Do you want to ask your client for a testimonial? Whether you send it over email, WhatsApp, or text message, here are some templates you can use.

Using these templates is the best way to get more testimonials, and turn those into more paying customers for your business.

Why you need testimonials

Testimonials aren't just a nice-to-have; they're an absolute must.

You see, people are bombarded with choices. Whether it's which shoes to buy or which online course to invest in, potential customers face decision paralysis. That's where testimonials come into play

Video testimonials and text testimonials act as social proof, almost like a friend leaning over and saying, "Hey, this is actually pretty good, you should check it out." Client testimonials remove a layer of friction in the decision-making process, making it easier for people to choose your product or service over the myriad of other options available.

Best methods for collecting a testimonial

There's a smorgasbord of methods to get juicy positive reviews from your clients or customers.

However, not all methods are created equal. In this section, we're cutting through the noise to give you the most effective, time-saving strategies for gathering testimonials that not only make your brand shine but also turn fence-sitters into satisfied customers.

1. Email

Email requests remain one of the most effective channels for collecting customer testimonials because it's a very direct and scalable approach. Later in this post, you'll find testimonial email templates that make collecting testimonials via email extremely simple.

You can ask for positive feedback in bulk by sending an email to your email list, or you can send an individual testimonial request by sending a direct message to your customer's email address.

You can even set up an automation, so happy clients receive an automatic email when they complete an action, for example

• 2 days after buying my product, ask for a testimonial.

• After a positive customer service interaction, ask for a testimonial. That way your customer success team won't need to remember to do this every time.

2. Text Messages (SMS)

Text messages (or SMS) offer an intriguingly direct and personal channel for requesting customer reviews.

Customers receive dozens, and sometimes hundreds of emails per day. In an age where inboxes are so cluttered, a text message can gracefully cut through the noise.

Because text messages are so direct, though, they carry a higher risk of intrusion or annoyance if not done thoughtfully. Make your request respectful, clear, and to the point, ideally integrating it as a seamless part of an already positive customer experience. This way, you encourage valuable testimonials while maintaining the sanctity of personal space.

3. Collect from your website header or footer

The header or footer of your website serves as prime real estate for collecting valuable feedback.

It's an area consistently visible to your audience, often catching their eye right before they navigate away or complete an action on your site.

Strategically placing a simple but engaging call-to-action (CTA) here can incite a loyal customer to share organic feedback.

Given that they're already on your platform, it minimizes friction, making it exponentially easier for them to participate. It's convenience coupled with visibility!

Pro tip: When Collecting testimonials passively, use incentives like discount codes and gift cards to incite more people to leave a testimonial.

4. Social Media

If you've already built a sizable social media following, you're sitting on a gold mine for collecting testimonials.

Your audience is engaged, they know your brand, and they're likely to have positive experiences they're willing to share. A single well-crafted post asking for reviews can generate immediate and numerous client testimonials and sometimes, even traffic via public social media posts.

5. Testimonial Collection Tools

When you're collecting dozens, or even hundreds of online reviews from happy customers, using a dedicated tool can make it extremely easy to store all of them in one place.

Most video and text testimonial collection tools let you collect testimonials with a dedicated testimonial request form. All positive testimonials you collect will get sent directly to one easy-to-manage dashboard.

Powerful testimonial software like Senja even let you import testimonials from review platforms like Google, G2, Facebook, and even from social media sites like Twitter (X) or Instagram. Some even have built-in invite systems so you can automatically invite people and track the status of their testimonials.

Here are some of the best testimonial collection tools.

What makes up a testimonial request?

There are actually four parts to a detailed testimonial request. 

• The request - this is the bit where you ask them for a testimonial

• The testimonial questions - these are the questions your client to form your testimonials. You can either use open-ended questions or ask direct questions about their experience.

• Customer detail collection - this is the information you collect from your client to create and share the testimonial. For example, how long you've worked with them, their job title, customer photos, and their full name.

• The consent - ask for permission to share the customer testimonial on your website and in your sales and marketing material.

Dedicated testimonial request forms often make it easy to collect all of these from your loyal clients in one fell swoop.

You can see more in our complete guide to how freelancers collect testimonials.

Testimonial request templates

Here are a few sample testimonial collection templates for asking customers for testimonials. Use these testimonial request letters to ask for testimonials over email, SMS, social media or elsewhere.

Testimonial request template 1: short and formal

Hi Client Name

Would you be willing to write a testimonial about your experience working with me? Your words of support would be greatly appreciated.

— Your Name

Testimonial request template 2: short and fun

Hey Client Name!

Fancy leaving me a shoutout? A quick testimonial about our project together would be the cherry on top of a fantastic work experience.Thank you!

— Your Name

Testimonial request template 3: short and fun

Hey, Client Name

Time to toot my own horn!

How about you give me a little testimonial boost? Your kind words about our project would make my day.

Thanks a bunch!
— Your Name

Testimonial request template 4: medium and formal

Hello Client

I hope this message finds you well.

I wanted to reach out and ask if you could provide a testimonial about your experience working with me as a freelancer. Your feedback would mean a lot to me and could help me attract future clients.

Thank you for considering.
— Your Name

Testimonial request template 5: long for formal requests

Hello Client!
I am writing to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with you as a freelancer. It has been a great pleasure to assist you in achieving your goals and I am proud to have been a part of your success.

I would be honored if you could take a few moments to write a testimonial about your experience working with me. Your words of support and endorsement would be extremely valuable in helping me to grow my business and attract future clients.

I understand that writing a testimonial can be time-consuming, but I can assure you that it would make a real difference for me. Your thoughts and opinions about my skills, work ethic, and professionalism would be a great asset to my portfolio. I truly appreciate your support and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Your Name

Bonus: short testimonial template for SMS

Hey! Just wanted to touch base and ask if you could write a quick testimonial about our project? Your support means a lot and would help me grow my business.