The Top 5 People to Ask for a Testimonial

Build trust and showcase your success stories by capturing the reviews of your happy clients. When your clients share their positive experiences with your service, it not only shows what an impact you’ve made on them but it can also attract new business. But, how do you get those amazing and authentic testimonials? That’s a question we get all the time. Well, it all starts with choosing the right person.

Before you go asking for testimonials, make sure you tick these three boxes:

Deliver exceptional results

First things first, always deliver top-notch work. If your service isn’t exceptional, there’s not much to brag about. Picture this: you’ve just finished a project that exceeded your client’s expectations. They’re thrilled with the results and can’t stop talking about your attention to detail. That kind of satisfaction naturally leads to word-of-mouth referrals.

Build strong relationships

Go beyond just doing business. Get to know your clients well, understand their needs, and consistently give them value. For example, imagine you’ve been working closely with a client for months, anticipating what they need before they even ask. That kind of relationship makes asking for a testimonial the next logical step.

Respect their time

Asking for a testimonial is asking for a favour. Keep it simple and respect their busy schedule. Skip the long setup or unnecessary prep—just a straightforward request that respects their time.

So, who should you ask?

Based on those three criteria, you’re on the track to receiving an amazing testimonial, but who should you approach? Here are my top five recommendations for people to ask for a testimonial:

1. Your Target Market

Look for clients who fit your target market. For instance, if you work with small businesses, find a small business owner who has successfully used your services to solve their specific challenges. Imagine featuring an authentic testimonial from someone just like them—it’s a story that directly speaks to your ideal audience.

2. 5-Star Reviewers

Clients who have already left glowing reviews, like on Google, are perfect candidates for testimonials. Their willingness to publicly endorse your business shows how satisfied they are with your services. Imagine the impact if you’re able to take their authentic and genuine review and translate it into an enthusiasm captured on camera. It turns a review into a captivating story that potential clients can experience firsthand, boosting your credibility and setting you apart from competitors. One testimonial captured in multiple different ways.

3. Repeat Customers

Long-term or repeat customers are gold for testimonials. Their continued loyalty shows how much they trust your services. Imagine having a client who comes back year after year, excited to share how your consistent excellence has transformed their business. They make for powerful and genuine testimonials.

4. The Friend

Approach clients with whom you have a solid bond. When there’s a natural connection, their testimonial will come across as genuine and heartfelt. In business, relationships matter, so showing how strong bonds benefit both sides is very convincing. Think of it like asking a friend for a favour—it’s that simple. These clients are likely to share their experiences openly and sincerely.

5. The Success Story

Find clients who have really benefited from your services. They’ll appreciate your support and be eager to share their story through a testimonial. Everyone loves a success story, and showing how your services have made a positive impact can sway potential clients who are still deciding.

Bonus: Referral Partners

Don’t forget those who refer business to you. For example, if you frequently collaborate with a builder as a painter, ask them for a testimonial. It strengthens your industry connections and adds credibility, especially when their testimonial reflects their experience working with other painters in the industry.

Ready to ask?

So, now that you know who to reach out to for a testimonial, how do you go about asking them for the favour? Stay tuned for more testimonial tips! 🙂