Getting Client Testimonials?

Hey Sterling,

While a long intentional testimonial is best, of course, what I often do is wait until they send me an email telling me how great they think my software is. Then I'll ask if it's okay to use it on my Web site and/or marketing material.

I've even done some clipping and pasting to put the parts of their email into a better flow, and said, "Is it okay if I change your email to look like this, and use it in my marketing material".

Although some clients have said they didn't want me to use their name, I've never had anyone turn me down.

If you go to the testimonial page on my site -- (http://www.paulspafford.com/tests.html) -- you can see how I've treated this.

Paul's approach is also the one I take. Although I did ask for one from my very first client, now I play the waiting game. I am fabulous at what I do (I'm practicing building my self-confidence today!) so I know it will happen.

That probably didn't help much, but I hope it did!

Bri

Hi - Another way to indirectly "hint" & suggest you are open to testimonials is to post an email link or form on your site (if you have one) or link in your email Newsletter (again if you have one) called "Submit Testimonial" and then in your email Newsletter or What's New section of the site call attention to the fact that for their convenience you now have added a new "Submit Testimonial" feature for those who are interested :) Make sure you have an option for anyone to remain anonymous if they choose.

just a thought, Megan

I'd also suggest Paul's approach. Take some of their words they have said or sent to you and write it for them, then ask them if it would be okay to use it. Most people are happy to talk about you if you've done a good job, but not many people like writing on a blank page.

Make it as easy as possible for them :)

After I had enough clients. I threw a BBQ at Magnuson Park and had clients videotape any comments they had about the product. That started our video page and when I used them in a DVD, the doors of opportunity opened wide.

A small party and video comments. I'd be open to helping you if you are interested.

I too have found you have to make it easy. An example: the last workshop I taught I had them fill out an evaluation form at the end. One thing I asked was for them to list 3 or 4 things they felt were most beneficial about the day. Then later I emailed everyone asking if I could use their words in a testimonial and they all heartily agreed. I'll use the cut and paste method next time I'm advertising for a workshop.

Sterling, one of the service providers I go to just openly asked me. Since we have rapport, I thought it was totally fine that he asked me and I willingly provided one.

I second (or third) the idea that you take those compliment-laden emails and just cannabalize the text from those, with permission of course. I've done that, as well, and people are always happy to oblige. In fact, sometimes they're pleased that I value their input that much!

What if you gave select clients a membership to Angieslist.com ($49) It shows a lot of confidence on your part that you will do a fantastic job for them. And the gift socially obligates them to comment on you. I would feel much more confident trusting one of my dogs to someone that knew I could comment on them publicly.

What do you think?

Great suggestions people, I learned a lot from everyone's comments. Rachel, I loved the idea of using sections of emails for testimonials. Karrie Kohlhaas suggested to create a kudos file for myself from those positive emails and phone messages to look at when I need an additional boost.

As an additional idea: How about being playful and asking the dog to give you a testimonial (when the owner is present of course). Something like "Would Brutus be interested in giving me feedback about how he likes our studio? Joking aside, I have a new testimonials section on my website and the feedback is always very appreciated."

Hope this doesn't sound corny. ;-)

I don't think it sounds corny at all. Sterling, it sounds like you've got a good thing going in terms of what you do. Why not be creative in getting established clients to put in writing what they really feel about the work that you do so that other people can take advantage of the services that you have to offer. I agree what Brian has to say -- if I'm going to trust someone to watch over my pet I'd want to make sure they came highly recommended. Personally, if I like the services someone has to offer I like to help spread the word in the form of a written testimonial.

If you're on LinkedIn, asking people to recommend you/write an endorsement is a pretty effective way to get a testimonial. It only takes people a few minutes and a couple of clicks, and they are usually glad to help. For some reason it seems more compelling to many people than a request to "write a testimonial". Maybe because they are also on LinkedIn and are valuing the recommendations others have written for them!

The best way to get testimonials is to send your clients a thank you note via email (build it as an autotext and save yourself some time). The last sentence should say, "Please let me know if you have any comments regarding your experience with us or suggestions for ensuring the success of future... (insert adjective here - doggie care?)" It makes it really easy for people to respond because most of them are on the computer all day at work anyway. I have referrals coming out my ears! ;)

Beckie ~ That's a great idea!