would use email or Facebook.
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  • Profile picture of the author TallyDon
    What you can do is, when a client asks for support (and its a minor issue), you help them solve it and afterward (if it is resolved sucessfully, ask if they can give you a testimonial.
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    • Profile picture of the author RuthRNM
      Once a project is done and dusted, I always drop a quick email to the client asking for feedback that I can use as a testimonial. I'm upfront about wanting to use it on my promotional materials, etc. I include a few prompts for what they can include, such as why they chose to use my services, how their expectations were met, whether they'd recommend me to other people and why, though I of course remind them that they can cover whatever they like.

      99% of the time they're more than happy to do this and I've got the testimonial back within a few days.
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      • Profile picture of the author Volcano
        Just ask them. If they are satisfied with your work they will gladly take the time to put together something for you. At least that's what I have experienced.

        If you want to be sure to get one you could offer a discount on your products/services in exchange for an honest review. As long as you don't try to bribe people I don't think that this would be unethical.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    The others are right. ASK for it or you won't get it often. But make sure you have done your very best. Don't ask if it was a problem job in any way.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Originally Posted by laurencewins View Post

      Don't ask if it was a problem job in any way.
      Laurence,

      I'm not sure that I agree with this. I think it pays to ask for feedback from all of your customers, not just the ones you think should be happy.

      Sometimes you can learn just as much, maybe even more, from people that bring negative things about your business to your attention. It gives you a chance to fix problem spots, them a chance to "vent" and at the same time you can give extra attention to dissatisfied customers by showing them that you really do care about their well being.

      You aren't under any obligation to use all feedback. You can pick and choose what you want others to see. I am often impressed when I see a business owner that took extra time and effort to "make something right."

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author wesawu
    Just ask as the others have stated. If you have truly provided great service your clients will have absolutely no problem giving you a great testimonial.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    Will hit it first. Just ask. Of course, only ask if you KNOW you produced kick ass work.

    Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author trader909
    Duhhhh........ ask him
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    • Profile picture of the author Philipg68
      Asking clients for a testimonial should be a must, and you will find out if your products,service is great or needs to be improved,this way you can use the good ones, and remedy anything that needs improving.
      Philipg68
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  • Profile picture of the author bsummers
    Alright, so the bottom line is: ask for a feedback. I suppose what I was hoping to learn are actual procedures on how to collect them (which some of the posts here did offer).

    You know, steps you actually performed to do this "asking" for feedback.
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  • Profile picture of the author JimmyRose
    Depends what kind of business you have, but as everyone else has said, just asking for it in one way or another is the way to go.

    If you're business is software related, you can ask for it in the app itself, otherwise email works. You can also ask in an autoresponder, but it's obviously a little less personal. We've got some great testimonials like this though
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    I never bother my customers asking for their testimonial because I don't believe I have the right to use them to attract new customers, and I also don't believe that their words will be trusted.

    I don't believe in testimonials when I find them in a sales page. I know that they are paid, or they come from the seller’s friends.

    I believe that a testimonial is meaningful when it comes from a known personality in your field and he/she recommends your product.

    Unknown people have no meaning. I even think that using them is ridiculous, since it is obvious to me that this is a marketing trick.

    This is something I could understand a long time before working online.

    You don't have to be a genius or an internet marketer to understand that the testimonials in sales pages are false.
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  • Profile picture of the author pawlu68
    I find that the best and most effective way is to engage with your client and to ask for a testimonial after you have provided the service. If your client is happy, typically they will have no problem in writing what you need.
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  • Profile picture of the author tasmedia
    Provide a high quality product or service and the testimonials will arrive in you inbox, simple as that.
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  • Profile picture of the author GuyJoe
    How about setting up a form on your website where people can email positive and or negative feedback as well as suggestions on how to improve your services? You can link to it directly from all outgoing email signatures, after delivering amazing support, after completing the purchased service or after delivering a product.
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  • Profile picture of the author kash21
    Simple, just ask!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeffery Moss
    I've run promotions and contests on behalf of my site to solicit reviews. The contests usually are for best video review. These work as people love to enter to win. Each recipient usually receives a small incentive such as discount on other site product or service just for taking time to submit their video review.
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    • Profile picture of the author bsummers
      Originally Posted by Jeffery Moss View Post

      I've run promotions and contests on behalf of my site to solicit reviews. The contests usually are for best video review. These work as people love to enter to win. Each recipient usually receives a small incentive such as discount on other site product or service just for taking time to submit their video review.
      That is a brilliant idea, Jeffrey.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeadStartSEO
    Effective = highest chance of success.

    Over-deliver on value and they happily comply.
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  • Profile picture of the author taxpayment1
    Great question. Indirectly works best, it shows you are not desperate. it shows that It's not just all about you, and you are there to help your clients as well. Let them come to you through your help of product and communication. Indirectly shows that you have built a relationship not just a Income.
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