Asking for client testimonials can feel awkward initially. You’ve done great work, your client’s happy, but bringing it up feels like you’re fishing for compliments. Right?
The truth is, you don’t need to push or sound needy. You just need to ask the right way, at the right time.
Because when done right, testimonials don’t just make you look good, they become one of your strongest trust builders.
Why Client Testimonials Matter
Testimonials are more than nice words.
They’re small stories that show that service actually works.
When potential clients see others trusting you, it reduces their doubt and builds initial trust.
That’s why learning how to collect testimonials the right way is important. It creates the first image of how new clients see you before they show interest.
The Balance: Asking vs. Being Pushy
The biggest mistake people make is asking too soon or too often.
Being polite doesn’t mean being passive. It means understanding when your client is emotionally ready to talk about their experience.
A non-pushy testimonial ask sounds like this:
“Hey [Name], it was great working on [project]. Would you be open to sharing a few words about your experience? Even a line or two would mean a lot.”
Simple, warm, and pressure-free.
When to Ask for Testimonials
Timing changes everything.
Ask right after a positive result, when your client is feeling good about what you did.
That could be:
- After delivering a project that exceeded expectations
- After seeing a visible result like better engagement or sales
- Or when they personally thank you
That’s the best time to make a polite testimonial collection request, when emotions are high and satisfaction is fresh.
Read More: 10 Different Methods to Get Testimonials
Framing Your Request: Friendly, Simple, Value-Oriented
Don’t make your client do the work.
Guide them with simple questions like:
- “What was your problem before working with us?”
- “What changed after working together?”
- “Would you recommend us to others?”
This makes it easy for them to write something natural.
Your client testimonial request should never feel like homework. It should feel more like they are sharing a story.
Using Templates or Scripts That Feel Natural
Here’s one you can copy-paste and send out:
“Hey [Name],
Hope you’re doing great!
I reached out to request for a feedback of your experience so far. This will help me to improve things, and also show new buyers that they can trust me.
I’ve attached a link in which you can quickly submit your feedback, either in audio, video, or text. No rush at all.”
This kind of request testimonials politely message works because it gives people options and space. It’s human. Also, consider attaching a video testimonial software link in the message, to help them easily submit their feedback.
Handling Silence or Decline Gracefully
Not everyone will reply and that’s fine.
Don’t chase or guilt-trip.
Instead, try a soft follow-up:
“Hey [Name], just checking in in case my last message got lost. I understand if you’re busy, just wanted to see if you’d like to share a quick thought about working together anytime this week.
I’ve attached a quick and easy link for the same below.
Good day!”
It’s a gentle way to ask, not a push.
Lastly, Automate Process End-to-End
If you have multiple clients, use tools that automate your process across the flow.
Testimonial collection software like Feedspace can help with testimonial collection, management, and it’s marketing. All for free.
Conclusion: The Right Ask Creates the Right Trust
At the end of the day, asking testimonials should be done with respect for your client’s time and emotions.
When you make it easy, personal, and genuine, people actually want to share.
Because great service doesn’t end when the project does. It ends when your client proudly tells the world, “I loved working with them.”
So go ahead and ask.
Not with pressure, but with purpose. In a simple ways.
To do all of this at ease, try Feedspace now.
