Testimonials are often an overlooked item for a small business owner, but they offer so much benefit. They help build your reputation in your specific niche. Testimonials allow others looking for your services to see how you’ve already helped someone else. They are also basically free advertising.
It can be awkward to ask for testimonials but if you use the strategies below you’ll find yourself swimming in positive reviews you can use on your website, in social media, and in email newsletters to your clients.
Ask Once the Project is Completed
If you had a great experience with a client, ask them for a testimonial that you can share with others. Make it simple for them by asking them to email you with a one or two-sentence review. It can be as short as “(Name here) provided me with excellent service. She was on time, easy to communicate with, and I would highly recommend her.”
Send a Simple Survey
Create a survey that is quick and easy for your clients to fill out. Be sure to include only yes or no questions, or multiple-choice questions they can simply answer or check off such as: “I would recommend your services” or “It was easy to communicate with me throughout the entire project.” Ask for a simple one or two sentence review at the end of the survey that you can include on your website.
Use a Compliment Already Given
If someone has already mentioned how thankful they are for your service or paid you a compliment in some way, ask if you can use that on your Portfolio or Testimonial page. Send them a quick email, with the exact quote you’d like to use on your website, and ask for their permission. It would be helpful to pay them a compliment in return like, “I truly enjoyed working with you. Would you mind if I included this as a testimonial on my website?”
One more important reminder: To make giving testimonials a win-win for you and your clients, tell them you will include their first name or business name along with a link to their business when you add their testimony to your website. Free advertising for both of you!
Have you collected testimonials for your business? Which one of the above methods could you apply today to add positive reviews to your website?