The Testimonial Blog
The Testimonial Blog
How to collect testimonials - a beginner's guide
How to collect testimonials - a beginner's guide
Written by Oliver Meakings
Cofounder of Senja
How to collect customer testimonials?
A great collection of customer testimonials powers your marketing and sales - helping you deliver your new user and revenue goals. But when and where do you collect them without frustrating your customers?
I asked 13 founders, freelancers and creators how they successfully collect customer testimonials. Here's what they said:
Check out the best testimonial collection software.
The when and the where of collecting testimonials
A quick note: there are two things you need to consider when thinking about how to collect testimonials. The first, when? When is a the most effective time to ask your customer for a testimonial. The second, where? Over what platform or tool should you ask them?
You also want to consider the questions you ask. Here's my guide to testimonial questions.
Collect testimonials when chatting with happy users
Talking with happy customers over your chatbot, Slack or Twitter DMs? Discussing a new feature or how to use your tool? Make sure that you use that time as an opportunity to collect a testimonial from them. That's how Jim from BrandBird, Richard from Coldlytics and Marie from Tally (will) do it:
Usually, I ask for testimonials while I chat with satisfied customers.
Almost always they're happy to share a quote and help me
Otherwise, I ask via a Twitter post or a batch email to active users.
— Jim Raptis 🇺🇦 (@d__raptis) June 16, 2022
Usually we ask via intercom/support chat, when the customer is clearly happy with their experience :-)
— Richard Francis (@rich186) June 15, 2022
Haven’t published any yet, but I would ask after an ongoing conversation or when we receive positive feedback (can be on Slack, email or Twitter)
— Marie (@MarieMartens) June 16, 2022
Collect testimonials on Twitter
If fans of you, and your product, follow you on Twitter, why not post a tweet asking for a testimonial. That's what Jess Telford did! From there you can favourite them, or copy them into a document. With Senja you can even import the tweets, and display them on a Wall of Love, or as testimonial widgets across your website.
Via Twitter https://t.co/O7NN6W4z0I
— Jess Telford (@JessTelford) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials after you have shown interest in them
It's not just about how you ask for testimonials, but when. Dago from Logology saw a massive increase in testimonial submission after showing a genuine interest in his customers' businesses. Sounds obvious, but it's something busy founders often forget to do. Here's how he did it.
I sent an email asking my customers for a testimonial.
Only 5% gave me one 😞
Then I sent an email asking about their startup.
50% replied and we started chatting 👀
Then after 2 weeks I asked for a testimonial again.
And they were happy to give it 🔥
Give before you ask 🙏
— Dagobert Renouf (@dagorenouf) March 17, 2022
Ask them on the phone or in person
This one is pretty simple. Just phone your customers and ask them to send you a testimonial over email, or dictate one to you right then and there. Simple and effective. Thanks to Elliot for the tip.
Pick up the phone and ask normally works for me!
— Elliott (@ehawk90) June 15, 2022
Alternatively, if you're a freelancer or consultant running an in-person workshop or event, make sure you finish your session by asking for referrals. Private chef Chris recommends reminding people that referrals are critical to your business, before giving them a card to complete.
At the end I remind them that my business lives off referrals and pass out comment cards that requests 2-3 referrals.
One sale per card is all it takes.
— Chris Martin (@Aintitdelicious) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials with a timed email
It's important to give your customers time to reflect on your product or service before asking them for a testimonial. Which is why Benjamin Houy from French Together waits 2 months before emailing his course buyers and asking for a testimonial.
I have an email scheduled to go out 2 months after people buy my course. When I get a positive reply, I ask if I can use it as a testimonial.
— Benjamin Houy (@BenjaminHouy) June 15, 2022
Freelancer Bronwyn also uses email, and suggests you follow up with reminders so that your customers don't forget to leave their testimonial.
A simple email after we finish working together, then some reminders too. Sometimes I also ask for a LinkedIn review!
— Bronwyn Tagg (@Bronwyntagg) June 16, 2022
Finally, Dan from popular Twitter tool ilo emails his users in batches when he's looking to record more customer testimonials. He also collects them from Twitter.
I usually just email users in batches when I’m on the lookout for new testimonials. Though most testimonials on the ilo site come from tweets
— Dan Rowden ⚡️ (@dr) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials with a structured form
Sakshi is a freelance B2B content writer who collects and shares testimonials to help her win more work. Her advice is to create a form that ensures your customers structure their testimonial well. Senja.io has a built in testimonial Collection Form that helps you guarantee the perfect testimonial every time.
I usually send them an email thanking them, and then asking for a testimonial, written or video. If they choose written, I guide them to a form which usually helps them structure their testimonials well, and if they're doing video then they can do it anyway they want.
— Sakshi Jha|Freelance B2B Content Writer (@MyselfSakshi) June 15, 2022
Ask for a video testimonial
Tella is a funky Loom alternative that helps you make better videos. Which is why co-founder Grant asks his customers to record a testimonial with Tella, before embedding it on the Tella website. Video testimonials can capture more authentic emotion than text, which is why Senja has video capture built in.
Ask them to record a @TellaHQ, and then embed it on the website :)
— Grant (@9ranty) June 15, 2022
Repurpose your testimonials across platforms
Whether you collected your testimonials on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Product Hunt, remember that you can copy and re-purpose them. Use testimonials when where you need them most - whether that's in your sales proposal, on your website, or keep yourself motivated. Senja's testimonial widgets will inspire you.
Don't do this as often as I should tbh! But usually would email asking for a testimonial or LinkedIn recommendation to then repurpose
— Christina Pashialis (ContentUK.co) (@christina_p) June 15, 2022
Also read
New businesses struggle to collect the social proof they need to close more sales deals and convert more visitors. With these tips you should find collecting testimonials simple and rewarding. If you want a free platform to painlessly collect, manage and share your testimonials, consider Senja.
How to collect customer testimonials?
A great collection of customer testimonials powers your marketing and sales - helping you deliver your new user and revenue goals. But when and where do you collect them without frustrating your customers?
I asked 13 founders, freelancers and creators how they successfully collect customer testimonials. Here's what they said:
Check out the best testimonial collection software.
The when and the where of collecting testimonials
A quick note: there are two things you need to consider when thinking about how to collect testimonials. The first, when? When is a the most effective time to ask your customer for a testimonial. The second, where? Over what platform or tool should you ask them?
You also want to consider the questions you ask. Here's my guide to testimonial questions.
Collect testimonials when chatting with happy users
Talking with happy customers over your chatbot, Slack or Twitter DMs? Discussing a new feature or how to use your tool? Make sure that you use that time as an opportunity to collect a testimonial from them. That's how Jim from BrandBird, Richard from Coldlytics and Marie from Tally (will) do it:
Usually, I ask for testimonials while I chat with satisfied customers.
Almost always they're happy to share a quote and help me
Otherwise, I ask via a Twitter post or a batch email to active users.
— Jim Raptis 🇺🇦 (@d__raptis) June 16, 2022
Usually we ask via intercom/support chat, when the customer is clearly happy with their experience :-)
— Richard Francis (@rich186) June 15, 2022
Haven’t published any yet, but I would ask after an ongoing conversation or when we receive positive feedback (can be on Slack, email or Twitter)
— Marie (@MarieMartens) June 16, 2022
Collect testimonials on Twitter
If fans of you, and your product, follow you on Twitter, why not post a tweet asking for a testimonial. That's what Jess Telford did! From there you can favourite them, or copy them into a document. With Senja you can even import the tweets, and display them on a Wall of Love, or as testimonial widgets across your website.
Via Twitter https://t.co/O7NN6W4z0I
— Jess Telford (@JessTelford) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials after you have shown interest in them
It's not just about how you ask for testimonials, but when. Dago from Logology saw a massive increase in testimonial submission after showing a genuine interest in his customers' businesses. Sounds obvious, but it's something busy founders often forget to do. Here's how he did it.
I sent an email asking my customers for a testimonial.
Only 5% gave me one 😞
Then I sent an email asking about their startup.
50% replied and we started chatting 👀
Then after 2 weeks I asked for a testimonial again.
And they were happy to give it 🔥
Give before you ask 🙏
— Dagobert Renouf (@dagorenouf) March 17, 2022
Ask them on the phone or in person
This one is pretty simple. Just phone your customers and ask them to send you a testimonial over email, or dictate one to you right then and there. Simple and effective. Thanks to Elliot for the tip.
Pick up the phone and ask normally works for me!
— Elliott (@ehawk90) June 15, 2022
Alternatively, if you're a freelancer or consultant running an in-person workshop or event, make sure you finish your session by asking for referrals. Private chef Chris recommends reminding people that referrals are critical to your business, before giving them a card to complete.
At the end I remind them that my business lives off referrals and pass out comment cards that requests 2-3 referrals.
One sale per card is all it takes.
— Chris Martin (@Aintitdelicious) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials with a timed email
It's important to give your customers time to reflect on your product or service before asking them for a testimonial. Which is why Benjamin Houy from French Together waits 2 months before emailing his course buyers and asking for a testimonial.
I have an email scheduled to go out 2 months after people buy my course. When I get a positive reply, I ask if I can use it as a testimonial.
— Benjamin Houy (@BenjaminHouy) June 15, 2022
Freelancer Bronwyn also uses email, and suggests you follow up with reminders so that your customers don't forget to leave their testimonial.
A simple email after we finish working together, then some reminders too. Sometimes I also ask for a LinkedIn review!
— Bronwyn Tagg (@Bronwyntagg) June 16, 2022
Finally, Dan from popular Twitter tool ilo emails his users in batches when he's looking to record more customer testimonials. He also collects them from Twitter.
I usually just email users in batches when I’m on the lookout for new testimonials. Though most testimonials on the ilo site come from tweets
— Dan Rowden ⚡️ (@dr) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials with a structured form
Sakshi is a freelance B2B content writer who collects and shares testimonials to help her win more work. Her advice is to create a form that ensures your customers structure their testimonial well. Senja.io has a built in testimonial Collection Form that helps you guarantee the perfect testimonial every time.
I usually send them an email thanking them, and then asking for a testimonial, written or video. If they choose written, I guide them to a form which usually helps them structure their testimonials well, and if they're doing video then they can do it anyway they want.
— Sakshi Jha|Freelance B2B Content Writer (@MyselfSakshi) June 15, 2022
Ask for a video testimonial
Tella is a funky Loom alternative that helps you make better videos. Which is why co-founder Grant asks his customers to record a testimonial with Tella, before embedding it on the Tella website. Video testimonials can capture more authentic emotion than text, which is why Senja has video capture built in.
Ask them to record a @TellaHQ, and then embed it on the website :)
— Grant (@9ranty) June 15, 2022
Repurpose your testimonials across platforms
Whether you collected your testimonials on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Product Hunt, remember that you can copy and re-purpose them. Use testimonials when where you need them most - whether that's in your sales proposal, on your website, or keep yourself motivated. Senja's testimonial widgets will inspire you.
Don't do this as often as I should tbh! But usually would email asking for a testimonial or LinkedIn recommendation to then repurpose
— Christina Pashialis (ContentUK.co) (@christina_p) June 15, 2022
Also read
New businesses struggle to collect the social proof they need to close more sales deals and convert more visitors. With these tips you should find collecting testimonials simple and rewarding. If you want a free platform to painlessly collect, manage and share your testimonials, consider Senja.
How to collect customer testimonials?
A great collection of customer testimonials powers your marketing and sales - helping you deliver your new user and revenue goals. But when and where do you collect them without frustrating your customers?
I asked 13 founders, freelancers and creators how they successfully collect customer testimonials. Here's what they said:
Check out the best testimonial collection software.
The when and the where of collecting testimonials
A quick note: there are two things you need to consider when thinking about how to collect testimonials. The first, when? When is a the most effective time to ask your customer for a testimonial. The second, where? Over what platform or tool should you ask them?
You also want to consider the questions you ask. Here's my guide to testimonial questions.
Collect testimonials when chatting with happy users
Talking with happy customers over your chatbot, Slack or Twitter DMs? Discussing a new feature or how to use your tool? Make sure that you use that time as an opportunity to collect a testimonial from them. That's how Jim from BrandBird, Richard from Coldlytics and Marie from Tally (will) do it:
Usually, I ask for testimonials while I chat with satisfied customers.
Almost always they're happy to share a quote and help me
Otherwise, I ask via a Twitter post or a batch email to active users.
— Jim Raptis 🇺🇦 (@d__raptis) June 16, 2022
Usually we ask via intercom/support chat, when the customer is clearly happy with their experience :-)
— Richard Francis (@rich186) June 15, 2022
Haven’t published any yet, but I would ask after an ongoing conversation or when we receive positive feedback (can be on Slack, email or Twitter)
— Marie (@MarieMartens) June 16, 2022
Collect testimonials on Twitter
If fans of you, and your product, follow you on Twitter, why not post a tweet asking for a testimonial. That's what Jess Telford did! From there you can favourite them, or copy them into a document. With Senja you can even import the tweets, and display them on a Wall of Love, or as testimonial widgets across your website.
Via Twitter https://t.co/O7NN6W4z0I
— Jess Telford (@JessTelford) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials after you have shown interest in them
It's not just about how you ask for testimonials, but when. Dago from Logology saw a massive increase in testimonial submission after showing a genuine interest in his customers' businesses. Sounds obvious, but it's something busy founders often forget to do. Here's how he did it.
I sent an email asking my customers for a testimonial.
Only 5% gave me one 😞
Then I sent an email asking about their startup.
50% replied and we started chatting 👀
Then after 2 weeks I asked for a testimonial again.
And they were happy to give it 🔥
Give before you ask 🙏
— Dagobert Renouf (@dagorenouf) March 17, 2022
Ask them on the phone or in person
This one is pretty simple. Just phone your customers and ask them to send you a testimonial over email, or dictate one to you right then and there. Simple and effective. Thanks to Elliot for the tip.
Pick up the phone and ask normally works for me!
— Elliott (@ehawk90) June 15, 2022
Alternatively, if you're a freelancer or consultant running an in-person workshop or event, make sure you finish your session by asking for referrals. Private chef Chris recommends reminding people that referrals are critical to your business, before giving them a card to complete.
At the end I remind them that my business lives off referrals and pass out comment cards that requests 2-3 referrals.
One sale per card is all it takes.
— Chris Martin (@Aintitdelicious) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials with a timed email
It's important to give your customers time to reflect on your product or service before asking them for a testimonial. Which is why Benjamin Houy from French Together waits 2 months before emailing his course buyers and asking for a testimonial.
I have an email scheduled to go out 2 months after people buy my course. When I get a positive reply, I ask if I can use it as a testimonial.
— Benjamin Houy (@BenjaminHouy) June 15, 2022
Freelancer Bronwyn also uses email, and suggests you follow up with reminders so that your customers don't forget to leave their testimonial.
A simple email after we finish working together, then some reminders too. Sometimes I also ask for a LinkedIn review!
— Bronwyn Tagg (@Bronwyntagg) June 16, 2022
Finally, Dan from popular Twitter tool ilo emails his users in batches when he's looking to record more customer testimonials. He also collects them from Twitter.
I usually just email users in batches when I’m on the lookout for new testimonials. Though most testimonials on the ilo site come from tweets
— Dan Rowden ⚡️ (@dr) June 15, 2022
Collect testimonials with a structured form
Sakshi is a freelance B2B content writer who collects and shares testimonials to help her win more work. Her advice is to create a form that ensures your customers structure their testimonial well. Senja.io has a built in testimonial Collection Form that helps you guarantee the perfect testimonial every time.
I usually send them an email thanking them, and then asking for a testimonial, written or video. If they choose written, I guide them to a form which usually helps them structure their testimonials well, and if they're doing video then they can do it anyway they want.
— Sakshi Jha|Freelance B2B Content Writer (@MyselfSakshi) June 15, 2022
Ask for a video testimonial
Tella is a funky Loom alternative that helps you make better videos. Which is why co-founder Grant asks his customers to record a testimonial with Tella, before embedding it on the Tella website. Video testimonials can capture more authentic emotion than text, which is why Senja has video capture built in.
Ask them to record a @TellaHQ, and then embed it on the website :)
— Grant (@9ranty) June 15, 2022
Repurpose your testimonials across platforms
Whether you collected your testimonials on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Product Hunt, remember that you can copy and re-purpose them. Use testimonials when where you need them most - whether that's in your sales proposal, on your website, or keep yourself motivated. Senja's testimonial widgets will inspire you.
Don't do this as often as I should tbh! But usually would email asking for a testimonial or LinkedIn recommendation to then repurpose
— Christina Pashialis (ContentUK.co) (@christina_p) June 15, 2022
Also read
New businesses struggle to collect the social proof they need to close more sales deals and convert more visitors. With these tips you should find collecting testimonials simple and rewarding. If you want a free platform to painlessly collect, manage and share your testimonials, consider Senja.
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Jump in today and see how easy it is to collect testimonials with Senja.