How to Ask for Testimonials From Your Clients

Social recommendations sway consumers. Potential clients will want to know that other people loved working with you — so they feel safe teaming up with you.

But how do you get client testimonials to share? If you haven’t collected praise from your past clients before, the practice may feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Sending a testimonial request should be just another part of your normal workflow, as it’s a great way to get leads. 

In this article, we’ll explain how to ask for testimonials from your clients so that you can share them with your prospects and showcase them on your website and social media platforms.

Start by Making Some Decisions

Decide how you’ll reference your clients when you share their testimonials. Will you use their entire name? Will you add the city where they live? Will you ask for a picture or a video testimonial?

Many of your clients will be happy to provide a testimonial. However, some might want privacy at the same time. A common way to collect their testimonials while maintaining their privacy is to use their first name and location, such as “Mary from Seattle” or “Ryan from Norfolk County”.

Just Ask

Although you may not be used to it, asking for a client testimonial is a completely normal practice in all industries. Word-of-mouth referrals grow businesses and create happy customers. So, don’t let fear hold you back. Simply ask — and you can start collecting great reviews. 

When you send a testimonial request, it’s best practice to tell your customers how you’ll use their words — such as on a website or in an email you send to new customers. And as mentioned, describe how you’ll reference them in the testimonial. Lastly, include questions to prompt them to get them started. Anything that makes it easier will increase the likelihood they write that glowing review.

Here’s a script you can use:

“Hi (client’s name),

It’s been such a pleasure working with you. Would you be willing to write a testimonial that I can use (describe how you’ll use it)? I’ll reference you as (explain which details you’ll share).

If you’re having trouble figuring out where to start, these questions might spark some inspiration.



(include questions)

Thank you again for choosing to work with me.

(your name)

Testimonial Questions to Include

Here are some questions to consider including. Remember, you’ll want your client testimonials to be varied by topic, so you should mix up the questions you include in your request based on the experience you had working with each client.

Start with these questions and add to this list as you get familiar with requesting testimonials.

• How did you feel about the mortgage process before you started working with me?
• How did you feel during the process while working together?
• How do you feel now that the loan has been processed?
• What was the best thing about working with me?
• Did I exceed your expectations in any way?
• Did we overcome any hurdles working together? If so, how did you feel about my problem-solving skills?
• What is the main thing you’d recommend about our product or service?
• What would you tell someone who was considering working with me?

Again, you only need to include two or three of these questions in your request. But there is one question you should ask everyone: Is there anything else about your experience you’d like to share with me?

Get Their Permission

When you receive a testimonial, make sure to explain to your clients how and where you’ll use it, such as on social media. Then, ask them if you have their permission to share their words in this manner. Sure, they’re answering the questions you’ve asked, but you want your clients to feel confident that you’re using their recommendation in the manner they expect.

Here’s a script you can use:

“Thank you so much for sharing these kind words! I plan to use your testimonial in emails to prospective clients, on my social media channels, and on the website. Is that okay with you?”

Lastly, keep your eyes open for any and all testimonials that come your way without having to ask for them. For example, if one of your clients emails you a note thanking you for your patience with all their questions, ask for the opportunity to share their words in your collection of testimonials. Praise doesn’t just come at the end of a client relationship. It can be found at many different touchpoints, as long as you listen carefully.