The best copywriting is nothing compared to a solid testimonial.

There, I said it.

My livelihood depends on writing web copy, sales pages, emails, etc…

…but I fully acknowledge that even the best sales letter is nothing without PROOF.

Testimonials give proof that your stuff works—your products, services, courses, programs, whatever. So, let’s jump into 5 tips for getting great testimonials.

Tip #1: Time it Right

One of the best times to request a testimonial is when your client is experiencing success! Maybe they’ve just reported huge progress on their weight loss at a follow-up visit. Maybe they’ve just emailed you with excitement that a new remedy works. Pay attention to these moments and follow up by asking for a testimonial. The conversation can be completely natural, like this:

“This is amazing, Shelley! You are crushing it. I’m so happy to hear this remedy is working for you. Would you be willing to write a quick review for us about the success you’re having? I can email you a link to make it easy for you after our call.”

If you’d rather have a scheduled and systematic way of asking for testimonials, that’s cool too. Think about your customer’s journey of experiencing your offers. If you sell a program or online course, schedule an email request for a testimonial at a transitional point in the program. If you sell products, request the testimonial a couple of weeks after the purchase.

You can also request testimonials at a time when it’s most convenient for you. This might be at the end of the year, sharing your gratitude and asking for feedback from your clients. Another great time to ask is when you’re updating your website or sales materials and looking for some fresh reviews.

The only wrong time to request a testimonial is when your clients are unhappy. Otherwise, pick some opportune times and go for it!

Tip #2: Make it Easy

Lots of people are not at all tech-savvy. They’ve never left a review on Facebook much less logged into Google. Your best bet in getting people to leave you a review is to make it easy, like this:

• Send an email with links directly to the place you want a review
• Give multiple options
• Prompt them so they have an idea of what to say

If you’re asking for Google Reviews, use a “short name” to create a better link to share. It’ll come out looking like this: g.page/[yourbizname]. For example, if you type g.page/ndpen into your browser, you’ll go directly to my Google listing. Follow the instructions to create a short name here.

Tip #3: Ask for Specifics

Some people may be hesitant to leave a review because they don’t know what to say! Without any guidance or prompts, they’ll most likely leave a general comment, like, “Dr. Smith is really personable and caring.” That’s lovely but not as compelling as “Dr. Smith got rid of my migraines in less than a month!”

When you ask for a testimonial, here are some questions you can ask:

• What problems or struggles did you have before you [got care / took the workshop / followed the program]?
• How did the [care / workshop / program] solve those problems for you?
• What was one result you got from [care / workshop / program] that you've never been able to get before or with other methods?
• Could you give a specific example of how the [care / workshop / program] changed things in your [health / life / relationships]?

What you're trying to do is show a transformation. To do that, you need to get them to say what they were struggling with and what you helped them achieve.

Tip #4: Give a Gift

There’s nothing like a little something for free to get people to take action. Come up with an incentive that encourages people to leave you a testimonial. It works great to offer something new that you’ll be selling soon.

For example, “We’re about to start offering massage therapy in our practice! We’d love for you to come enjoy a free 15-minute chair massage. All you need to do is leave us a quick review of your experience with our practice so far, and we’ll put you on the books!” Your free incentive could also be a product, like a quick-start detox kit or a digital cookbook.

The two keys to making this work are to have a deadline (“if you submit your testimonial by Monday the 5^th”) and to deliver the free offer AFTER the testimonial is complete (“we’ll send you your free kit right away.”).

Tip #5: Create a Templated Request

To make it easier on you and your staff, draft an email template to use every time you request a testimonial. There are some great examples here. Have a template on hand to send out for those impromptu requests when your clients are excited and feeling better. Have a different template to send on a set schedule or for a specific offer. Templates will save you time and ensure you stay consistent!

Now, Show Them Off!

You can show off testimonials on your website, in social media posts, and in sales funnels.